Most small businesses don’t use file servers, a specialized PC that is just used to share files among workers. In the past, these PCs were expensive, ran a different operating system from the ordinary Windows XP or Vista, and made it easier to connect to printers and backup tape drives. Because they were expensive, many smaller businesses just opted to store shared files on someone’s desktop.

In my column in today’s PC World, I discuss these issues and offer a few suggestions for alternatives.