What type of computer serves many users for specific tasks such as running network applications?

The correct choice of a computer that serves many users for specific tasks, such as running network applications, is a server. A server is specifically designed to manage, store, and process data, providing services to multiple users or devices over a network. This role is crucial in environments where resources need to be shared efficiently, such as in businesses or organizations where applications, data storage, and processing are centralized.

Servers are optimized for performance and reliability, designed to handle requests from many clients simultaneously. They can run various applications and services, such as web hosting, file storage, database management, or email services, making them integral to network operations.

In contrast, while mainframes also serve multiple users, they are typically larger, more powerful systems suited for high-volume transactions and large-scale data processing rather than general network applications. Nettops and slim clients, on the other hand, are designed primarily for individual users with less processing power, relying on servers for most processing tasks and applications.