What is a Computer Server?

"The server is down", "Cannot establish connection to server", "To edit such details needs access to the main server"... such messages have become commonplace in today's gadget-filled world. But what is the server that these messages refer to and what is its place in a network or an organization's infrastructure? The answer to the question 'what is a computer server' is multiple, as there are two different definitions for the term 'server'. A server can be:

► A physical computer, whose task is to provide services to all terminals or computers connected to it, such as grant permissions or allocate resources.

► An entity in the client/server programming model, where the server is software or a program, running on one or multiple computers, that manages resources and services of the network and handles requests from different computers to access said resources.

Features of a Computer Server

From the above definition of a server, it is clear this is no ordinary, everyday computer and hence, its hardware should match up to the physical demands being placed on it. An ideal server machine should:

• Have a powerful RAM or memory. To handle different requests from different computers and perform operations at a speedy pace, with effectiveness, requires a lot of RAM.
• Optimum processor speed. The processor's speed is usually measured in Giga Hertz. It needs to be sufficient to execute all the commands requested by other machines and multitask as well.
• High-capacity hard drives and storage. Data can be stored on the server in any form and it should be capable of storing large amounts of data.
• Cooling fans to keep the working temperature of such an overworked machine low. With powerful hardware, it is possible for the server to get overheated and lose power.
• An effective operating system. The OS of a server should be capable of handling its multiple operations and should be stable. Linux is one of the most preferred OSs for servers.
• Fault tolerant, reliable and sturdy machineware. A server should not fail or shut down based on poor hardware. It should be reliable and fail-secure. For this, it needs steadfast hardware parts and components, that will not break down.
• An uninterrupted power supply. Server operations are time-sensitive and delicate. For continuous performance, the server shouldn't suffer from power failures due to an unreliable power source.
• Redundant hardware. It never fails to have a backup and in case of a server machine, which should always be on, having backup hardware is of great use. In case one hard drive fails, there should be a backup drive, that can work in its place.

Types of Servers

The different types of computer servers are:

Application servers Database server File server FTP servers Game server Mail server Network server

Name server Print server Proxy server Real-time communication servers (chat servers) Standalone server Virtual servers Web server

Hope this article has helped answer the query, "what is a computer server?"