What Is a Client Server Computing?

In a client server computing system, a dedicated server stores files and runs programs for a network of users. It provides both cost and security benefits over a standard work group. Companies can add programs to a single machine, rather than have to make changes to multiple computers.

The Servier

A server computer is designed to bear the workload of multiple computers at once. It has much greater storage capacity and memory than an individual user's computer. Ideally, the server is set up so that hard drives can be swapped out without having to shut down the network for repairs.

The Client

A client computer is a basic workstation that is networked to the server. Files generated by the client can be stored on the server and retrieved over the network. Additionally, the client computer can access software programs on the server. That saves the company the cost and bother of installing database or software suites on every employee's computer.

Cost Benefit

In a work group or peer-to-peer network, each computer is responsible for running programs locally. If a company wants 20 users to have access to a program, the software would have to be installed on 20 computers. As they rely on the server, the client computers require less power and memory. The company saves money by centralizing its computing workload.

Security

With client server architecture, groups of users can be assigned similar permissions. Access to files and software is managed from a single point, the server. By contrast, in a work group, security has to be managed at the level of the individual computer; just verifying settings on a large computer network could be a full-time job.

Ease of Upgrade

To make a software upgrade in a client server environment, a technician only needs to make the installation once, as the server maintains all the programs. In a work group setting, the upgrades would have to be made on every computer.

References

• About.com: Basic networking facts
• Tech Soup: Networks