Servers

Servers

         A Server is a computer that facilitates the sharing of data, software and hardware resources.Servers perform a service to workstation on the network.The resources attached to a server such as drives and printers are shared by all users of the network.Some network use a small mini computers as the server.More than one server may be attached to a network with each server providing a different function.
Server may be one of two types:☻Dedicated server ☻Non-Dedicated server.


☺Dedicated Server : In large networks, a computer is  reserved for functions like sharing data, software and hardware resources.These computers often incorporate more powerful capabilities than user workstations.A dedicated server is unavailable for running user application and therefore increase system cost.It can support more features such as electronic mail service or multiple hard disks and provides faster system response.
In short these are only dedicated as a Server.

☺Non-dedicated servers : In smaller network, a computer can act as a server and node even while it controls the network.Such servers can facilitates resource sharing among network on a small scale.Since one computer works both as a server and a workstation it requires  more memory.Under light load, performance of a non-dedicated server may be slightly less then that of a workstation.Under heavy processing load, the individual user may find it difficult to work.Some network servers are capable of operating in both dedicated and non-dedicated mode, depending on users choice

    On a large network there can be several servers to share specific resources,A file server is to powerful computer that caters exclusively, file-related request such as storing files, controlling access privileges of each user or the amount of space reserved.A printer server is used to serve the printing requirements of the workstations on the network.A modem server is used to by a group of users to on the network to transmit long distance messages.