What is a Server Definition and How Does It Work?
All businesses have a server for their business. It plays an important role but most people don’t know what it is exactly and how it works.
To get the most out of it, store and access data easily across your network, you should know how to set it up correctly. In this guide, we are going to provide some useful information. So, stay tuned! Please continue reading to learn everything about what is a server and what does it do, and What is a server used for.
What Is a Server?
It is a powerful computer that is always working from which users expect responses to their requests at different times. When access is limited to an internal network, it is called a network server.
That is, all the computers on this network receive a command from the server and support their network needs with its help.
What Does a Server Do?
Now if you look at the scope of this network a little bit wider and consisting of all the computers that are connected to the Internet, we are facing a very large group of computers always working and accessible via the internet. Internet servers provide users with information that is searched at any time of the day.
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What Are Server Features?
- The exclusivity of hardware resources
- Ability to upgrade and improve server hardware
- Permanent Internet connection
- Very high-performance speed
- Processing power and fast computing power
- High security
- Ability to implement software and hardware raid on the server
What is a server used for?
The use of servers is about saving data, sending information, receiving information, etc; Indeed a Computer or Smartphone can act like a server.
What Are the Types of Servers?
Depending on the usage of the servers, there are different types of operating systems with various performances, some of which are mentioned as follows:
1- Web Server
It is used for setting up websites and hosting. For more detailed information on what is a web server please read the source of our article.
2- Mail Server
It is used to send and receive emails. It can be used for email services by installing email software like Smartermail, Postfix and, etc.
3- Database Server
This type of configuration is often used by organizations or companies as software or service for a database.
4- Application Server
The software used by users is installed on this server and the user can access it through their computers. If you are willing to know what is an application server , don’t miss this post!
5- File Server
It is one of the most basic and easiest ways to share files with others.
6- DNS Server
The server on which the DNS Web Services are hosted, and has the task of resolving the IP addresses of the web server, email server, etc. on the Internet.
7- Game Server
It is a type of Application Server that will only be used for games. The game is installed on the server and users connected to the network can use the game by interacting with it.
8- Media server
It is used for sharing multimedia services or Media.
9- Proxy Server
As an interface between the main server and the client, it receives information from the parties and sends it to the recipient after review.
Server Types in Terms of Resource Allocation
Servers are divided into several categories, which differ in how their resources are allocated.
1- Shared Server
It is defined by the type of their application which includes a number of websites, databases, or email domains that respond to multiple requests from users at one moment. As you can tell by the name, its resources, including CPU, bandwidth, storage space, and so on, are shared between users according to the administrator’s definitions.
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2- Virtual Dedicated Server
A larger scale with dedicated resources of a shared service, in which through “virtualizing”, resource allocations of a Dedicated hosting is divided into several virtual machines. Given the proprietary nature of virtual machine resources, the number of websites created on the host will be less than shared hosting websites.
3- Dedicated Server
Large companies and frequently visited websites like online shops will require more resources than one virtual machine. Users of these services are served with a completely dedicated RAM processor, data storage space, rack location, and bandwidth on a single server.
Types of Server Hardware
If we want to offer a definition, we should say that the server hardware consists of specific hardware components expected to deliver the highest processing and performance.
Generally, they consist of a powerful processor with multiple physical and virtual cores, high RAM, and multi-terabytes of hard disk storage.
Given this amount of power and performance, they should be kept in a space that can work and be connected to the internet 24 hours without interruption. Server usage makes sense with this structure and responds to multiple user requests.
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Server Operating System
Different operating systems can be installed on the server. Here’s a look at what these operating systems are and what they have in common. The operating system is installed depending on the type of software that will be installed on the server. Here is the operating system classification:
- Linux: All Linux distributions like CentOS, Debian and etc.
- Windows: All different versions of Windows such as Windows Server 2012, 2016, or older versions of 2008
- Virtualization: Virtualization software like KVM, Hyper-V, Vmware ESX, and more
Where Are Servers Maintained?
On the Internet, one of the most important factors when receiving a service is server stability. Special locations around the world called data center, are being built to maintain servers and their focus is on network quality, component support, and software requirements. Data centers specifically provide conditions to use servers without any interruptions and other problems. So it is the place to store hundreds or thousands of servers in different racks, cages, and rooms.
Data center building consists of various parts such as the control room, server room, generators, cooling facilities, hardware warehouse, UPS room and Battery Backup, fire extinguisher storage room, and network management room. These sectors will be completely different depending on the needs, design, facilities, and infrastructure for each data center.
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Conclusion
When choosing the correct server, there are a few things to consider. Hardware configuration, powerful network infrastructure, security capabilities, and data protection are all things we need to pay particular attention to. Another important point is the use of the server and that it is designed to meet what needs and resources. Before selecting a server, evaluate its specific features to provide a cost-effective, practical condition
