Host, Workstation, and Server

Workstation :-

In common sense, a workstation is a powerful computer that you can work&play with or do some fancy graphics with it, right ? In networking, workstations usually refers to computers that connects to the network that is used by a user to do work. Also, workstation sometimes can be a software too, as in Windows NT Workstation.

**It is important to distinguish between workstations and clients.  A client is any network entity (pieces, umm.. like printer ,computer ,scanner ... ...) that can request resources.  Workstations can be clients too, but not all clients are workstations.  For example, a printer can request resources from the network, but it is a client, not a workstation. GOT it ??**

Server :-

Server does what a server does, it serves people.  In networking, it provides resources to the clients on the network - serve computers.  Servers are typically powerful computers that run the software that controls and maintains the network.  The software is known as Network Operating System (NOS) Server are divided into couple types. People usually want to use one server for all the task, the fact is, professional usually use one server dedicated to one task. Since each task get better performance to their task. No need to jam up in a row. Usually there are 9 types of servers :-

File Server        Holds and distributes files

Print Server       Do the printing management for one or more printers for the network

Proxy Server      Performs a function on behalf of other computer. PROXY means "on behalf of", right??

Application Server    Hosts a network application. 

Web Server    Holds and delivers Web pages and other Web content using HTTP.

Mail Server    Hosts and delivers email. The post office of incoming and outgoing mail.

Fax Server     Sends and receives fax thru a special fax program without need for paper... if you don't print them.

Remote Access Server     Hosts modems for people outside of the network to connect to the local network.

Telephony Server        Function as a "smart" answering machine for the network.  It can also perform call center  and call routing function. (**do we still need that anymore ?? humm......**)

TIPS :- If anyone can physically access to the server, You don't have any security.  If anybody can touch it, it's not secure.

Host :-

Host is widely used when discussing TCP/IP related issues / services / functions.  In networking, it means any network device has a TCP/IP address. Servers, workstations, printers, or any other network device that can have a TCP/IP address can all considered as hosts.

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