| One or more computers (clients) connected to a powerful central computer (server) \n \n Client makes request to server, which processes the request and sends a response | Individual computers connected to each other, either in a LAN or over a WAN so that they can share files and resources |
| Client may hold some of its own files and resources, but can also access resources held by the server | No central server - peers on the network can act as either client or server depending on which device is making the request |
| Large networks - may be several servers, with each server performing a different task | Below advantages are for small networks, e.g. a home or small office |
| }}Better security - files stored in central location, access rights managed by server}} | [[Worse security and may be file version conflicts if peers hold different copies of the same file[[ |
| }}Backups done centrally - no need for individual users to back up their data}} | [[Backups done on individual devices, if at all \n (up to user) - makes it harder for data to be restored[[ |
| }}Data and other resources can be shared}} | }}Enables users to share resources (printers, routers…)}} |
| [[Expensive to install and manage[[ | }}Cheap to set up}} |
| [[Expertise required - professional IT staff needed for server maintenance and to run the network[[ | }}Little-to-no expertise required and not difficult to maintain}} |
