In addition, having one user access information off another user's hard drive could slow down processing speed. A server-based network contains one or more machines that have a central management role in the network. Servers can control file storage, e-mail, printer access, Internet access, security management and backups. Ideally, a server should be a dedicated machine that is not used by any employee for any other purpose. For example, a server generally maintains a security database outlining who belongs to the network and what privileges each user has.
Users can then access data from any networked machine, based on their individual passwords.
Servers can also allow you to centralize your data, simplifying access and backup. This option can save money on software licensing agreements by limiting the number of people who can use a single package at any given moment. One question to consider when using a server-based network is how fast you can access any backup tapes of the server if the system crashes and you need to restore data. Many problems can be avoided by standardizing what resides on the workstations. Your goal is to standardize your software, so that all employees are using the same programs, as well as the same versions of a program.