peer server

What is peer server (in computer networking)?

A computer that functions as a server for a group of users in a peer-to-peer network. For example, in a small office with only five users running Microsoft Windows 95 or Windows 98, you can set aside an additional machine running Windows 95 or Windows 98 as a peer server for storing company files.

You should use peer servers only in small networks with no great need for security. Security on peer servers is limited to share-level security, which allows only three kinds of access:

• Read-only access based on a password
• Full-control access based on a password
• A combination of the above, based on two separate passwords

If security is an issue, consider using a dedicated server running Windows NT.