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networking > network types > file servers

File Servers

When a network is based on a central file server, networked computers can share resources such as printers, and users can store their files in a secure central location. The file server offers services to all users, but each workstation on the network does its own processing. For example, if a user wanted to use a spreadsheet she would run the spreadsheet on her own PC, but would be able to save her work in her home directory on the server, and use a shared network printer.

File servers usually manage:

• user authentication through login names and passwords
• assigning rights to users (e.g. which directories they have access to)
• controlling print queues
• sending files to users
• virus scanning
• internet access
• allocation of IP addresses
• logging user actions and errors
• data backups

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