Server: what is it (in simple words), types, applications

The server is a powerful computer or station of dozens of computers. It is needed to ensure the operation of sites and applications. Servers consist of the same components as household computers. However, processing power and storage capacity of servers is much higher. In large data centers, computers are located in cabinets or on racks. Servers run on special operating systems that interact with remote client devices. Servers come in several kinds. Their purpose differs.

Dedicated server

Often, the provider's server hosts data from several sites of different owners. Dedicated server - a separate physical powerful computer for one large website or online store. The tenant gets access to software and hardware control from his computer. He can carry out technical work: change the configuration, settings, install any operating systems.

Dedicated server is suitable for large-scale Internet projects: online stores, large news portals, sites for video streams and sites with a constant attendance of over 20,000 people. Dedicated Server advantages:

• High performance of the dedicated server. The site will not hang up with high attendance.
• Protection from hacker attacks at a high level, personal customer data is safe.
• Continuous operation time is higher, due to the fact that enough resources powerful software.

Minus of dedicated servers - the high cost of the service. They are suitable for large and medium-sized businesses. The team must have IT staff who will serve the system.

Other types of servers

Servers vary in purpose. Here are a few examples:

• A Web server is needed to host site data. Upon request from users, which they enter in the search bar of their browser, the server finds the relevant information. It then sends the data to the requesting device. The user opens the corresponding web page of the site.
• A mail server enables the exchange of emails between users. Different mail servers can exchange data with each other.
• File servers are storage locations for data that is accessed by many users. They can exchange files with each other.
• A proxy server serves as an intermediary between the user and the destination server. It can modify some data to keep the user anonymous and to protect the data.

Servers can be local, when a powerful computer is installed on the company premises in a special room, and employees have access to it. Server rooms are equipped with large companies, which work on the Internet. A remote server for small companies is located in a data center or provider's station, which monitors the equipment. Clients access the server via the Internet.