Clients

**__What is a client?__**
A client is any computer that is not a server. Client computers are used to access the resources of the network. Client computers are typically located on users' desks. They usually run a desktop version of Windows such as XP or Vista, along with application software such as Microsoft Office. Client computers are sometimes referred to as workstations.

Lowe, D. (2008). Networking all in one desk reference. Wiley publishing. Indianapolis, IN.

Client and Server Devices
Client/server networking grew in popularity many years ago as personal computers (PCs) became the common alternative to older //mainframe// computers. Client devices are typically PCs with network software applications installed that request and receive information over the network. Mobile devices as well as desktop computers can both function as clients. A server device typically stores files and databases including more complex applications like Web sites. Server devices often feature higher-powered central processors, more memory, and larger disk drives than clients.

Client-Server Applications
The client-server model distinguishes between applications as well as devices. Network clients make requests to a server by sending messages, and servers respond to their clients by acting on each request and returning results. One server generally supports numerous clients, and multiple servers can be networked together in a pool to handle the increased processing load as the number of clients grows. http://compnetworking.about.com/od/basicnetworkingfaqs/a/client-server.htm