Network, Internet, and Database Decisions

Database Structure

Because Discount New & Used Tire Co. is a small business and the data they need to store it in their database no larger than 2 Gigabyte, we suggest Microsoft Access for their use. Microsoft Access is a PC relational database management system for small handheld computing devices. Access is friendly use software and can be learned by the employees of the company relatively easy. Plus, books explain the functions of the software are available, and courses to teach this software are available in most colleges. The relational data model represents all data in the database as simple two-dimensional tables called relations. Tables may be referred to as files. Information in more than one file can be easily extracted and combined. If the data of the company is getting larger than 2 Gigabits, then the company can use Microsoft SQL. The transfer of the database from Access to SQL can be done by using tools in SQL designed specifically for this operation.

The Internet

The Internet connection we preferred for the company is to be DSL. The DSL provide high speed connection, and the computers will be connected to the DSL Modem through wireless router. The high speed of the DSL will makes it possible for more than one computer to connect to the Internet at once with accepted connection speed. Another advantage for DSL is the company can receive calls on the phone line when the computer devices connected to the Internet. The wireless router will save the company the cost and the inconvenience of the wires. Plus routers have a hardware firewall which can add more security and protection to the company’s computer systems.

The Network

  For the Network structure we suggest local area network which is designed to connect personal computers and other digital devices within a 2000 foot radius. Because Discount New & Used Tires Co. is a small business the LAN is the great choice for it. The LANs typically connect a few computers in a small office, all the computers in one building. We suggest that LAN technology should consists of wireless technology which make it easier to create and maintain LANs and provide flexible and low cost networking to links individual computer devices, network interface cards which are special adapters connecting computers to the network, and software which we suggested to be Windows Server 2003 to control LAN activities.