A server, in the field of technology, is a kind of hardware like a computer, laptop, or system of hardware cum software that processes, delivers, sends, and receives data on the Internet or intranet with the help of a Local Area Network(LAN) or Wide Area Network(WAN).
In the arena of networks, servers are essentials for data management that are interconnected to each other all over the world in order to serve various services based on certain criteria. In the data centers, these are specially kept, managed, structured, and repaired with sophisticated technology.
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Who Invented Server First of all?
The server, was, first of all, designed, experimented and run by sir Tim Berners-Lee, an English computer software scientist while working at CERN in Switzerland in 1989. The first server that he invented was the World Wide Web. At the primary stage, it was limited to itself but later on became modified, developed, and widely available to all through the collective efforts of sir Tim and his associates.
” Had the technology been proprietary, and in my total control, it would probably not have taken off. You can’t propose that something be a universal space and at the same time keep control of it “
Tim Berners Lee
Works of Server
The server performs several kinds of work based on the queries of clients. When users make searches or queries, their responses are provided by the servers matching the data provided by the users. So, it serves various functions, such as sending or receiving email through SMTP, downloading files via FTP, managing DNS, hosting websites, allowing or denying access to databases to do other functions, etc.
Where is Located Server?
Generally speaking, servers are located in a glasshouse or a closet. Because, these are very important and valuable assets in this modern era of technology, with the assistance of which people all over the world communicate, exchange information, and do a lot of services. That’s why proper safeguards should be taken where servers are to be kept, with respect to system infrastructure, power supply, and public’s exit-entrance. Taking into consideration the safety measures, these are handled, managed, and kept in an isolated system or Data Center. To provide better user-friendliness, load-speed, reliability, management, and hassle-free connectivity to the consumers the biggest web host companies have built several data centers all over the countries.
Can Internet Go Without Server?
All the servers of the web are interconnected to one another through network connectivity. In other words, there are millions of computers in different parts of the world which can access one another with IP Addresses and networking. If there is no network, there will be no interconnectivity. Hence, servers must need a network and Internet connection to transfer and exchange data on the web.
A single computer or laptop doesn’t form the platform for the internet. As the Internet is an interconnected platform of servers and networks, it cannot function and even doesn’t exist without servers. There are tier-1, tier-2, and tier-3 ISPs that are interconnected to one another. The giant telecommunication companies provide network connectivity through the land and seas covering all the countries of the world. Tata Communication from India is one of the three giant ISPs that has used pipes and cables to supply uninterrupted Tier-1 network connectivity to more than 200 countries and territories. Now of course you have perceived how important is server and network——– the duo without which internet can’t exist.
There are some limitations too. One computer can’t be connected to another provided that it is located outside. In this case, it can’t access, as there is neither DNS Resolver nor IP address provider. However, through LAN one device can be interconnected to another.
How Computers are Connected to Servers?
Computers are generally connected to servers with Local Area Networks, Wide Area Network, or chains of networks. Here router is an important agent that either gives access to the same route network to an incoming signal or denies it. Usually, a user can access a server over the internet while it is assigned a unique IP address by a web host, ISP, or INTERNIC. Though users use a domain name registered with a particular domain registrar, however, it is translated into an IP address of the server by a DNS resolver automatically. An IP address is hard to remember and may change as per location but the domain name being word/s easier to remember and use.
Can You Turn Your PC into a Server?
Now, we are in the age of technology. People want to stay connected to others. That’s why a simple question may arise in your mind like can I turn my PC or laptop into a web server? The answer is of course yes. To turn your pc into a server you need the following prerequisites.
- Proper software needed for specific functions
- Internet connectivity should be available all the time without any interruption, that’s to say, you have to work like a Webhosting company.
- Your pc should be accessible by others.
- To keep your PC safe from all kinds of malware/hacks, it should be equipped with antivirus apps or web applications.
- Infrastructure should be developed like an uninterrupted power supply, glasshouse, or closet.
- The network must be present all the time.
- Besides, fast RAM, processor, SSD/HDD, etc.
Classification of Server
Servers are needed in order to serve various kinds of functions. All servers don’t perform the same work. Based on its functions these are classified as follows:
File Server
This kind of server stores manages and processes data files in a way that is easy to access by other users and clients.
Mail Server
A mail server is designed to receive incoming mail, send outgoing mail as well as perform mail delivery with special software.
Web Server
Here many computers are interconnected to one another in a line of the network via the same route or by that of another. These servers process data against each inquiry made by a browser so that it can approach the user at right time. There are many kinds of web servers in the world of which Apache is a good one.
Application Server
The application server is a kind of computer program made using Java, PHP, or NET. These servers can develop taste, and run web-based applications and business logic. These are more convenient for web security, data integrity, and centralized data management.
Cloud Server
Nowadays cloud server is frequently used by various web host company to handle the huge mass of data securely in a short span of time using less physical infrastructure and manpower. This is possible through ‘Cloud Computing’ a technique managed by specific software to process data from remote servers to the browser when made the request. There are many cloud platforms, such as Google Cloud, AWS, IBM’s Cloud, etc.
Domain Name System
DNS stands for Domain Name System. It translates a domain name when placed into the address bar of a browser into an IP address with the assistance of a Domain Name server. The string of words(domain name) is transformed into an IP address so that the proper destination page (target page) of the website is surfed, browsed, fetched, and displayed to the back-end users. Every webhost company has domain name servers to serve IP addresses.
Database Server
This is a kind of computer that stores data and retrieves it back when an inquiry is made by a user. Database servers are built-in using SQL-based software so as to respond to the demand of the client with a proper answer as far as quick. This kind of device is mainly used to store data and is built on Query language.
Print Server
This kind of server allows printing a file, a pdf, or a page containing web resources. That said, it manages printing functionality. On the internet, people find out various resources and sometimes even get obliged to print them out for subsequent use. Had the server not facilitated the printing functionality, the end-users probably couldn’t have printed out the online web resources. For the sake of consumers, this kind of server has a built-in printing button that a user can use to have a printed copy. So, you don’t need a separate computer at each workstation to avail this service as the server itself responds to multiple client requests.
Virtual Server
Virtual servers are kept within the hypervisor, a special kind of software. A single hypervisor can run thousands of virtual servers at once. The hypervisor used works, as it were, as real hardware and represents a virtual server. But as storage and competition are concerned, the real hypervisor executes the required functions shared with the virtual servers and virtual hardware. In more simple words, a real server with physical hardware executes all the functions but at the same time, it is shared with all virtual servers and makes no difference to the user.
Proxy Server
A proxy server may be a computer program or software installed on a computer, that works as an intermediary between the end user and the server. In such a case neither the client nor the original server can communicate with each other directly, as the proxy server itself acts as a go-between from whom both of them can send or receive requests after a security check-up. It is most urgent for web security.
Blade Server
A blade server is a high-density server housing multiple electric circuits acting like a server. Numerous blades are equipped with this kind of server. It saves both space and network maintenance. It doesn’t need more hard drives as were used in the traditional methods for storage. Thus it reduces physical space by removing the hard drive —-no need for internal cooling and undergoing more miniaturization. So to speak in brief, the greatest advantage it offers is reducing cost and physical space while holding the same or greater digital storage.
Dedicated Server
A dedicated server is managed and shared by a single client having paramount features like powerful ram, storage, choice of the operating system, firewall, security update, software update, etc. Here the host provides more advantages than shared hosting. The sites that deal with heavy traffic need such kind of server for a smooth workflow. Here a single computer or network is used by a client.
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