Dedicated means reserved for a specific use. In communications, a dedicated channel is a line reserved exclusively for one type of communication. This is the same as a leased line or private line.
A dedicated server is a single computer in a network reserved for serving the needs of the network. For example, some networks require that one computer be set aside to manage communications between all the other computers. A dedicated server could also be a computer that manages printer resources. Note, however, that not all servers are dedicated. In some networks, it is possible for a computer to act as a server and perform other functions as well.
The opposite of dedicated is general purpose.
