Peer-to-peer
In a Peer-to-peer networking architecture each computer (workstation) has equivalent capabilities and responsibilities. There is no server, and computers simply connect with each other in a workgroup to share files, printers, and Internet access. It is practical for workgroups of a dozen or less computers, making it common in many SOHO environments, where each PC acts as an independent workstation that stores data on its own hard drive but which can share it with all other PCs on the network.
Software for peer-to-peer networks is included with most modern desktop operating systems, such as Windows and Mac OS, with no special "network" software needing to be purchased.
Last Update: Fri Nov 1st 2002
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