Local area network also known as LAN supports a network of personal computers that has it's own storage. Each computer is capable of sharing common devices and software that is attached to the LAN system. LAN is the cabling network that is used to connect to other devices such as computers, workstations and servers. File serves is a separate device that manages the file operations shared by each client. File servers are more secure that storing stuff on your main PC.

Does the choice of underlying infrastructure influence our job as system designers? Is there a difference between designing a distributed or centralized application?