How to Use a Networked Computer CPU

Networked computers have a variety of different configurations, some quite individual to the organization that installs the network. Only in-house procedures can specify the exact methods of accessing various components of the computers on the networked system, including the central processing unit. However, some fundamental principles apply generally to networked systems and can guide you in accessing a computer CPU.

Instructions

1) Identify what you propose to do when using a networked computer CPU. Either the procedure you propose involves accessing the CPU of your own workstation, or it involves accessing the CPU of the server computer that functions as the hub of the network. Use appropriate procedures for whichever of these circumstances apply to your environment.

2) Determine what category of workstation you have if you want to access the CPU by way of your own workstation. Networked computer terminals have two fundamental categories: smart terminals, such as fully operational desktop computers, and dumb terminals that have no individual capacity and just act as a workstation for the networked computer resources.

3) Use the same or similar procedures to access the CPU for a smart terminal as you would had the terminal not gotten integrated into a network. You may have some new sign-on procedures related to the networked status and your screen display may appear somewhat different. However, the resources such as software, memory and files that existed on your workstation before network integration will still exist. You would access the same software and files as the computer had in place before network installation. Consult any network-related documentation or technical support personnel for assistance in signing on procedures related to the network, and how to find resources that might appear different or have different locations on your screen.

 

4) Determine the level of access you need when dealing with a dumb terminal. Full CPU access for the server computer generally requires special permissions, such as administrative permissions or maintenance technician permissions. Networked systems, however, will provide access to all necessary resources for all personnel, such as software, when properly implemented. Access these resources that reside on the hard drive by way of your networking system's shared -- often designated by a letter in the middle or toward the end of the alphabet, such as J, K, or Y.

 

5) Use the resources that previously existed on your computer similarly, with the exception of any modifications that the network introduced. Learn about the advantages that a networked computer provides you with additional resources, such as the opportunity for automatic backup if you save files to the shared drive system, instead of or in addition to your stand-alone desktop computer's CPU.