# Client Computer > Client Computer means a singular user's computer, on a network, where software enables data requests from a server **Term:** Client Computer **Last updated:** 2026-07-29 ## Definition ## What Client Computer Means in a Contract A Client Computer is a defined term used to describe the individual device, whether a desktop, laptop, tablet, or workstation, that connects to a network and sends requests to a server for data, applications, or processing services. In a contract, the definition establishes a boundary for what equipment falls within scope for licensing, access rights, or data handling obligations. Rather than referring vaguely to 'a computer' or 'a device,' parties use this defined term to anchor rights and duties to a specific technical role within a client-server architecture. The term is most common in software licensing agreements, IT services contracts, and technology-related data agreements where the number, location, or configuration of Client Computers directly affects fees, security requirements, or compliance obligations. For example, a software vendor may license its product on a per-Client-Computer basis, meaning the customer's rights and payment obligations scale with the count of devices running or accessing the software. ## How Client Computer Is Defined or Measured Definitions of Client Computer typically describe the device by its function rather than its brand or specifications. A common formulation identifies it as a networked computer used by a single individual that requests data or services from a server, distinguishing it from the server itself and from shared infrastructure such as printers or network switches. Some contracts add technical qualifiers, such as requiring a supported operating system or minimum hardware capability, to ensure the software or service functions as intended. Measurement matters because many commercial terms hinge on counting Client Computers accurately. Contracts may specify whether virtual machines, remote desktop sessions, or shared terminals count as separate Client Computers, since ambiguity here can lead to disputes over license compliance or fees owed. Vendors often include audit rights allowing them to verify the actual number of Client Computers in use against the number licensed. - Physical devices used by a single named or unnamed user - Virtual or cloud-hosted desktops accessed remotely - Devices temporarily connected to the network, such as contractor laptops ## Where Client Computer Appears in Agreements The term appears most frequently in software license agreements, where it may determine the scope of a per-seat or per-device license. It also surfaces in IT support and managed services contracts, where the provider agrees to maintain, patch, or monitor Client Computers as part of its service scope. In data protection contexts, a