What is the Difference Between Client and Server Operating System

The main difference between client and server operating system is that client operating system works in the devices used by the end users such as desktops and other portable devices while server operating system runs on a special device called a server.  

An operating system operates as the interface between the user and hardware. It performs multiple important tasks such as process handling, memory management, controlling hardware devices, files and many more. Furthermore, it provides security to the system resources and data. There are various types of operating systems. Two of them are client and server operating systems.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Client Operating System
     – Definition, Functionality
2. What is a Server Operating System
     – Definition, Functionality
3. What is the Difference Between Client and Server Operating System
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Client, Server, Operating System

What is a Client Operating System

Client operating system is a system that works within computer desktops and other portable devices such as laptops and smartphones. It can manage different hardware components connected to it like printers, monitors and cameras.  

These operating systems support a single user at a time. A client operating system is capable of obtaining services from a server operating system. Moreover, client operating systems provide multiprocessing power for a minimum price when compared to server operating systems. Windows, Mac, and Android are some examples for client operating systems.

What is a Server Operating System

A server operating system is an operating system that operates on the server. It is an advanced version of an operating system that has more features and capabilities to provide various services to other devices or client machines connected to it.

In server operating systems, most processes execute from the OS commands. There are advanced hardware, software, and network configuration services. These operating systems help to install and deploy business and web applications. They are also capable of managing and monitoring the connected client devices. Moreover, server operating systems execute other administrative processes.

There are various server operating systems. Web server operating systems provide web resources such as web pages according to the client requests. Database server operating systems run Database Management Systems while File server operating systems provide files to the connected devices. Likewise, server operating systems provide services to client machines.

Difference Between Client and Server Operating System

Definition

A client operating system is an operating system that operates within desktops and other various portable devices whereas a server operating system is an operating system that is designed to be installed and used on a server. Thus, this is the main difference between client and server operating system.

Functionality

Moreover, a client operating system can obtain services from a server while a server operating systems can provide services to multiple clients or end-user devices.

Associated Devices

A client operating system runs on a client device such as desktops, mobile phones, tablets, and laptops whereas a server operating system runs on a server. Hence, this is another difference between client and server operating system.

Number of Users

Furthermore, a single user can work on a client operating system at a time while a server operating system can serve multiple client devices at a time. So, this is another difference between client and server operating system.

Complexity

Complexity is another difference between client and server operating system. Server operating system is more advanced and consists of more features than a client operating system.

Examples

Windows, Android, Mac are some examples for client operating systems whereas Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Windows Server, and Mac OS X Server are some examples for server operating systems.

Conclusion

Client operating system and server operating systems are two types of operating systems. The main difference between client and server operating system is that client operating system works in the devices used by the end users such as desktops and other portable devices while server operating system runs on a special device called a server. 

Reference:

1. “Client Operating System.” Computer Network Devices – Hub, Switch, Router, Bridges, Network Card, Modems and Gateway Networking Devices, Available here.
2. “What Is a Server Operating System (Server OS)? – Definition from Techopedia.” Techopedia.com, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Client-server-model” By Gnome-fs-client.svg: David VignoniGnome-fs-server.svg: David Vignoniderivative work: Calimo (talk) – Gnome-fs-client.svgGnome-fs-server.svg (LGPL) via Commons Wikimedia