Client Server and Web-based computing are 2 of main approaches to dividing business computing issues on multiple PCs. As both approaches use clients and servers, there's plenty of room for confusion.

Client Defined
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Robert S. DA computing client is any device that requests data or services from another. The term refers to PC at which a person sits and communicates using keyboard, monitor, mouse, etc.

Server Defined
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Todd Huffman A computing server is any device that offers data or services to client PCs. The term refers to those PCs whose main function is communication with other PCs. These PCS often stacked together in sets inside specifically designed, climate controlled data centers.

Client-Server Defined
Although any interaction between PCs can be considered client and server interaction, the term is used for a kind of computing, referring to software specifically separated in parts to run on devoted client PCs and a portion written to run on dedicated server PCs.

Client-Side Software
Sometimes termed "thick client," software that runs on client is generally written in languages like C/C++, Visual Basic, .Net or C#.

Web-Based Defined
Web based computing is a way of client-server that uses Internet technologies to intact between client and server PCs.

Web Client Software
Web based application running on client includes a web browser and Java, Java Script, VB Script, or ActiveX controls.