There
are two basic types of network, each suited to different
requirements. These are known as 'Peer-to-Peer' and 'Client-Server'
networks, a very brief explanation of each is detailed below.
PEER-TO-PEER
NETWORK
Generally
best suited to a small office or domestic environment where the amount
of data to be shared is not great, but the sharing of other
resources such as printers (see information below) is highly
beneficial. The peer-to-peer network consists of a number
of PCs linked together to allow users to share data with
each other, without the need for a file server, but is not really suited to running applications
across the network.
This
system can then be configured so that all of the PCs are
capable of accessing data from all of the other PCs within
the network, or by configuring one of the systems as a master
workstation or pseudo-server and centralising shared data
on this PC.
CLIENT-SERVER NETWORK
The
major difference here is the introduction of a dedicated
File-Server, this is a computer running a Network Operating
System (NOS). The benefits of basing the network around
a server include, faster file access times, increased scalability,
greater control over access rights, improved stability and
easier management. Each of the PCs attached to the server
(the 'clients') can then be configured to connect to particular
data sources on the server.
The
Client-Server network is also far more suited to running
network based software applications. Please be aware that
you must still possess a software license for each of the
client systems that you intend to run an application on,
for instance you cannot install a single copy of Microsoft
Office™ onto your file server, and then allow ten client
systems to run the application without appropriate licenses.