Client/Server
The client server model uses a central computer, fileserver, main frame, or master node, that serves files to the clients/nodes. Fileservers are computers whose only function in life is to serve the clients/nodes.
No one actually sits down at the fileserver to do his or her daily work. The application programs loaded on the fileserver are accessed from one of the clients and not directly at the fileserver.
In the old days, the clients were simply dumb tubes. They had a monitor and a keyboard. This type of system is still common in banks and hotels were storage of data locally at the client is undesired or unnecessary.
The trend has been to use smart clients in most new client/server networks. Smart clients will have their own local storage of data and programs and offer far more flexibility.
The advantages to the Client/Server structure are that security, data backups, and device sharing can be administered centrally. Good examples of client server networks include: Novell Netware and Unix.
For futher details click links below :
http://www.support.psi.com/support/common/networking/nos.html
http://fcit.coedu.usf.edu/network/chap6/chap6.htm
