The software running on a server defines the role of that server. In fact, a server can have two or more different roles at times; it depends on the software. The list of the different roles a server can fulfill is long, but for the purposes of the Server+ exam, you should know the role and function of each of the following server types:
- Application server
- Database server
- Directory server
- File server
- Mail server
- Messaging server
- Network services server
- Print server
- Routing and remote access server
- Web server
The following sections explain each of these server roles.
