What is Server?

Meaning & Definition

Server

A server is a specialized computer or software system designed to provide specific services, resources, or data to other computers, known as clients, over a network. Servers play a central role in the functioning of computer networks and the internet, as they are responsible for processing requests, storing data, and delivering content or services to users or client devices. Servers come in various forms, each designed to perform specific tasks or services.

Key characteristics and types of servers include:

• Client-Server Model

Servers operate based on the client-server model, where clients (computers or devices) make requests for data or services, and servers respond by providing the requested information or performing the requested tasks.

• Specialized Functions

Servers are designed to perform specific functions. Common types of servers include web servers, email servers, file servers, database servers, and print servers, each serving a distinct purpose.

• High Availability

Many servers are configured for high availability, employing redundant hardware and backup systems to minimize downtime and ensure uninterrupted service.

• Data Storage

File servers and database servers store and manage data, making it accessible to authorized users or applications within a network.

• Resource Sharing

Print servers facilitate the sharing of printers and related resources among multiple users or devices on a network.

• Web Hosting

Web servers store website content and deliver web pages to users’ web browsers when they request a website.

• Email Services

Email servers manage and store email messages, allowing users to send, receive, and access their email.

• Application Hosting

Application servers host and run specific software applications, making them accessible to clients over the network.

• Authentication and Authorization

Authentication servers validate the identity of users or devices, while authorization servers determine the permissions and access levels granted to them.

• DNS Servers

Domain Name System (DNS) servers translate human-readable domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses, allowing clients to locate web servers and other resources.

• Streaming Servers

Streaming servers deliver audio and video content over the internet, allowing users to watch or listen in real-time or on-demand.

• Proxy Servers

Proxy servers act as intermediaries between clients and other servers, enhancing security, caching content, or providing anonymity for clients.

• Game Servers

Game servers support multiplayer online gaming by hosting and managing online gaming environments.

Servers can be physical hardware devices, often found in data centers or server rooms, or they can be virtualized, running as software on shared physical hardware (virtual machines). Virtualization allows for greater flexibility and resource allocation, as multiple virtual servers can run on a single physical server.
In a networked environment, servers are essential for providing the resources and services that users and client devices rely on. They ensure that data is stored, processed, and delivered efficiently, making them a critical component of modern computing and network infrastructure.