Servers are powerful computers. They get their name because they truly are “at the service” of the network and run specialized software known as the network operating system to maintain and control the network.

In a good design that optimizes the network’s performance, servers are highly specialized and are there to handle one important labor-intensive job. This is not to say that a single server can’t do many jobs, but more often than not, you’ll get better performance if you dedicate a server to a single task. Here’s a list of common dedicated servers:

• File Server : Stores and dispenses fi les
• Mail Server :The network’s post office; handles email functions
• Print Server : Manages printers on the network
• Web Server : Manages web-based activities by running Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) for storing web content and accessing web pages
• Fax Server : The “memo maker” that sends and receives paperless faxes over the network
• Application Server : Manages network applications
• Telephony Server : Handles the call center and call routing and can be thought of as a sophisticated network answering machine
• Proxy Server : Handles tasks in the place of other machines on the network, particularly an Internet connection.