File server

A file server is a type of server that stores and distributes different types of computer files among clients on a computer network. Its function is to allow remote access in other ways to files that you store or have access to.

In principle, any computer connected to a network, with the appropriate software, can function as a file server.

From the point of view of the network client of a file server, the location of shared files is transparent, that is, in practice there are no perceptible differences if a file is inside a remote file server or on the disk of the machine itself.

Network protocols

The protocols that are usually used in file transfers are:

• File Transfer Protocol (FTP): multi-platform.
• Server Message Block (SMB) or Common Internet File System (CIFS): Windows environment.
• Samba: Unix.
• Network File System (NFS) or network file system: Unix.