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3. Client Server - Benefits and issues

Benefits

  • Central location for file storage. Users can use any workstation to access their work.
  • Central control of data backups. No need to back up the files from every workstation.
  • Authentication (e.g. username / password) are handled centrally
  • Users can even access their work area on the server from home if they have a VPN setup
  • Single software licence required, rather than one for each workstation.
  • Applications can be downloaded and patched on the server alone, requiring less time and bandwidth to keep up to date.
  • Anti-virus and other security software are handled from the server
  • Users have access to networked printers and peripherals

Issues

  • Client-server operating systems can be expensive
  • Servers are expensive.
  • Specialist staff are needed to look after the servers e.g. network manager and technician
  • A server failure can cause massive disruption to the network

Challenge see if you can find out one extra fact on this topic that we haven't already told you

Click on this link: client server network advantages disadvantages