Which of the following types of servers is responsible for the central logging of system messages?

A syslog server is the correct answer because it is specifically designed to collect, store, and manage system logs and messages from various devices across a network. This central logging capability allows for better monitoring, auditing, and troubleshooting of systems by aggregating logs from multiple sources, such as servers, network devices, and security appliances.

Syslog is a standard protocol that enables devices and applications to send event notification messages to a logging server. By using a syslog server, administrators can maintain a centralized repository of logs, making it easier to analyze and respond to potential security incidents or system issues.

In contrast, a mail server focuses on sending, receiving, and storing email. A file server is responsible for storing and managing files to be shared among users on a network. A print server directs print jobs from multiple clients to printers. While all these servers play important roles within a networked environment, none have the specialized function of central logging that a syslog server provides.