Server Computer

If you plan to understand the working of the Internet or any computer networking system, you need to know what is a server computer. Computer networks have an inbuilt hierarchy in the form of server computers and client computers. This client-server architecture exists at every hierarchical level of the vast network of computers that integrate to form the Internet. Without further ado, let me explain what is a computer server and what role does it play on a computer network.

What is a Server Computer?

A server computer is an entity or a system that makes resource sharing on any computer networking system possible. The term Server Computer could apply to a software program or a computer with installed software and hardware capabilities that can let it share computing resources on a network. In a network with server-client architecture, a server is the provider of facilities, while the clients are the ones on the receiving end. They are the overseers and gatekeepers over a computer network, who control resource sharing and access rights of computers connected with it. Almost any computer could be made to function as a server with the installation of proper 'server' software. There are many different types of servers based on the kind of services they offer over a network and the scale of computing network, which they control.

Components of a Server

The components of a computer server are no different from the parts of any desktop or laptop computer. Only, server computers are built from parts that are created to deliver high power performance. They use the best computer processors on the market with high clocking frequencies, special motherboards with extended facilities and high RAM capacity. Computer servers generally have a large storage space on their hard drives. These server computers are generally installed with Unix or Linux kernel based computer operating systems. A server may be more than one computer connected together for some purpose. The design of a server is minimalistic and they are built with the singular objective of maximizing performance.

Servers need uninterrupted power supply as most of them need to be functional, round the clock. They are usually housed in air conditioned rooms to keep their internal heat levels down. Let us have a look at the types of server computers in the next section.

Types of Servers

Servers may be either general purpose type, that are used on small local area networks or home networks or dedicated ones that are used to provide a specific facility. The general purpose type, which are used as overseers in a small computer network control access to the Internet gateway and help share resources like printers on the network. There are many types of dedicated servers, which include web servers, database servers, DNS (domain name system) servers, online gaming servers, FTP servers, proxy servers, SMTP servers and even email servers. All of them are designed to provide a specific service on the Internet and they run 24 x 7. Every single service on the Internet, which you use, is made possible, because of dedicated servers.

How to Build a Server?

It is difficult to discuss how to set up a server in a few words. However, I will provide an overview. To build a server computer, you will need a machine with adequately high RAM, high processing speed and storage space. What makes a server is the proper operating system or application installed on it. Depending on the kind of dedicated server you plan to build, you will need a server software that can effectively handle all its functions. Linux is one of the best operating systems to install on your computer, if you are planning to convert it into a server. For example, if you are planning to set up a web server, then you may choose the 'Apache HTTP server' and install it on your computer. You will have to study the intricacies of web server administration to be able to set up and maintain a web site using it. You can buy a ready-made server computer, that satisfies all the hardware requirements and comes with a preinstalled server operating system. You will obviously have to study how to configure and maintain a server computer. With proper know-how, any one can set up a home computer server.

In the integration of computer networks, servers make resource sharing possible, besides providing the requisite software and hardware capabilities required to manage them. Hope this article has helped you get a modicum of understanding about what is server computer and how does it help make availability of all the services on a small network or the Internet possible.