What is the difference between standard and Olympic?

In a collaborative effort with Scott over at Straight to the Bar, we will be writing about exercise equipment throughout the month of January.

This week, Scott writes about the differences between standard and olympic weight bars and plates, as well as the different types of hooks and collars that you can use.

I much prefer using Olympic equipment, but at home I still have standard bars and plates. Maybe at some point my budget can allow me to replace them, but for now they work well enough on the rare occasions that I do not go into the gym to lift weights.