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(LAN) so that they can share printers, data, access to the Internet, and other capabilities. Today, the
dominant type of LAN is called an Ethernet network, and most network adapters are Ethernet
adapters. Today‟s computers have built-in Ethernet adapters to support connection between PCs and
cable/DSL modems as well as office environments.
Printers
Printer technology has stabilized in recent years, with two standards having emerged, laser printers
and inkjet printers. Laser printers offer the best quality and speed. They are, for the most part, black
and white (although color is available on high-end models) and offer high print resolution. Models
range in price from $200 for personal use to several thousand dollars for a unit that offers printer
sharing and color suitable for business. Employees route their work to printers that are connected to
the organization‟s network.
Inkjet printers offer the lowest price. Models cost as little as $100 and are often offered as part of a
new computer package. In higher-priced inkjet printers, print quality (color and black/white) is
excellent. Today, many people are using inkjet printers (sometimes specialty printers) to print pictures
taken with digital cameras; the results can be virtually indistinguishable from prints produced from
film cameras and professional photo labs.
Laser printers are the clear choice for network sharing, while inkjets have become the mainstay for
the individual user. Most people use a multifunction printer (printer, copier, scanner, and fax) for
personal use. As more and more homes are being outfitted with wireless networks, users are also
turning to wireless printers to allow them to print from anywhere that has access.
Software
The operating system is the basic software that makes the computer run. Application software is the
software that executes a particular user function. The operating system is the software closest to the
machine; the application software is the software closest to the user, as illustrated in Exhibit 19.2.
Exhibit 19.2 Layers of software on a computer.