A computer system in a network that is shared by multiple users. Servers come in all sizes from x86-based PCs to IBM mainframes. A server may have a keyboard, monitor and mouse directly attached, or one keyboard, monitor and mouse may connect to any number of servers via a switch (see KVM switch). In large companies, servers often reside in racks in the datacenter, and all access is via their network connections. See server farm and rack mounted.
Any User Machine Can Be a Server
Stand-alone PCs and Macs can also function as a server to other users on the network even though they serve as a single workstation to one user (see peer-to-peer). In such cases, only specific folders are marked for sharing rather than the entire hard drive.
It Can Also Be Software
The term "server" may refer to both the hardware and software (the entire computer system) or just the software that performs the service. For example, Web server may refer to the Web server software in a computer that also runs other applications, or, it may refer to a computer system dedicated only to the Web server application. For example, a large Web site could have several dedicated Web servers or one very large Web server.
Servers are classified by their purpose, and the following servers are defined in this Encyclopedia.
Any User Machine Can Be a Server
Stand-alone PCs and Macs can also function as a server to other users on the network even though they serve as a single workstation to one user (see peer-to-peer). In such cases, only specific folders are marked for sharing rather than the entire hard drive.
It Can Also Be Software
The term "server" may refer to both the hardware and software (the entire computer system) or just the software that performs the service. For example, Web server may refer to the Web server software in a computer that also runs other applications, or, it may refer to a computer system dedicated only to the Web server application. For example, a large Web site could have several dedicated Web servers or one very large Web server.
Servers are classified by their purpose, and the following servers are defined in this Encyclopedia.
application server
audio server
database server
fax server
file server
intranet server
mail server
merchant server
modem server
network access server
print server
proxy server
remote access server
telephony server
terminal server
video server
Web server
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2008 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
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