Real-World Scenario: Why Schools Use Client-Server

Imagine a school with 1000 students and 50 teachers - why client-server?

Central User Accounts:

• Student logs in with username/password from ANY school computer
• Server authenticates: "Yes, this is StudentA, allow access"
• Student's files appear - stored on central file server
• Works in Lab 1 Monday, Lab 2 Tuesday - same files available!
• P2P problem: Files stuck on specific computer - can't access from other machines

Central Security:

• IT staff manage all permissions from server: "Year 7 can't access Year 11 files"
• Block inappropriate websites centrally
• Install security updates on server - affects all 1000 computers
• P2P problem: Must configure security on EACH of 1000 computers separately!

Central Backups:

• School's file server automatically backed up every night
• Student accidentally deletes coursework? IT restores from backup
• All 1000 students' work safe on central server
• P2P problem: Students must remember to back up own files (they won't!)

The Cost Trade-off:

School pays £20,000 for powerful server. But the benefits (security, backups, management) are worth it for 1000 users. P2P would be chaos!