Computers in a networked world
System Fundamentals[1]
A computer can have different roles when we think about networks. You can think of a role as a "service a computer provides". Computers can provide multiple services, and can be both a client and provide a service.
Roles[edit]
Roles can include client, server, email server, DNS server, DHCP server, router and firewall.
| Role | Description |
| Client | A client is a piece of computer hardware that accesses a service made available by a server. The server is often (but not always) on another computer system, in which case the client accesses the service by way of a network. The term applies to the role that programs or devices play in the client–server model [2]. |
| Server | In computing, a server is a computer program or a device that provides functionality for other programs or devices, called "clients". This architecture is called the client–server model.[3] |
| DNS server | foo |
| DHCP server | foo |
| Router | foo |
| Firewall | foo |
Real-world practical advice[edit]
If you work with any professional computer scientist or IT professional, they will assume you understand the different roles a computer can have in a networked world. This is pretty basic stuff, so please memorize it.
Do you understand this material?[edit]
You should be able to provide 2 or 3 examples for each of the above terms.
Standards[edit]
- Describe the roles that a computer can take in a networked world.