At work, we’re all on a network, linked by T-1 lines. This provides quick and easy access to services on the Local Area Network. Many networks now use VoIP (voice over internet protocol), so that digital phone service and computing services can be served from one location.
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| Flikr photo by mouton.rebelle |
The Good: LANs tend to be very fast, and uploading to the system is usually easy. For network administrators, they provide security through limits on users and pass-coded access. VoIP can provide universal messaging, enabling you to listen to voicemail from your email, and hear email by calling in to your voicemail.
The Bad: Any computer connected to a network should be considered to have a hard drive exposed to the whole network. Administrators can access the desktop computers easily, and track all activity. VoIP without a landline means emergency access is limited to the network, so if the electricity goes out, you may not be able to call 911. All phone messages and email are recorded inside the system, providing an administrator easy access to all communications.
Advice: Enjoy the advantages of a network (especially the speed), but be careful what you search and view on the internet, and what you keep on your desktop hard drive (a personal flash or portable hard drive is a good idea). All communications (voice, internet and phone) should be considered as publicly accessible. The network may be secure, but your work isn’t if it’s attached to it, either with a wire or wirelessly. As with national policy, security measures inevitably entail loss of freedom and privacy.
