What type of system is typically installed on networks to enable shared access to data, files, and media?

The server is a type of system specifically designed to manage network resources and enable shared access to data, files, and media across multiple users or client systems. In a networked environment, servers provide the necessary infrastructure to facilitate communication and resource sharing. They host applications, databases, and services that clients can access remotely, allowing for efficient data management and collaboration.

Unlike client systems, which are typically individual user machines designed for running applications and accessing network resources, servers play a pivotal role in providing those resources. They can manage multiple concurrent connections and allow clients to retrieve or store information. This centralization of data and services helps enhance organization and efficiency in a network, making the server an essential element in most business and organizational environments.

Other types of systems, like supercomputers and mainframes, serve specialized purposes such as high-performance computing and large-scale data processing, respectively, rather than focusing on shared access across a network.