A relatively simple system of network administration that is widely used in small Windows networks. Computers and printers are each assigned to a workgroup name, which allows them to communicate with each other and share resources. There is no central administration. Each file or folder to be shared must be configured as such on that very machine. In home networks that allow everyone access to every resource in the network, the default name of WORKGROUP is typically assigned to every computer and printer.
Windows servers used in a workgroup-based network have their own administration tools. Although servers provide centralized data and software to a workgroup-based network, their administration deals with access to the server's own resources and not centralized administration for the entire network. Contrast with
domain-based network.