What is a server primarily defined as?

A server is primarily defined as a computer that provides a specific service and is accessible over the internet. This definition emphasizes the role of a server in a networked environment where it serves requests from client machines. Servers can host a wide range of services, such as file storage, web hosting, email management, and application services. They typically run specialized software that allows them to manage, process, and respond to requests efficiently, which is central to their function in providing resources and services to users and other computers connected to the network.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the essence of what a server is. A computer designated for gaming purposes primarily focuses on high performance for running games, but does not fulfill the broader function of serving resources to clients. A virus that spreads over networks is a malicious piece of software that disrupts operations rather than offering services. Lastly, a personal computer used for various tasks is more about a user-centric device that performs individual activities rather than serving network resources to others.