$ host
1. (I) /general/ A computer that is attached to a communication
subnetwork or internetwork and can use services provided by the
network to exchange data with other attached systems. (See: end
system. Compare: server.)
2. (I) /IPS/ A networked computer that does not forward IP packets
that are not addressed to the computer itself. (Compare: router.)
Derivation: As viewed by its users, a host "entertains" them,
providing Application-Layer services or access to other computers
attached to the network. However, even though some traditional
peripheral service devices, such as printers, can now be