A server is a computer or system that uses a network to supply other computers, known as clients, with resources, information, services, or programs. The foundation of many internal networks and the internet, servers allow for data storage, communication, and application functioning.

Key Features of a Server

1. Servers are built with a specific purpose in mind, such as hosting websites, storing files, or executing applications.

2. Always On: In order to guarantee continuous availability, servers are usually in operation around-the-clock.

3. High Performance: In comparison to standard PCs, servers frequently contain more potent technology (such as faster CPUs, bigger storage, and more RAM).

Types of Servers

1. Web Server: Hosts websites and serves web pages to browsers e.g., Apache, Nginx.

2. File Server: Stores and manages files for network users.

3. Database Server: Manages databases and processes database queries e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL.

4. Mail Server: Handles email sending, receiving and storage e.g., Postfix, Microsoft Exchange.

5. Application Server: Runs specific applications for users e.g., a business software backend.

6. Game Server: Hosts multiplayer games and manages player interactions.

7. Proxy Server: Acts as an intermediary for requests between clients and other servers.

How Servers Work?

A request for a webpage is sent to the server by a client, such as your web browser.

After processing the request, the server returns the necessary information (such as a webpage’s HTML content).

Networking protocols like HTTP, FTP, or SMTP make this interaction possible.

Servers Types by Hardware

• Dedicated Server: A physical machine solely dedicated to serving a specific purpose.

• Virtual Server: A server created using virtualization software on a physical machine.

• Cloud Server: Hosted on a cloud platform like AWS, Azure, Google Cloud etc.

Server Hardware

• Processors (CPUs): Servers typically use high-performance processors like Intel Xeon or AMD EPYC.

• RAM: Servers have large amounts of memory to handle multiple simultaneous requests.

• Storage: It can use traditional HDDs or high-speed SSDs for faster data access.

Server Operating Systems

Common Server Operating System options:

• Linux Distributions: Ubuntu Server, CentOS, Debian, Red Hat Enterprise Linux etc.

• Windows Server: Designed by Microsoft for server tasks.

• Unix Variants: FreeBSD, Solaris.

Server Applications

• Websites e.g., blogs, e-commerce stores etc.

• Emails and communication platforms.

• Databases for applications.

• Media streaming e.g., Netflix, Spotify etc.

• Cloud storage and computing services.

Where are Server Used?

1. Business: Internal file sharing, databases and application hosting.

2. Data Centers: Hosting websites, cloud services and online platforms.

3. Personal Use: Home servers for media, gaming, blogging or backups.

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