| a computer that makes files available to workstations on a network. |
| file server n. A computer that controls a central repository of data that can be downloaded or manipulated in some manner by a client. |
file server
Hardware and software that together provide file-handling and storage functions for multiple users on a local area network. The most common choices for file server software are Sun Microsystems' Network File System for Unix and Novell Netware for IBM PC compatibles. There is also a version of NFS for PCs called PC-NFS. Storing files on a file server saves having multiple copies stored on individual computers, thus economising on disk space and also makes administrating and updating the files easier.