The Client Server Model

(Another view of the Internet)

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We need to distinguish between computers that access information and those that provide information. A computer can be either of both at the same time.

The Internet is made up of client computers which can access information and servers which sort and distribute information.

• A program becomes a client when it sends a request to a server a awaits a response. The client runs on the computer you are using. It facilitates your access to information provided by the server.
• A serveris a program that offers a service that can be obtained over the network.

Examples of Clients

• WWW Clients: Netscape, Internet Explorer
• FTP Clients: Unix FTP, Fetch, Anarchie, xftp
• Telnet Clients: Unix Telnet, NCSA Telnet
• News: NewsWatcher, News Xpress, Free Agent

A server is often a powerful computer capable of handling information requests from many clients simultaneously.