A typical network involves having users sit at workstations, running such applications as word processors or spreadsheet programs. The workstation also is known as a client, which is just a basic computer running a client operating system such as Windows XP or Linux. These users typically store their files on a central server so that they can share the files with other users on the network. The server is a special computer that contains more disk space and memory than are found on client workstations. The server has special software installed that allows it to function as a server. This special software can provide file and print services (to allow sharing of files and printers), provide web pages to clients, or provide e-mail functionality to the company.
The term host refers to any computer or device that is connected to a network and sends or receives information on that network. A host can be a server, a workstation, a printer with its own network card, or a device such as a router. We can summarize by saying that any system or device that is connected to the network is known as a host.