There are several different meanings of contexts of host computers. When a computer has complete two-way access to other internet computers it is the host. A network number and a local number are assigned as the host's Internet Protocol address. The host is a network node when in the context of having an internet protocol (IP) address for the length of time that there is a connection to the internet.

A computer that operates as a web server for one or more web sites is referred to as a host computer as well. In the context of a mainframe or large server computer, it is the host computer. A host computer basically acts as the internet web site host, providing the needed services for the web site to be seen online.

When a host is otherwise referred to as a node, the term means connection point. This can either be the point where communication is redistributed or where the communication ends. This physical piece of network date circuit equipment can include a hub, modem, switch or bridge. In the context discussed here the internet is the network in question, while the host computer is the node.

The functionality on a network is enabled by the host computer. In order for a computer to be considered a host on the internet, it must have its own domain name, use internet protocol, have a specific internet protocol address and have a route to the internet via a network connection. With this in mind, a host can also be a group of networked computers. Requests of information from users are handled by the host. Online games, players and sending web pages across the internet are also responsibilities of the host.

A hosting company is needed in order for internet traffic across the World Wide Web to get correctly directed. A host company is needed for your web site to be seen on the internet unless you have a web server of your own. A network is the roadway through which this occurs. A network is two or more computers linked in order to be able to allow communication, share resources and exchange files. Network links can occur through infrared light beams, satellites, telephone lines, radio waves or cables. There can be one or more servers in a client/server network. This is the host where functions and applications are centralized.

The host computer is sometimes referred to as the mother computer, as it takes care of the traffic and data going in out and through the network. The server can fall under not only being a web server, but also and FTP server, email server and more. The terminal where the information is sent in the end is the remote terminal.

Summarily a host computer is the main computer with the control. It stores and distributes information and computing services to other computer terminals connected to it through a network. Multiple users can simultaneously share the same resources no matter where in the world each is physically located.