What is server? How Does a Server Work?

Published On - March 6, 2025

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What is a Server?

A server is a computer system or software program that provides services, resources, or data to other computers, known as clients, over a network. Servers are a fundamental part of modern computing, enabling everything from websites and emails to cloud storage and online gaming.

Types of Servers

Servers come in various types depending on their function and the services they provide. Some of the most common types include:

  1. Web Server – Hosts websites and delivers web pages to users via browsers. Examples: Apache, Nginx, Microsoft IIS.
  • Database Server – Stores and manages databases, allowing other applications to access structured data. Examples: MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle Database.
  • File Server – Manages file storage and sharing within a network.
  • Mail Server – Handles email communication and message delivery. Examples: Microsoft Exchange, Postfix.
  • Application Server – Runs applications and serves their functionalities to users. Examples: Tomcat, JBoss.
  • Proxy Server – Acts as an intermediary between clients and other servers to improve security and performance.
  • DNS Server – Translates domain names (e.g., google.com) into IP addresses.
  1. Game Server – Hosts online multiplayer games.

How Does a Server Work?

A server works by listening for requests from clients and responding with the requested data or service. The communication follows the client-server model, where:

  • A client (e.g., a web browser) sends a request to the server.
  • The server processes the request, retrieves the required data, and sends a response back to the client.

For example, when you visit a website, your browser requests web pages from a web server, which then sends the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files necessary to display the site.

Server Hardware and Software

Hardware

A server can be a powerful, high-performance computer designed to handle multiple requests simultaneously. Server hardware typically includes:

  • High-speed processors (e.g., Intel Xeon, AMD EPYC)
  • Large RAM capacity for handling multiple processes
  • Redundant storage (RAID) for data security
  • Multiple network interfaces for high-speed connectivity
  • Powerful cooling systems for continuous operation

Software

Server software includes:

  • Operating System (OS): Server-oriented OS like Windows Server, Linux (Ubuntu Server, CentOS), or macOS Server.
  • Server applications: Programs designed to manage network services, such as Apache for web hosting or Microsoft SQL Server for databases.

Types of Server Deployments

  1. Dedicated Server – A single physical server used for one purpose or client.
  2. Virtual Server – A server running inside a virtual machine (VM) on a physical server.
  3. Cloud Server – Hosted in a cloud environment, such as AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure.
  4. On-premises Server – Physically located within an organization’s premises.

Importance of Servers

Servers are essential for:

  • Hosting websites and applications
  • Managing and securing data
  • Enabling cloud computing and virtualization
  • Supporting business operations like email, storage, and collaboration.