A network server provides shared resources to workstations and other servers on a computer network, including disk space, hardware access, and email services. It simplifies data, communication, and information on a massive scale, and can be almost any device. Servers have more powerful components than individual workstations, and can simplify management tasks for system and network administrators. They can perform various roles depending on the needs of the organization, including print and email functions, file servers, DNS servers, and authentication servers.
A network server is a computer that provides various shared resources to workstations and other servers on a computer network. Shared resources can include disk space, hardware access, and email services. It usually happens that almost any computer can be a “network server”. What separates a server from a workstation is not the hardware, but rather the function performed by the computer. In general, a workstation is any computer used by a single person to perform a specific job or a list of personal goals, while a server is a computer that provides users with access to shared software or hardware resources. It often happens that this sharing takes place over the Internet, but not always. As long as all of the machines are connected or “networked” to each other in some way, the server will be able to function.
Main goals
The idea behind any computer network is simplification: simplification of data, communication and information on a massive scale. Most networks are capable of hosting a number of different devices. Computers tend to be the most common, but tablets, smartphones, and even some other devices such as televisions and Internet-based radio receivers can all be linked together with the appropriate hardware. However, the network must originate somewhere, and the data that facilitates and supports interconnectivity must be physically located in a specific place. In most cases this is the network server.
Main components
You can often purchase dedicated servers, which are small machines whose sole purpose is interconnection and routing. However, almost any device can be programmed to work this way. That said, it’s important to note that servers are generally built with more powerful components than individual workstations, at least initially. For example, a server will usually have more random access memory (RAM) installed than a standard desktop computer, and will also likely be running a more robust operating system (OS). While this may increase the price of the server over a single workstation, the overall cost can be significantly lower for an organization when efficiency gains are taken into account.
Data management
In addition to the shared services servers provided, they can also help simplify management tasks for system and network administrators. By centrally placing these services on a single hard drive rather than each workstation, configuration changes and security updates usually only need to be applied to the network server once, which can save a lot of energy, particularly in organizations with hundreds of employees running numerous connected devices. Network administrators can save themselves a lot of hassle by installing updates for things like printer software and virus security patches only once, then letting the server automatically push those changes to all connected machines.
Role in simplifying information
File servers provide a centrally located pool of disk space for network users to store and share various documents. These servers help organizations maintain single versions of files across departments and can streamline administration. When all data is stored in one place, administrators only need backup files from one computer, which can often save time and headaches if things don’t load correctly or update inconsistently between server platforms. employees.
Other services performed
Individual servers are usually programmed to perform various roles depending on the needs of the organization. Linked print and email functions are among the most common and also among the most valuable. Print servers allow organizations to share a single printer, avoiding each individual workstation having its own printer. Mail servers provide e-mail services to computers on the network and typically also provide storage and tracking of sent and received messages.
File servers also often act as Domain Name Service (DNS) servers, which refers to web hosting and creating a unique Internet domain. Authentication servers are also quite common. These provide networks with a centrally located database for storing account information and passwords, thus allowing users to access any connected computer, tablet or phone on the network.
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