Difference between Workstation and Server.


A workstation is a computer which is used to access LAN or Internet to get access to documents or perform a task, whereas a server is a software which responds to services requested by a client.

Read through this article to know more about workstations and servers and how they are different from each other.

What is a Server?

A server is a computer, a device, or a program entirely responsible for managing network resources. Servers are called so because they provide the functionality to a "client," another computer, device, or application.

  • In theory, computers are considered servers when they share resources with client machines.

  • Servers are sometimes considered to be committed because they rarely do anything else but serve.

  • A server's job is to handle network resources, including hosting websites, delivering data, sending and receiving emails, limiting access, and so on.

  • All other network PCs can access the server's capabilities and services since it is connected to a switch or router (browsing websites, checking emails, communicating with other users, etc.).

What is a Workstation?

A workstation is a computer dedicated to a single user or a group working on a business or professional project. It has one or more high-resolution monitors and a quicker processor than a personal computer.

  • A workstation has a higher multitasking capability because of the more significant random-access memory, drives, and drive capacity.

  • A workstation may also have faster graphics adapters and additional peripherals linked to it.

  • A PC or mainframe terminal on a local area network is also referred to as a workstation. One or more large client computers and network servers may share network resources with these workstations.

  • Workstations are often designed to handle extensive data manipulation and visualization. Examples are image rendering and editing, computer-aided design (CAD), animations, and mathematical graphs.

  • Workstations were the first to introduce collaboration tools as well as innovative accessories and improvements. 3D mouse, multiple screens, and high-performance/capacity data storage devices are among them.

Workstation characteristics were eventually incorporated by mainstream PCs, resulting in the workstation market segment's demise. In addition, the price difference between lower-cost workstations and higher-cost PCs has narrowed.

Difference between Workstation and Server

The following table highlights the major differences between a Workstation and a Server −

Key Workstation Server
Purpose A workstation is a computer that is used to perform required tasks and to access Internet or LAN. A server is a software which provides Services when requested by workstations.
Operations Operations on workstations are like Business process, engineering, etc. Server operations are mostly network or Internet based.
Example FTP Server, Web Server. Kiosks, Video workstations, Audio workstations.
Operating System Unix, Linux, or Windows NT are the operating systems used in workstations. Linux, Solaris server, and Windows are the operating systems used in servers.
GUI Graphics User Interface (GUI) is installed on the workstation. GUI is an optional feature on a Server.

Conclusion

Workstations are designed to be used by one person at a time, however they can also be accessed by remote users, if necessary. Servers, on the other hand, are designed to serve multiple clients at the same time.

Updated on: 04-Aug-2022

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