A member server is a computer that is connected to a network and can perform certain tasks or services for other computers connected to that network. To understand the concept of a member server, it is important to first understand what a server is.

In computing, a server is a computer system that provides services to other computers, called clients, over a network. Servers can be configured to provide different types of services such as file and print sharing, email services, database management, and web hosting. They are designed to handle large amounts of data and processing power, and are intended to be always available.

A member server, on the other hand, is a server that is not a domain controller, nor does it participate in the directory services provided by a domain controller. A domain controller is a server that manages and controls access to network resources, and is responsible for maintaining the directory database, which stores information about all resources on the network.

In contrast, a member server is simply a server that is part of a domain, but is not a domain controller. Member servers can be used to provide services such as file and print sharing, web hosting, application services, and database services, among others.

One of the benefits of having a member server is that it can help to distribute the load of services across different servers, which can improve system performance and increase reliability. For example, if a single server is responsible for providing multiple services, and that server fails, then all of the services are affected. However, if those services are spread across different member servers, then only the affected services will be impacted in the event of a failure.

Another benefit of member servers is that they can be used to scale and grow the network as needed. New member servers can be added to provide additional services or capacity to support more users as the network grows.

Overall, member servers are an important component of any network infrastructure, providing the flexibility and scalability needed to support a growing organization. By providing specialized services to other computers on the network, they help to improve system performance and reliability, while also providing a platform for growth and expansion.