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.