Apart from being different in terms of hardware, software and features, the server is much powerful than the workstations and they handle queries and requests from thousands of desktop computers connected with them over a network whereas a desktop computer can serve a single user. We will see the functional difference between the two types of computers in details as mentioned below:
Roles & functions of a server Computers designated as servers are designed and supposed to store & retrieve the information and data from innumerable people at a single point of time. Servers are much more powerful as they comprise of many processors, very huge memory and data storage capacity. The operating systems for servers are specially designed and their response time is much quicker than the ones installed on the desktop computers. They are the central hub of a computer network loaded with many resources that can be used by the workstations. Troubleshooting a workstation is easy for the
technical support people but this is not the case with the servers.
Roles & functions of a workstation Workstations or desktop computers are the one used by the end users. Workstation provides necessary support to an individual in achieving his/her job objectives in easier ways. They have limited resources like processing power, storage space and speed unlike the servers but the workstations contain the components which are higher on the human interface with a better keyboard, mouse, larger and graphically rich monitors with multimedia playing capabilities. They have the useful applications like spreadsheets, presentation slides, word processors, video and graphic editors and many more to support a better productivity for the user.
Different Hardware components The servers are designed in such a way so that they can be fitted in the rack mounts in order to share the power, keyboard, mouse and the monitor. Servers generally come with many processors of high speed and high capability, multiple data storage drives and a much larger memory. Servers are capable of running for many days at a stretch without having to interact with human beings. Some of the hardware they contain is often redundant which helps the servers in running smoothly even if some of its components fail.
Workstations or desktop PCs have small boxes [cabinets] with a limited set of hardware as most of the requirements are fulfilled by the centralized server. They are designed for the desktop or the place under the desktop and can be easily accessed by the user. These types of computers have one processor [it may have many cores] chip, one hard disk drive supported by many USB slots used to connect other external storage devices, if required. The USB slots are universal in nature and one can connect any USB compatible device to the computer.
Differences in software While the servers run on multi-user capable Linux, UNIX or the server edition Windows OS, the workstations, or desktop computers run on the operating system designed for a single PC. The user interface available in the server-centric operating systems are stripped down so that different processes can concentrate on providing facilitation to the workstations with the data or other requests by using the network connection. Software meant for workstations are normally office automation software used for the daily usage job centric activities. Software meant for the servers manages databases, serve many web pages, process mass e-mails, stores huge data and files and manage the network traffic. Software meant for the desktop PCs can be easily fixed for errors by the people providing software support but to fix the problems related to the server software, you need people expert in this field.
