A file server is, as its name suggests, a computer that gives users access to data. It serves as a primary repository for files that various programs can reach. File servers are frequently used in business environments, such as corporate networks, but they are also used in educational institutions, tiny businesses, and even residential networks.

A file server is a computer that stores shared data and can be a specialized system like a network attached storage (NAS) device. Since they offer quicker data access and more storing space than non-dedicated systems, dedicated file servers are usually used for business apps. Personal PCs are frequently used as file hosts in household networks. For residential customers who require more storing space and quicker speed than a non-dedicated file server would enable, personal NAS devices are also offered.

There are various configuration options for file hosts. For instance, a file server in a house might be configured to immediately grant entry to every device connected to the local network (LAN). A file server may require all client computers to register in before viewing it in a professional environment where security is a priority. Some may limit access to a predetermined group of computers, which may be determined by MAC address or IP address. Before users can obtain files from Internet file servers, which offer access to files over the Internet, they frequently need to register in with FTP.

On your computer, a file server connected to a local network typically shows as a hard drive. Like local files, you can navigate through categories on the server by double-clicking the hard drive symbol. Drag the file to your desktop or another location on your local drive if you want to transfer it from the server to your machine. You can transfer local files to the server by moving them to a server location if the file server has write rights set. It might seem as though files are simply moving from one local location to another when you duplicate them to or from the file server. The data are genuinely moving across the network, though.