Most networks have a dedicated server. A dedicated server is a computer on a network that functions as a server, and is not used as a client or a workstation. A dedicated server is optimized to service requests from network clients.
Servers perform a wide variety of tasks. Usually, large networks have specialized servers for different tasks. Examples of specialized servers are:
- File and print servers - manage user access and use of file and printer resources.
- Application servers - make the data on the server available to clients.
- Mail servers - manage electronic messaging between network users.
- Communication servers - handle data flow and E-mail messages.