In a computer network, what does the term "client" refer to?

The term "client" in a computer network refers to an end user’s computer or device that requests and uses services from a server or central resource within the network. Clients initiate communication with servers to access resources such as files, applications, or web services. This relationship is fundamental in client-server architecture, where clients depend on the server for data processing and hosting services.

Understanding this concept is crucial in networking because it highlights the roles of different devices; clients typically do not provide services themselves but rather consume them. The term distinguishes these user devices from other critical components like servers, which manage and provide resources to the clients, and networking equipment, which facilitates connections.