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) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
- SQL Server 2008 R2 gets an official due date
- Speaking of roadmaps, Microsoft (either "by design" or by mistake) has provided a due date for SQL Server 2008 R2, the next version of its database. Up until recently, the Softies have been saying SQL Server 2008 R2 would be a "first half" 2010 product. But in a new benchmark...
- Blog posts 2009-11-30
- Best Mail Server 5.8 (Windows)
- Best Mail Server is an ultra fast SMTP/POP3 server program. You can send mail from any mail client that is complaint with SMTP protocol using this server. You can also configure it to be your local mail server. It will accept mail on your behalf and store it, until your...
- Software downloads 2009-11-28
- Server Health Notifier 1.2 (Windows)
- Powerful, simple and easily configured application for notifying about the system resources problems of a local or remote computer. With the help of this product you'll be instantly informed of your server problems! You'll be able to specify critical values for every monitored resource. When exceeding the critical level, you'll...
- Software downloads 2009-11-27
- SpamFighter Exchange Server Module 3.5.3.3 (Windows)
- Spamfighter Exchange Module SEM is the easy-to-use anti-spam/virus solution for Microsoft Exchange Servers. SEM delivers instant spam protection with no configuration or maintenance what so ever. SEM integrates with Exchange Server or Microsoft Small Business Server, making the solution very fast. As e-mail arrives and the Exchange Server routes it...
- Software downloads 2009-11-26
- Brekeke SIP Server 2.3.8.4 (Windows)
- Brekeke SIP Server provides SIP-based communication platform for service providers and enterprises. The product has original NAT traversal functionality, TCP-UDP (UDP-TCP) conversion as well as flexible control routing functions. Brekeke SIP Server enables high-quality and reliable IP communications with minimal initial investment.
- Software downloads 2009-11-26
- Core FTP Server 1.0 build 319 (Windows)
- Core FTP Server is a secure FTP server with SSL/TLS/FTPS, SSH/SFTP, HTTP/S support virtual paths, access rules, and certificate authentication. Quick and easy setup, start sharing files in minutes. Free version supports one domain and two users.
- Software downloads 2009-11-26
- MyConnection Server 8.8d (Windows)
- MyConnection Server MCS broadband testing software enables businesses to test connections for bandwidth speeds and connection quality for time critical applications such as VoIP, Video conferencing and IPTV. MCS helps organizations to assess networks for deployment of new/additional services, and identify and resolve last mile customer connectivity problems with little...
- Software downloads 2009-11-26
- Does virtualization equal cloud computing?
- I would say yesThere is no need to buy 'stand alone' servers any longer in functionality when you can put it in a Blade 'name your flavor' chassis.Virtualization with VMware/RHEL or some vendor is the best way to get it off bare-metal...Doing baremetal rebuilds is time consuming and it takes...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-25
- Jack OS X 0.84 (Mac)
- Jack Tools is a Mac OS X implementation of the Jack Audio Connection Kit Jack. Jack is a low-latency audio server, written originally for the GNU/Linux operating system. It connects any number of different applications to a single hardware audio device; it also allows applications to send and receive audio...
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
- Fastream IQ Proxy Server 3.1.4R (Windows)
- IQ Proxy Server is a robust and secure content/reverse solution for Windows. Featuring the most scalable server engine with up to 20,000 simultaneous connections for both filtering and caching content proxy and securing and accelerating reverse proxy, could serve more than 10,000 requests/sec in keep-alive mode. Fastream IQ Proxy Server...
- Software downloads 2009-11-24
- Apple Final Cut Server 1.5.1 (Mac)
- Powerful software solution for media asset management and workflow automation, is now shipping. A scaleable server application, Final Cut Server automatically catalogs large collections of assets, allows searching across multiple disks and SAN volumes and enables viewing, annotation and approval of content from anywhere using a PC or Mac.
- Software downloads 2009-11-24
- Extensis Portfolio Server 9.1 (Mac)
- In short, the Portfolio Server Solution is a powerful "dashboard" for demanding creative workflows. Built on open, industry-proven technologies, it easily integrates with your existing infrastructure. Portfolio Server remains the only robust DAM solution that can be deployed in hours not months and is user-friendly enough for instant adoption by...
- Software downloads 2009-11-24
- EMS SQL Manager for SQL Server Lite 3.5.0.2 (Windows)
- EMS SQL Manager for SQL Server is a powerful tool for SQL Server administration and development. SQL Manager 2005 works with any SQL Server versions from 7 to 2005 and supports all of the latest SQL Server features including new SQL Server 2005 permission system, assemblies, DDL triggers, XML columns,...
- Software downloads 2009-11-21
- Open Search Server 1.1.2r665 (Mac)
- Open Search Server OSS is a search engine software developed under the GPL v3 open source licence. Built using the best open source technologies available, Open Search Server is a stable, high-performance piece of software. It is both a modern search engine and a suite of high-powered full text search...
- Software downloads 2009-11-21
- Internet Server Monitor 10.0.15 (Windows)
- Internet Server Monitor is a network monitoring tool enabling Systems Administrators to monitor network servers, services, and applications for failures as well as recoveries enabling issue identification and resolution before users report them. Internet Server Monitor handshakes with network resources and calls specific functions enabling Internet Server Monitor to determine...
- Software downloads 2009-11-19
- Apple Server Admin Tools 10.6.2 (Mac)
- This download contains remote administration tools, documentation, and utilities that you can install on a computer other than your server.
- Software downloads 2009-11-19
- NComputing announces new Microsoft partnership
- I've featured NComputing a few times in this blog, largely focusing on their solutions that turn a single workstation into as many as 10 workstations using thin client technologies. In particular, I wrote about NComputing's successful bid beating out Intel and OLPC to provide thin-client computers to as many...
- Blog posts 2009-11-18
- (A PDC peek at a Microsoft server container (photos))
- Free cooling?Can this contain take advantage of the ambient temperature during the winter? And are their freeze protection measures? RE: (A PDC peek at a Microsoft server container photos)Blooty Marvelous i want that woone !And like mobile phone and microwave and sat base/earth stations i am guessing...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-18
- Shopping at the second-hand server store
- Virtualization or not - you're still spending too much on hardware if you buy it new. Whether you need one server or a pallet load, it's all available at 15-20% of the original price, for equipment that is only 2 - 4 years old, made by your favorite manufacturers. by...
- Blog posts 2009-11-18
- Xlight FTP Server 3.5 (Windows)
- Xlight FTP Server is an easy to use high performance FTP server with very low memory and CPU usage. It has many features and advanced features such as remote administration, SSL, SFTP,ODBC, LDAP, Active Directory, e-mail notification, and IPv6 support.
- Software downloads 2009-11-18
Neighboring Terms
Premier Vendor Content Whitepapers, webcasts & resources from our Power Center Sponsors
- The more you simplify, the more you save
-
When you transition from your existing Red Hat environment to SUSE Linux Enterprise from Novell, you can recognize dramatic cost savings, perhaps as much 50%
- Learn more >>
- New Online Dashboard for IT Leaders
-
Read about top issues IT decision-makers face every day, plus get cost-effective solutions to real-life IT problems.
- Learn more >>
- Keep Up With The Latest In Document Management with The DocuMentor.
-
Doc delivers the scoop on today's enterprise content management, printer maintenance, and all other issues related to document management. It's the DocuMentor Blog.
- Learn more >>
- Learn more about tools to grow your business
-
The Business Essentials Guide provides you useful tools and templates to help grow your business and save you time with automated shipping solutions.
- Save time with the UPS Business Essentials Guide
- Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online - Free Six-Month Trial for Eligible Organizations
-
Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online provides fast online access, simple contact management and better sales performance for a low monthly cost - the best value on the market today.
- Learn more about the free, six-month trial offer>>
Meet Doc
-
-
Here to help you with your Document Management Needs
- Doc is an enigma. Born to a Russian ballerina and a German electrical engineer, he grew up in various locations in the United States. He’s seen the insides of more brands, versions, and generations of printer and printer-related hardware than almost anyone.
- To learn more about this mysterious figure check out his blog on ZDNet and his Workspace on TechRepublic. You’ll be glad you did.
-
Produced by
ZDNet and -
