3. Client-Server properties
There are strong economic and practical reasons why the client-server topology is the preferred one for organisations such as schools, businesses, hospitals, government and so on.
1. All data and applications held centrally
Data backups |
These can be performed centrally from the server rather than each individual client computer which would take up a lot of network bandwidth and management time. |
Anti virus scans |
Anti-virus schedules can be set by the server, so taking the processing burden away from the client computers. Easy to keep the AV software up to date with the latest threat database. |
Security |
Security is improved as the data is held on a secure server in a data room rather than an open office. Security is improved as each used is authenticated by an user-name password Security is improved as all access to the Internet is controlled through the server, so proper Firewall and data policies can be managed. |
Licences |
Software licences can be controlled, ensuring the organisation is within its licence quota for each application. |
Access rights |
Assigning access rights or levels to users means that the files and applications available to each user can be controlled according to a set of rules. For example, at school teachers need to be able to view information about students such as name, address, d.o.b. However, it would not be appropriate for cleaners or other students to be able to access this information. |
Storage limits |
Storage quotas can be set for each user or department. Thus making the most efficient use of server hard disk storage space |
User Roaming. |
People can log in to any client computer and their desktop, applications and data will be available as it is all stored on a remote server |
2. Shared peripheral resources
Peripherals such as a heavy duty Laser Printer are expensive to purchase and maintain so it is best to make maximum use of them. This can be done by sharing the peripheral between all the clients. The server receives a print job from a client and sends it to the printer.
Time efficiency |
Saves the client from waiting around. |
Improved performance and cost savings |
Performance is also improved as purchasing a single high speed laser printer is cheaper than buying several slower printers attached to each client. By sharing this resource the investment is worthwhile |
Improved reliability |
Reliability improves. Having a single managed print service is better than having to maintain a whole collection of individual printers |
challenge see if you can find out one extra fact on this topic that we haven't already told you
Click on this link: Setting up a LAN