8

Network Servers: Files, the Web, and Printers

One of the most basic uses of computer networks is the sharing of printers and files. You can place applications used by multiple users in a central location. When the applications change, you need to update them only once. Not storing the applications on end-user machines saves hard drive space. You can also store document files that are needed by multiple users in a single repository. This repository for files—applications and documents—is commonly known as a file server.

Many printers today are designed to be shared over a network, either with small stand-alone devices known as print servers or by attaching them to netework server computers, which then act as the print servers.

In this chapter ...

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