Server Type
There are several tasks for server in a network. All these tasks could be done by one server, or a separate server for each tasks. Server is dedicated to performing specific tasks in support of other computers on the network.
File Server
File servers offer the services, which are the network applications
that store, retrieve, and move data. With a file server, users can
exchange, read, write, and manage shared files and the data contained in
them.
There are three ways to store a file on networks. They are online, offline, and near-line storage. Online storage consists of hard drive storage. Hard drive is very fast but expensive so the most current and frequently needed information is stored. The common offline storage devices are data tape and removable optical disks. It is the most disadvantage of offline storage that a person must retrieve the disk or tape and mount it on the server. This type of storage is best for data that is rarely used and for data backup. Near-line storage uses a machine, such as a tape carousel or jukebox, automatically retrieve and mounts the tape or disk. It is faster than offline but still only enough for infrequently used data and applications.
File synchronization is to ensure that changes made to a file are organized in the chronological order in which they actually took place and that files are properly updated. But a network operating system cannot synchronize data within files if it is not aware of the file format. So, you need an option for it usually
Print Server
Print server manages and control printing on a network and also offers
fax service. The print server allow multiple and simultaneous access to
print and fax services. The network operating system achieves this by
using print and fax queues. The queues are special storage areas where
printing and faxing jobs are stored and then sent to the printer or fax
device in an organized fashion.
Application Server
Application server allows a client on network to access and use extra
computing power and expensive software applications on a shared
computer. Application servers are used when efficiency and security
requires a program to stay close to the data, and the data stays in one
place.
Message Server
Message servers allow a wide variety of communication methods that are
much complex than a simple file server can handle. Data can take the form
of graphics, digitized video, or audio, text and binary. Message servers
must coordinate the complex interactions between users, documents, and
applications.
Database Server
Database server is one of application server. Database server allows a
network with powerful database capabilities. So, users of a relatively
weak client can enjoy the same power of database servers.