WHAT ARE SERVERS AND WORKSTATIONS AND HOSTS
A typical network involves having users sit at workstations, running such applications as word processors or spreadsheet programs. The workstation also is known as a client, which is just a basic computer running a client operating system such as Windows XP or Linux. These users typically store their files on a central server so that they can share the files with other users on the network. The server is a special computer that contains more disk space and memory than are found on client workstations. The server has special software installed that allows it to function as a server. This special software can provide file and print services (to allow sharing of files and printers), provide web pages to clients, or provide e-mail functionality to the company.
The term host refers to any computer or device that is connected to a network and sends or receives information on that network. A host can be a server, a workstation, a printer with its own network card, or a device such as a router. We can summarize by saying that any system or device that is connected to the network is known as a host
Difference between Server and Workstation
| S.NO | Server | Workstation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | The device which responds to the services for the client’s request is called the server. | Perform dedicated tasks with enhanced features. |
| 2. | On the server, Operations are internet based. | In workstations, Operations are in form of Business, engineering, etc. |
| 3. | Examples of servers are FTP servers, web servers, etc. | Example of workstation is Video workstations, audio workstations, etc. |
| 4. | The operating system used in the server is Linux, Solaris server, and windows. | Operating systems used in workstations are Unix, Linux, or Windows NT. |
| 5. | In the server, Graphics User Interface (GUI) is optional. | In the workstation, Graphics User Interface (GUI) is installed. |
| 6. | A server can not be a workstation. | Whereas a workstation can be a server. |
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