A+ | the professional certification established by CompTia that verifies knowledge of PC operation , repair, and management |
workstation | a computer that runs a desktop OS and is connected to a network |
backbone | the part of the network to which segments and significant shared devices connect |
backing up | the process of copying critical data files to a s secure storage area |
client | a computer on the network that requests resources or services from another computer on a network |
client/server architecture | a network design in which clients use a centrally adminstered server to share resources |
client/server network | a network that uses a server to enable resource sharing between computers on the network |
CompTia | Computer Technology Industry Association |
connectivity device | allows two or more networks or mutliple parts of one network to connectand exchange data |
data packet | a discrete unit of information sent from one node on a network to another |
file server | specialized server that enables clients to share applications and data |
file services | allows users to share data files, applications, and storage areas |
host | a computer that enables resource sharing by other computers on the same network |
Internet | a complex WAN that connects LANs and clients around the globe |
internet services | services that enable a network to communicate with the Internet |
LAN | a network confined to a relatively small space |
license tracking | process of determining the number of copies of a single applicaion |
mail server | server that manages the storage and transfer of e-mail messages |
mail services | network services that manage the storage and transfer of email between users on a network |
MAN | a network that's larger than a LAN connecting clients & servers from mulitple buildings |
motherboard | the main circuit board that contols a computer |
network | a group of computers and other devices that are connected |
Network+ | professional certification that verifies understanding of protocols, topologies, networking hardware, and network troubleshooting |
NIC | network interface card that enables workstations to connect to the internet |
Node | a computer or device connected to a network with a unique address |
NOS | network operating system software that runs a server |
peer-to-peer network | network where each computer can communicate directly with another computer |
print services | network service that allows printers to be shared users on a network |
protocol | standard method or format for communication between network devices |
remote access server | server that enables remote users to log on to a network |
remote user | working on a computer on a different network or in a different geographical location from the LANs server |
resources | the devices, data, and data storage provided by a computer |
segment | a part of a network |
server | a computer on the network that manages shared resources |
spam | unsolicited, unwanted mail |
stand-alone computer | a computer that is not connected to a network |
topology | physical layout of computers on a network |
traffic | data transmission and processing activity taking place on a computer network |
traffic monitoring | determing how much traffic activity is taking place on a network |
transmission media | the means through which data are transmitted and received |
user | a person who uses a computer |
WAN | a network that spans a long distance and connects two or more LANs |
web server | server that manages Web site services |
address | a number that uniquely identifies each workstation and device on a network |
client-server architecture, architecture of a computer network in which many
clients [remote processors] request and receive service from a centralized server [host computer]. Client computers provide an interface to allow a computer user to request services of the server and to display the results the server returns. Servers wait for requests to arrive from clients
and then respond to them. Ideally, a server provides a standardized transparent interface to clients so that clients need not be aware of the specifics of the system [i.e., the hardware and software] that is providing the service. Clients are often situated at
workstations or on personal computers, while servers are located elsewhere on the network, usually on more powerful machines. This computing model is especially effective when clients and the server each have distinct tasks that they routinely perform. In
hospital data processing, for example, a client computer can be running an application program for entering patient information while the server computer is running another program that manages the
database in which the information is permanently stored. Many clients can access the server’s information simultaneously, and, at the same time, a client computer can perform other tasks, such as sending e-mail. Because both client and server computers are considered independent devices, the client-server model is completely different from the
old mainframe model, in which a centralized mainframe computer performed all the tasks for its associated “dumb” terminals, which merely communicated with the central mainframe.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Erik Gregersen.