YES
No. Each computer's Operating System should have that built in.
No. Connectivity test does not require a live network. It does however, require a loopback adapter/plug. If you're using the same book (Network+ Guide to Networks 5th Edition by Tamera Dean). You should find your answer on the bottom of page 254. :p
An adapter that supports the Zero Configuration service
All mobile networks require a SIM card or similar.
The Mac Pro has two Ethernet ports so that two Ethernet cables can be connected to the computer. The cables may be connecting a local network or peripheral devices such as printers or cameras that require an Ethernet connection.
Ethernet is more "physically secure", in that it is sometimes more difficult to gain unauthorized access to a network, since you need to be in close physical proximity to a network cable. However, it does not require any form of cryptographic authentication to connect to a network, which can be optionally provided by wireless.
What%20are%20two%20characteristics%20of%20peer-to-peer%20networksits in peer-to-peer Networking and ApplicationsPeer to peer networks are easy to set up because they do not require any special devices to connect the nodes in the network. As a result, they are less expensive networks to create. They also do not require a network administrator to manage them.
Two different network connections would require a router, not a switch.
An ad-hoc network does not require an access point. Typically, if an access point is involved then it is not strictly an ad-hoc network, but would be an infrastructure network.
You can connect it through a traditional network cable. The computer needs a network card for that.It is still possible to get dial-up service over a telephone line. You can search for a local ISP (Internet Service Provider) that still supports dial-up access. Net-Zero is one such company. This requires a modem port on your computer. (don't confuse with an ethernet port, the connectors look similar, but the ethernet connector is wider than the phone line connector).On a windows system you can check for a Modem or Network adapter with the Windows Device Manager.If you have a Network adapter, usually some ethernet controller, you can get ADSL or a cable modem. If you don't have a network adapter (with an ethernet port). You could buy one.ADSL service uses your phone line, it splits the signal so you can use your phone and computer at the same time. Contact your local ISP.A cable modem, is provided by some TV cable services.With both ADSL and a cable modem service connect to your ethernet port.If you have USB ports you can buy a WiFi adapter and plug into a USB port on your computer. (You can also buy a WiFi card and plug into your computer chassis. This will require that you have access to a wireless network. You can buy a ADSL modem with wireless, or add a wireless access point to your ADSL or cable modem.3G service is available, but expensive.Summary, find a local ISP, they can help you.Dial-up is very slow, and not very useful, downloading pictures, updates, new software is very, very slow.Think about adding wireless to your computer via a card or USB adapter. It means no ugly cables to manage, can handle multiple computers.
There are two kinds of 'household networks', Open and Closed. Open networks can be joined by anyone at anytime. Closed networks require permission to join. When you attempt to join a closed network, a notice is sent to the Closed Network's administrator requesting that you be allowed to join. That person will respond either accepting or denying your request. (remember, once you've joined a network, you cannot leave that network for 30 days - security reasons).
A star network provides good performance, is easy to install and expand. Failures out in the network don't tend to impact other nodes (unlike ring networks, for example, which fail completely when a node goes down or else require elaborate double-ring schemes to cope). A classically-cited disadvantage is that it's "expensive to install" and quite a bit of hardware (e.g. hubs/switches) is required. If you look at ethernet though (the king of modern networks more due to economy than to efficiency), it tends lend naturally to star configuration.