file server
Hardware and software that together provide file-handling and
storage functions for multiple users on a {local area
network}. The most common choices for file server software
are {Sun Microsystems}' {Network File System} for {Unix} and
{Novell Netware} for {IBM PC} compatibles. There is also a
version of NFS for PCs called {PC-NFS}. Storing files on a
file server saves having multiple copies stored on individual
computers, thus economising on disk space and also makes
administrating and updating the files easier.