ET A file server is a combination of computer, internal hardware, and software that allows network users to share computer programs and data. A file server usually has a significantly faster processor, faster network interface card, more memory, and more data storage than most PCs. It may also have a tape back-up unit, modems, and several printers attached. This software accepts incoming requests from network users and gives back files and other resources. That is, using a designated drive letter from A to Z, users access the server's physical drive as if it were one of their own local drives.
Application programs do the same.
The network operating system takes care of routing traffic across the network to the proper file server hard disk and back. A file server must find data quickly and get to the requesting workstation with minimal delay. Factors affecting the server's performance include the CPU's speed, the network interface card's speed, the amount of RAM available, the type of disk and controller, the cable type and length, the network software's efficiency, the application type being run, and the number of users on the network. Most high-performance file servers include a very fast, very large hard disk. Access time is the time required to get data off the disk, and it is broken into seek and rotation times.