For the purposes of this discussion, a server is a multi-user, multi-tasking computer system that is intended to provide simultaneous service to multiple users. It often runs what are considered mission critical applications. Nowadays, workstations and servers often run the same operating system, so all the shortcomings of the workstation operating systems are shared by the server. In addition, servers are most often accessed via a network, rather than multiple serial connections, so they are more sensitive to the risks of networking.