host

In computing, a host is a computer that provides services to other computers, known as clients, on a network. This is the core of the client-server architecture, where clients request information or functions, and the host (server) processes these requests and sends back the results.12

Think of it like a restaurant: the clients are the customers ordering food, and the host computer is the kitchen and staff preparing and serving the meals. Servers are typically more powerful machines designed to handle multiple client requests simultaneously, managing tasks like storing data or running applications. This model differs from older mainframe systems where a single central computer did all the work.12