Client vs Server
In computing terminology, both “client” and “server” refer to computers that are used for different purposes. A client is a small computer that accesses a server through a network. For example, in an organization, an employee logs in to the client machine to access the files and applications running on a server machine. This two-tier architecture is also known as client-server architecture which mainly focuses on the division of labor in an organization. A server machine is a large-capacity computer that can store a wide variety of files such as application and data files. There are various types of servers, such as; application server, file server, web server, database server, print server, proxy server, game server, standalone server, etc. A client can be classified into fat, thin, and hybrid. A fat client supports both local storage and local processing. A thin client is a less powerful machine with minimum hardware installed. It usually utilizes the resources of a host machine and relies on the server to perform any data processing. The primary job of a thin client is just to graphically display the images provided by an application server. A hybrid client processes locally but relies on the server for data storage.
Some application servers may require users to log in from their client machines in order to access specific applications utilizing the client-server architecture. The client machines can not only access the applications and data files, but they can also use the processor of the server to perform certain tasks without having to add any additional hardware resources to the client machine.
The client computer usually contains more end-user software than the server computer. A server usually contains more operating system components. Multiple users can log into a server at the same time. A client machine is simple and inexpensive whereas a server machine is more powerful and expensive.
The main difference between a client machine and a server machine is in its performance. The client machines are considered optimal for applications which require speedy start-up times. A server machine is considered optimal for applications where the emphasis is more on performance.
Summary:
1. A client machine is a small computer with a basic hardware configuration whereas
a server machine is a high-end computer with an advanced hardware configuration.
2. A client is a simple and less powerful machine whereas a server is a powerful
expensive machine.
3. A client is used for simple tasks whereas a server is used for storing huge data
files and applications.
4. A server delivers high performance compared to a client machine.
5. A server supports simultaneous, multiple user log-ins whereas a client supports a
single user log-in at a time.