A computer or node within a network which has as its main responsibility to store and to retrieve files. It allows a user to access his documents independently of the computer he is currently using and also to share his files easily with others. Furthermore file servers ease the task of backup for the systems administrators. Often used protocols are NFS and SMB.

File servers are typically highly redundant production machines with RAID cards, remote monitoring / control and spare power supplies. You cannot skimp on proper maintenance and respect when messing (or, working) with file servers. Or any other servers, for that matter.