What is a File Server?

A file server is a computer attached to a network, most often a local area network (LAN), whose primary function is to serve as centralized data storage for multiple machines as part of the client-server model of computer networking. They are available in a number of different hardware and software configurations. File servers are sometimes used to backup critical data. A typical file server will be configured only to send and receive files, and will not run any active processes for users. They may also be configured to distribute data over the Internet using FTP (file transfer protocol) or HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol).