In computer networking, which type of specialized server allows multiple client computers to share files and data across the network?

Introduction / Context:
In a networked environment, different servers provide different services to client computers. Some servers handle web pages, some manage email, and others share files and applications. Understanding these roles is important for basic computer networking knowledge. This question focuses on the type of server that is specifically designed to store and share files and data, allowing many users on the network to access common resources from their own workstations.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The setting is a local area network or similar client server network.
- Clients are normal user machines that access services over the network.
- A specialized server stores applications and data for shared use.
- The options include several descriptive names, only one of which matches standard terminology.

Concept / Approach:
A file server is a dedicated computer that provides file storage and management services to clients on a network. It runs a network operating system or server software that handles file sharing protocols, permissions, and access control. Users connect to shared folders and files on the file server instead of storing everything locally, which simplifies backup and collaboration. Other terms such as mass server or data only backup server are not standard names in basic networking terminology. A standalone host workstation is just a single computer used by a person, not a dedicated resource for others.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that in a typical office network, one central machine stores shared documents, databases, and application installers. Step 2: Recognise that this central machine is called a file server because its main job is to serve files to clients over the network. Step 3: Consider the term mass server. This is not a widely used standard term in textbooks and does not clearly describe file sharing functionality. Step 4: Consider a data only backup server. Such a server might hold backups, but the question is about sharing applications and data actively, not just storing backup copies. Step 5: Consider a standalone host workstation. This refers to a personal computer used by one person and is not a specialized server role. Step 6: Conclude that file server is the correct standard term for a server that enables clients to share applications and data.

Verification / Alternative check:
Networking study materials and certification guides describe file servers as one of the basic server types in a client server network. They present examples where employees map network drives to shared folders on file servers to access documents and run applications. These references often classify servers into roles such as file server, print server, web server, and database server. Among these, the file server role most directly matches the description of sharing applications and data across the network. No reference materials use mass server as a standard role name, which further confirms the correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Mass server: Not a standard networking term and does not clearly describe file sharing services.
Data only backup server: May exist as a backup device, but its main focus is backup, not everyday sharing of applications and live data.
Standalone host workstation: A personal computer for individual use, not a dedicated server for clients on the network.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may be tempted by options that mention data or backup because they associate these words with storage. However, the key part of the question is that the server enables clients to share applications and data across the network in daily use, not just store backup copies. Another pitfall is assuming that any machine on the network can be called a server. In strict terminology, a server is a machine that provides services to others, and a file server is specifically focused on hosting shared files and directories.

Final Answer:
The specialized server that allows client computers to share applications and data across a network is called a File server.