What is a server? Definition, Types, And Components Explained!

What is a server?

What is a Server? A server is a computer or system that provides resources, data, services, or programs to other computers, known as clients, over a network. Servers are used in many industries to provide, secure, and manage various types of data and services.

There are many types of servers, including web servers, application servers, file servers, database servers, and game servers, to name a few. A web server, for example, is a computer that stores websites and sends them to a user’s device upon request via the internet.

In general, a server is a central source of data and services that can be accessed by multiple clients over a network. Servers are often more powerful and have more resources than client computers, as they need to be able to handle multiple requests from clients simultaneously.

Types of server

There are many different types of servers, and each type serves a specific purpose. Here are a few examples of common server types:

1. Web server
2. Application Server
3. File Server
4. Database Server
5. Game Server

Web server

A web server is a computer that stores websites and sends them to a user’s device upon request via the internet. When you type a website’s address into your web browser, your device sends a request to the web server to access the website, and the server responds by sending the website’s files back to your device.

Application server:

An application server is a computer that runs applications and provides access to them over a network. Application servers are often used in enterprise environments to host business-critical applications and provide access to them to employees over a company’s internal network or the internet.

File server:

A file server is a computer that stores and manages files that can be accessed by multiple users over a network. File servers are often used in businesses to store and share files, such as documents, images, and videos, among employees.

Database server:

A database server is a computer that stores and manages a database, providing access to the data within the database to other computers over a network. Database servers are used to store and manage large amounts of structured data, such as customer information, sales data, and inventory records.

Game server:

A game server is a computer that stores and manages a video game, allowing multiple players to connect and play the game over a network. Game servers are used to host multiplayer games, such as online role-playing games or first-person shooters.
These are just a few examples of server types. There are many other types of servers, each designed to meet specific needs and perform specific functions.

Read Also >> 12 Tips to protect your PC from hackers, viruses and all malware

What Dose a server do?

A server performs a variety of functions, depending on the type of server it is and the services it is providing. Here, Some common functions of servers.

1. Storing and managing data: Servers can store and manage large amounts of data, such as files, databases, and websites. They can also provide access to this data to multiple clients over a network.
2. Running and hosting applications: Servers can host and run applications, such as web-based applications or video games, and provide access to these applications to clients over a network.
3. Providing services: Servers can provide various types of services to clients, such as email services, printing services, and file storage and sharing services.
4. Processing requests: Servers can process requests for data or services from clients and provide the requested information or service.
5. Securing data: Servers can implement security measures, such as firewalls and user authentication, to protect the data and resources they provide and prevent unauthorized access.

 According to physicality, there are different types of server, Which are the Following-

1. Tower Server
2. Rack Server
3. Rack Server

So Let’s Understand One By One.

What is a Tower Server?

Tower servers are usually easier to install and maintain than rack-mounted servers, as they can be accessed more easily and don’t require specialized equipment or training to service. They are also generally more affordable than rack-mounted servers, making them a cost-effective option for small and medium-sized businesses.

A tower server is a type of server computer that is designed to be housed in a tower case, as opposed to a rack-mounted case. Tower servers are typically smaller and more compact than rack-mounted servers, making them a good choice for businesses with limited space or for use as a small business server.

Tower servers are generally less expandable than rack-mounted servers, as they have limited space for additional components, such as additional hard drives or expansion cards. They are also generally less durable and less energy-efficient than rack-mounted servers, as they are not designed to be stacked or cooled as efficiently.

Overall, tower servers are a good choice for small businesses and organizations that need a compact, affordable, and easy-to-maintain server for basic tasks, such as file sharing, printing, and email.

What is a Rack Server?

A rack server, also known as a rack-mounted server, is a type of server computer that is designed to be installed in a rack system. A rack is a standardized frame or enclosure that is used to mount and organize multiple electronic devices, such as servers, routers, switches, and storage devices.

Rack servers are typically more powerful and expandable than tower servers, as they have more space for additional components, such as hard drives, expansion cards, and memory modules. They are also more energy-efficient and durable than tower servers, as they are designed to be cooled and protected more effectively in a rack environment.

Rack servers are often used in data centers and other large-scale computing environments, as they can be easily installed and maintained in a rack system and provide a high level of performance and reliability. They are also used in small and medium-sized businesses that require a more powerful and expandable server solution than a tower server can provide.
Overall, rack servers are a good choice for businesses and organizations that need a high-performance, expandable, and reliable server solution for demanding tasks, such as database management, web hosting, and virtualization.

What is Blade Server?

A blade server is a type of server computer that is designed to be installed in a blade enclosure, also known as a blade chassis. A blade enclosure is a specialized case that can hold multiple blade servers, as well as other components, such as power supplies, network switches, and storage devices.

Blade servers are thin, compact computers that are designed to be installed vertically in a blade enclosure. They are usually smaller and more energy-efficient than traditional rack-mounted servers, as they take up less space and use fewer resources. Blade servers are also easy to install and maintain, as they can be easily removed and replaced in a blade enclosure without disrupting the other servers or components.

Blade servers are often used in large-scale computing environments, such as data centers, where space and power are at a premium. They are also used in smaller businesses and organizations that need a high-performance and scalable server solution but don’t have the space or resources for a traditional rack-mounted server.

Overall, blade servers are a good choice for businesses and organizations that need a compact, energy-efficient, and scalable server solution for demanding tasks, such as virtualization, cloud computing, and high-performance computing.

Different types of Server Hardware Configuration

There are many different types of hardware configurations that can be used in servers, depending on the needs of the business or organization. Some common hardware configurations for servers include:

Single processor:

A single processor server has a single central processing unit (CPU), which is the main chip that performs computational tasks. Single-processor servers are suitable for small businesses or organizations with low-to-moderate workloads, such as file sharing, printing, and email.

Dual processor:

A dual-processor server has two CPUs, which can work together to perform computational tasks more quickly and efficiently. Dual-processor servers are suitable for businesses or organizations with moderate-to-high workloads, such as web hosting, database management, and virtualization.

Multi-core processor:

A multi-core processor server has a single CPU with multiple cores, which are independent processing units that can work together to perform computational tasks. Multi-core processor servers are suitable for businesses or organizations with high workloads, such as high-performance computing and big data analysis.

Clustered servers:

Clustered servers are multiple servers that are connected together and work as a single system to perform computational tasks. Clustered servers are suitable for businesses or organizations with very high workloads, such as online gaming and large-scale web applications.

In addition to the type and number of CPUs, other hardware components that can affect a server’s performance and capabilities include memory (RAM), storage (hard drives or solid-state drives), and network cards.

Types of server softwares explain in detail

There are many different types of software that can be used on servers, depending on the functions and services the server is providing. Some common types of server software include:

Operating system:

An operating system is a software that manages and controls a computer’s hardware and software resources. Server operating systems are designed to be stable, efficient, and secure, and they can support a wide range of services and applications. Examples of server operating systems include Windows Server, Linux, and Unix.

Server applications:

Server applications are software programs that are designed to be run on a server and provide specific services or functions to clients. Examples of server applications include web servers, database servers, email servers, and file servers.

Virtualization software:

Virtualization software is software that allows multiple operating systems and applications to run on a single physical server, creating virtual machines (VMs) that can be managed and accessed independently. Virtualization software is often used to consolidate servers and reduce hardware costs, as well as to enable disaster recovery and testing. Examples of virtualization software include VMware, Hyper-V, and Xen.

Management software:

Management software is software that is used to monitor, manage, and maintain servers and other IT resources. Examples of management software include server backup software, performance monitoring software, and patch management software.