Where is your work saved?
At college you log in on any computer. Your files are there. Your name is there. You did not copy anything.
Your files do not live on that computer. They live on a server. A server is a computer that gives a service to other computers. This is one way to build a network. A network is a group of computers joined together. There are other ways.
Key words
| Word | What it means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Server | A computer that gives a service to other computers. | A file server |
| Client | A device that asks a server for a service. | Your laptop |
| Client-server | A model with central servers that give services to clients. | A college network |
| Thin client | A simple device that shows the screen. The server does the work. | A small box that shows a desktop from a server |
| Peer-to-peer | A model where every computer is both a client and a server. A peer is an equal. | File sharing between friends |
| Router | A device that joins different networks and sends data the right way. | A home router |
| Switch | A device that joins devices in one network and sends data only to the right one. | The box in the network room |
| Backbone | The main, very fast links that join big networks across the world. | Undersea fibre cables |
| Network | Computers joined together to share data. | The college network |
| IP address | A number that names a device on a network. | 192.168.1.20 |
| MAC address | A hardware address built into a network card. A switch uses it. | Six pairs of letters and numbers |
The cells students fill in are left blank in this preview.
Three models compared
| Model | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Client-server | Central security and backup. Easy to manage users. Strong servers. | Servers cost money. If the server fails, the service stops. It needs staff with skills. |
| Thin client | Cheap devices. Easy to update, because the software is in one place. Data stays on the server. | It needs a fast, steady network and a powerful server. No network means no work. |
| Peer-to-peer | Cheap and simple. No server to buy. Good for a few computers. | Hard to keep safe and to copy for backup. Gets slow and messy when it grows. Nobody is in control. |
The cells students fill in are left blank in this preview.
Quick check: models
Have a go
Quick check: models
3 questionsHave a go: your answers are marked here and then forgotten. Sign in if you would like your score kept, and to pick up where you left off.Sign in to keep your score
Your answers are marked here and are not kept. A college account keeps every student’s marks.
Which model would you choose?
Have a go
Which model would you choose?
5 questionsHave a go: your answers are marked here and then forgotten. Sign in if you would like your score kept, and to pick up where you left off.Sign in to keep your score
Your answers are marked here and are not kept. A college account keeps every student’s marks.