What is the primary function of a server in a network?

The primary function of a server in a network is to provide services to other computers, often referred to as clients. Servers are designed to manage network resources and deliver various services such as file storage, application hosting, print services, and much more. When clients request access to a resource or need to perform a task, they typically send a request to the server, which processes it and returns the required data or service.

Servers operate in central roles, ensuring that multiple users can access shared data and applications efficiently. This distinction makes them vital in both small local networks and large enterprise environments.

While the other options may seem related to aspects of computing in a network, they do not accurately capture the primary role of a server. For instance, storing files exclusively for one user does not reflect the shared nature of server functions. The creation of local network connections is more aligned with networking devices, such as routers or switches, than with the typical functions of a server. Running applications for individual users is generally a client-side function, as applications are often executed on individual machines rather than by the server itself. Thus, the answer highlighting the server's role in providing services to other computers accurately represents its primary function in a network setting.