What is the primary function of a file server on a client server network?

Answer 1

Holding users files.

Answer 2

Part of the answer is in the question. A file server will provide a common place for clients to store files. One example of this is personal or files not shared with others.

Typically, as with Microsoft, a folder structure is created with a root that is the repository for all clients' personal files. Then each client is given folder within this root that only the system administrators and themselves have access to. This is commonly referred to as their home directory. Its intended purpose is to allow them to store files on a server so they will be available from any client workstation they log on to.

With Microsoft, the clients local file libraries or folders such as documents; pictures etc. could be saved on their personal share or home directory above. By using policy objects an administrator can setup client data to be re-directed to their server based home directory by default.

Other operating systems model this home directory structure as well. Linux Fedora user's each having a home directory created with their accounts.

This is what is probably considered the most basic of roles that a file server would take in a client server environment. However, that being said a file server can provide many other services or roles such as…

· DNS (domain name services) which is necessary for some network operating systems as with Active Directory

· DHCP (dynamic host configuration protocol) to provide IP configuration settings to a client

· Web Hosting (also a form of client server)

· Print Services for networked or shared printers (this allows for centralized management of printer resources)

Answer 3

Holding users files.