Servers

Types of Servers

  • Web servers: These servers deliver web pages to users upon receiving a HTTP or HTTPS request. Each web page accessed on the internet is hosted on a web server like Apache HTTP Server or Microsoft’s Internet Information Services.

  • File servers: These store, distribute, and manage data files across a network. Users connected to the network can access these files, effectively allowing shared access to important data.

  • Database servers: These provide and maintain a central place for storing and managing database files. They often use software like MySQL, Oracle, or Microsoft SQL Server.

  • Game servers: These provide the data needed for online multiplayer games. They generate and maintain the game environment and manage player input and output.

Role of a Server

  • Request handling: The server responds to requests from client machines. This could be a request for a web page, a file or specific data from a database.

  • Managing resources: Servers control access to network resources, ensuring files, data and internet connections are shared fairly and securely between users.

  • Backup and recovery: Servers often provide a central point for backing up data and also implementing recovery protocols if data is lost or corrupted.

Server Hardware

  • Processor: Servers typically have powerful processors to handle intensive tasks and multiple requests.

  • Memory (RAM): Servers usually have a large amount of RAM to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, increasing their speed and performance.

  • Storage: High-capacity, reliable storage is essential for servers to store files, databases, and other data.

  • Network interface cards (NICs): These allow a server to connect to other computers or to a network.

Server Software

  • Operating System (OS): An OS like Windows Server, Linux, or Unix, designed for server use, is required to manage the server’s resources, host applications, and handle security.

  • Server Applications: Depending on the type of server, different applications are needed. For example, web servers need software like Apache or IIS, and database servers would use software like SQL Server or Oracle.

Server Security and Maintenance

  • Updates and Patches: Servers require regular updates and security patches to keep them secure from threats.

  • Firewalls and Antivirus Software: Servers should be protected with firewall and antivirus software to prevent unauthorised access and to keep out malware.

  • Regular monitoring: Servers need to be monitored for optimal performance, capacity usage, and potential problems.

Server Performance

  • Response time: This is the time it takes for a server to respond to a request from a client machine. Faster response times often result in better overall performance.

  • Uptime: Servers should aim for a high uptime, meaning the time that they are operational and available. This is often expressed as a percentage out of 100%.

  • Failover: Servers can be setup to provide failover, a method of protecting computer systems from failure. If one server fails, the failover system automatically switches to a backup server.

The Impact of Servers

  • Sharing Resources: Both data and hardware resources, like printers or scanners can be shared across a network via a server.

  • Enhanced Collaboration: Servers allow for better collaboration by providing a central point for data and resources, essential for businesses and educational establishments.

  • Improved Security: Servers provide centralized data management, which typically enhances security through controlled access to shared files.