Client/Server
The client/server solution to all the resource-sharing questions is to dedicate
one machine as a resource to be shared over the network. This machinewill have
a dedicated NOS optimized for sharing files. This special OS includes powerful
caching software that enables high-speed file access. It will have extremely high
levels of protection and an organization that permits extensive control of the
data. This machine is called a dedicated server.All of the other machines that use
the data are called clients (because it’s what they usually are) or workstations.
The client/server system dedicates one machine to act as a server. Its only
function is to serve up resources to the other machines on the network. These
servers do not run Windows XP or Macintosh OS X. They use highly sophisticated
and expensive NOSs that are optimized for the sharing and administration
of network resources. The most popular NOS that fits within the client/
server concept is Novell NetWare.
A NetWare server is not used directly by anyone. It does not runWindows; it
runs only Novell NetWare. Novell NetWare just serves shared resources; it does
not run programs like Excel or Photoshop. Many network administrators will
even remove the keyboard and monitor from a Novell NetWare server to keep
people from trying to use it.NetWare has its own commands and requires substantial
training to use, but in return, you get an amazingly powerful NOS.