Server

Not every computer relies on this to operate. For local (on your computer) tasks, you won’t need it since the data is in your PC’s storage. However, it plays a key role in this modern computing world today, especially with the presence of the internet. This means that they need a place for people to access the data anywhere and anytime.

This is what makes a server ideal for communicating, accessing shared resources, or providing an online service. As long as there is access, you can get the data you want from wherever and whenever you like. Without this, there would not be modern data sharing, cloud computing, and internet-based services.

What is a server in a computer?

It is a computer or system that provides data, services, or programs to other devices (clients) over a network. You can find it in the form of a physical machine (hardware) or a program running on a machine (software). Their main purpose is the same, which is to handle requests and deliver responses.

A server provides centralised data storage where you can store files, databases, and backups that many computers can access at the same time. That is why this is important for businesses that want to have consistent data updates. 

This works when clients request help from other computers. Then, the server will process those requests and send back a response. This process can happen constantly and quickly, depending on the network. From here, it allows users to access websites, files, apps, or services over a network. Moreover, here is how it works:

Receiving a request

The first step is for the client to send a request to the server. Meaning, you can interact with a device like a phone or computer to make that. The device will send a request over the network to inform which data you want to access. One of the most common examples is when you are browsing. When you are typing a URL in a browser, it sends a request to the host of the website.

Listening to the request

A server is always on, meaning they are always going to listen for the request you are asking anytime and anywhere. This is because it has a network interface or software for handling tasks. Usually, the host handles it using TCP/IP protocol stack, which ensures data is properly formatted, sent, and acknowledged over the network.

Process the request

Now, the server will study and try to understand what the client wants. It will look for the file on the hard drive, run some code to build the page dynamically, and may request additional data from the database. If it already has a stored response (cached), this will make the process even quicker. It might skip reprocessing and just use the previous result.

Sending the response

When everything’s ready, the server will proceed to the next stage, which is sending the package. It provides the response in a data format like HTML, JSON, XML, and more. The data is sent over to the client’s IP address, using the network. It travels in packets and will be reassembled by the clients. Now, the client’s computer reads and processes the information and displays it as a web page, video, and more.

Common types of servers

There are many types of this machine. Each of them serves a different purpose, with a specific type of service for client devices. Moreover, you can use more than one server type on one occasion. Every one of them can work together to support everything from simple websites to complex enterprise systems. Here are the types of servers you might find:

• Web: Hosts websites and delivers web pages to users.
• File: This is for storing and managing files where users can upload, download, and share them.
• Database: Similar to a file, but it manages and stores data and responds to data queries.
• Application: To run application logic between the client and the backend.
• Mail: Sends, receives, stores, and forwards email.
• Domain Name System (DNS): Translates domain names into IP addresses.
• Proxy: An intermediary between a client and other servers.
• Game: Managing multiplayer game sessions, user positions, and real-time updates.
• Print: This is for sending documents and managing print jobs to the correct printer.
• Virtual: Simulates multiple servers on a single physical machine.