A network server is a computer that provides various shared resources to workstations and other servers on a computer network. The shared resources can include disk space, hardware access, and email services. 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 an individual person to perform his or her job duties, while a network server is any computer that provides users with access to shared software or hardware resources.

That said, servers are usually built with more powerful components than individual workstations. For example, a server will usually have more random access memory (RAM) installed than a workstation, or use a more robust operating system (OS). While this may increase the price of the server relative to a single workstation, the overall cost can be significantly lower to an organization.

In addition to the shared services these computers provide, network servers also help simplify the management tasks for network and systems administrators. By centrally locating these services on a single computer rather than on each workstation, configuration changes and security updates need only be applied to the network server rather than to hundreds of individual workstations. For example, one common function of network servers is to provide access to printers across the network. Workstations accessing these printers obtain the necessary software from the network server. If an updated version of that software becomes available, network administrators only need to apply the update to the server.

One network server may also serve different roles. The print server mentioned above may also be a file server and a domain name service (DNS) server. Other typical roles include mail server and authentication server.

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 simplify administration. Because all the data is stored in one location, administrators need only backup files from one computer.

Print servers allow organizations to share a single printer, preventing the need for each individual workstation to have its own printer. A mail server provides email services to computers on the network. Authentication servers give networks a centrally located database for storing account and password information, thereby allowing users to logon at any computer on the network.