What is a Server? Why are Servers Always on? List of some Major Types.

What is a Server? Can my Computer be a Server? List of some Major Types. 

A software or hardware device that accepts and responds to requests made over a network is called a server. This device is extremely important for the smooth conduct of operations, as it executes the instructions or responds to the request made.

Read Also: Advantages of Inkjet Printer and Tonner Printer ? Toner vs Ink Printer  

We would like to take this opportunity to educate our esteemed readers more about a server and its importance. Kindly go through this article till the end. We reckon it is a vital topic therefore, we have incorporated this topic in this article.

We strongly feel this article will help people to grasp more knowledge and information about Servers.

Read Also: How To Increase your Organic Traffic To Your Website? Top 10 Ways

As stated above, a server accepts and responds to requests made over a network. It brings us to an important question, what do we call the device that makes the request and receives a response from the server? Well, the answer is that it is known as a client.

Read Also: SMS is a Term of the Past? Which Option is Right for Your SMS or Apps?

It is significant to mention, here that in the parlance of the internet, a server commonly attributes or indicates a computer system that receives a request for a web file and sends those files to the client.

What are they used for?

Since we are dealing with the topic server in this article, therefore, we need to know why do we use a server? The answer is that servers manage network resources. For example, a user may decide to set up server access to a network for various activities including sending or receiving emails, hosting a website, or managing print jobs. Certain servers are known as dedicated, as they are committed to specific tasks. At the same time, you must know, that certain servers are shared servers that take on the responsibility of emails, FTP, DNS, and even multiple websites in the case of a webserver.

Read Also: Significance of GPS? GPS Tracking System Used in Various Countries.

So it gets pronounced in this para, that we see both the categories of servers i.e "Dedicated" as well as "Shared" servers. Both these categories of servers are in use, as both are crucial in a lot of ways to carry on with the important affairs pertaining to IT.

Why are Servers Always on?

The above-stated question is a pertinent one, undoubtedly. The answer is because they are used to mainly deliver services that are required almost all the time. If the server fails then it leads to severe problems and even losses to various companies. To lessen the impact of such issues, servers are usually set up to be fault-tolerant.

Read Also: What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Digital World (Technology)?

Examples of Servers: A list of some Major Types of Servers are: 

Database Server: Uses a database application that provides database services to other computer programs.

File Server: It is regarded as a central server in a computer network meant to provide a file system or a part of the file system to the clients.

Read Also: The Top 3 Advantages and Disadvantages of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Dedicated Server: It can be considered as a web hosting in which a client has the exclusive use of an entire server.

Standalone Server: It can be described as a part of a server network capable of maintaining its own authentication as well as user accounting services.

Read Also: Top 5 Best Software Development Companies 2022 

Mail Server: Meant for delivering e-mails over a network.

Web Server:  It is a computer used to run websites. Its primary role is to store, process, and deliver web pages to the users.

Read Also: Over-Dependence on Technology: is Technology Dependence an Ominous Sign? 

Print Server: Used for the purpose of connecting printers to client computers over a network. 

Cloud Server:  Meant to perform application - and information - processing storage.

Read Also: What is Wi-Fi-How does Wi-Fi work-What is a wireless access point?

Blade Server: It can be considered a stripped-down server computer having a modular design and is helpful in optimizing to minimize the physical space.

Domain Name Service: It translates the IP address into a more recognized and memorable name. 

Read Also: Services Provided by Internet-Different Types of Internet Services

Proxy Server:  It is basically used to build a firewall. It acts on behalf of the user and protects the private network from getting invaded.

Where are Servers Stored?

Probably a lot of people are not aware, that a server and other associated network equipment are usually stored in a closet or glass house. The idea is to keep such sensitive items from the reach of people who are not authorized to access them. You can consider it to be a case of taking precautions to avoid any untoward incident or damage to the products.

Read Also: What is 5G technology -Benefits of 5G [ How does 5G technology work ]

Can my Computer be a Server?

It is interesting to know, that any computer even a home desktop or for that matter even a laptop can be assigned the role of a server provided the right softwares are there to back it up. Take a simple instance, you can very well install an FTP server program on your computer to easily share files with other users on your network.

Read Also: Top Most Advantages and Benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

If you are very keen to convert your personal computer into a server or let your home computer act as a server then certain key points must be kept in mind before you go ahead with the same and they are as follows 

• Your computer and the related server must be running all the time in order to to ensure accessibility.
• You should be wary of the fact, that connecting a computer to a network as well as the internet is a risky proposition, the reason being it opens up the risk of attacks on your computer.
• Assuming the services being offered by you gain popularity in that event the computer can very easily run out of the requisite resources mandatory to handle all the requests.

Read Also: The Science and Technology: A Boon - or - A - Bane 

Conclusion

This article is a comprehensive article when it comes to figuring out the significance of servers. It is fairly important for us to understand that the role of a server is pivotal in the context of accepting and responding to requests made over a network. It plays a very important role, this fact cannot be challenged. If you have any suggestions to offer or any feedback that you would like to share, kindly use the comment section for this purpose. Looking forward to continued support from all our esteemed readers.

Read Also:

• How are Children Raised in an Era of Digital Technology and Literacy?
  
• Replacing Teachers with Technical Devices: Is It a Good or Bad Idea?  
• The 9 Most Important Differences Between Linux OS and Windows OS
  
• What is Linux Distribution or distro? Lists of Some Popular Linux Distributions for You 
• How did Science and Technology Flourish in Ancient India?
• Comparison of Technology - Between the Developed and Under Developed Countries 
• New Technologies in the Education system 2022