LAN (Local Area Network)

A computer-based communications network that serves users within a confined geographical area. A LAN uses clients and servers that have network-enabled operating systems such as Windows, Mac and Unix. The "clients" are the user's workstations, typically Windows or Mac. The "servers" hold programs and data that are shared by the clients. Servers come in a wide range of capacities and costs from Intel-based PC servers to mainframes. Devices such as printers can be attached to a workstation or to a server and can be shared by other users on the network.