Server
lastmod 2026-07-01created 2016-11-013 edits
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A server (North Korean standard language: bongsagi) is a computer (server computer) or program (server program) that provides services to clients over a network. In particular, software that runs on a server is called server software. Servers are usually large computers with an operating system such as Linux installed, but not always.
A server monitors and controls the entire network, such as printer control and file management; connects to mainframes or to other networks through public networks; and helps share software resources such as data, programs, and files, as well as hardware resources such as modems, fax machines, printers, and other equipment.
A server provides services at the request of users (clients). A system configured this way is called a client-server system, which means a form of distributed processing that operates one or more applications in a mutually cooperative environment. In other words, a client-server system is a processing method in which the user gets the desired result through cooperation between the client that requests a service and the server that handles the client's request.
In a small LAN with about 5 to 20 clients, a single server can handle all services, but in a large LAN, multiple servers are deployed and their roles are subdivided: a file server handles file management, a print server handles printer control, and a communications server handles exchanges with the outside, such as the Internet.
Categories
Types of servers
In a general network environment the following types of servers may be found.
- Application server: a server dedicated to running certain software applications.
- Catalog server: a central search point for information across a distributed network.
- Communications server: carrier-grade computing platform for communications networks.
- Database server: provides database services to other computer programs or computers.
- Fax server: provides fax services for clients.
- File server: provides remote access to files.
- Game server: a server that video game clients connect to in order to play online together.
- Home server: a server for the home.
- Name server or DNS.
- Print server: provides printer services.
- Proxy server: acts as an intermediary for requests from clients seeking resources from other servers.
- Sound server: provides multimedia broadcasting, streaming.
- Standalone server: an emulator for client–server (web-based) programs.
- Web Server: a server that HTTP clients connect to in order to send commands and receive responses along with data contents.
Almost the entire structure of the Internet is based upon a client–server model. High-level root nameservers, DNS, and routers direct the traffic on the internet. There are millions of servers connected to the Internet, running continuously throughout the world.
- World Wide Web (WWW)
- Domain Name System.
- E-mail.
- FTP file transfer.
- Chat and instant messaging.
- Voice communication.
- Streaming audio and video.
- Online gaming.
- Database servers.
Virtually every action taken by an ordinary Internet user requires one or more interactions with one or more servers. There are also technologies that operate on an inter-server level. Other services do not use dedicated servers; for example peer-to-peer file sharing, some implementations of telephony (e.g. Skype), and supplying television programs to several users (e.g. Kontiki, SlingBox).