COMPUTER SERVER

A computer server is a computer that provides information to other computers or client computers on a computer network. A computer server responds to the request from many client computers and provides various services such as; data storage and retrieval, resource sharing, hosting websites and applications, file sharing, access control and so on.

There are various types of servers and they are; dedicated servers, cloud servers, virtual servers, blade servers, application servers, web servers, database servers, file servers, proxy servers, DNS servers, edge servers etc.

Dedicated servers are physical servers that use all its resources for a single user or organization. The main purpose behind this is to ensure stability, reliability and security in the process of sharing information to different sources.

Cloud servers are virtual servers hosted on cloud platforms such as AMAZON AWS, MICROSOFT AZURE and GOOGLE cloud services. The cloud platforms provide scalable on demand services to various computer users or clients.

Virtual servers are software based servers that run on physical server hardware thereby maximizing hardware resource utilization and allowing for flexibility and scalability.

Blade servers are compact servers that house multiple server modules in a single chassis, providing space saving design, energy efficiency and quick or rapid scalability.

Application servers are servers designed to work with application software, hosting dynamic web sites and providing instant results such as java based servers and Microsoft.NET servers.

Web servers are servers that hosts websites, handling HTTP request and serving content or results to users or clients such as apache HTTP server and NginX.

Database servers are used to store and manage data, providing fast query performance and data security, such as MySQL, Postgre SQL and Microsoft SQL server.

File servers are used to store and manage files, providing centralized access and data integrity such as windows file server and Samba.

Proxy servers are servers that acts middleman between the clients and external servers. The main purpose or function of the proxy server is to filter requests thus improving performance and sharing connections.

DNS servers are servers that handle domain names, resolving network server names and converting human friendly web names into numeric IP address.

Edge servers are servers that process information quickly near the data source thereby reducing latency for low latency applications.

The typical difference between a general purpose computer and a computer server in terms of their hardware and software configuration and specification is as follows; a general purpose computer has only one standard CPU, while a computer server has a more powerful, high performance CPU designed to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. A general purpose computer requires a RAM memory of between, 8GB to 16GB to carry out its function satisfactorily. A computer server requires a RAM memory of between 32GB to several terabytes RAM to perform it designed function to handle multiple applications and users satisfactorily.

A general purpose computer uses a single hard drive or solid state drive (SSD) for storing programs and files. A computer server often uses multiple hard drives or solid state drive (SSD), configured in a RAID (redundant array of independent disks) setup for data redundancy and performance.

A general purpose computer has a standard power supply unit (PSU), while a computer server requires or uses a more power supply unit (PSU) with redundant units to ensure continuous operation.

A general purpose computer has a standard Ethernet or wifi connection, while a computer server has multiple network interfaces, high speed Ethernet connections and advanced networking capabilities.

The differences between a general purpose computer software and a computer server software is as follows; a general purpose computer uses a standard operating system like windows or MacOs. A computer server uses a server specific operating system like windows server, Linux server or UNIX. Computer servers also run server specific software, like web servers such as apache and nginx, database servers such as MySQL, postgre sql and file servers while general purpose computers do not. A general purpose computer requires only a standard security software like antivirus programs, while computer servers requires advanced security measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems and access controls.

The advantages of computer servers are as follows; computer servers can handle multitasking efficiently and provide fast data processing and response times. Computer servers enable multiple users to access, share and work on files and applications simultaneously. Cloud servers and virtual servers offers scalability allowing business to adjust resources as they require. Servers are design to run continuously twenty four hours in day seven days a week without failure and with high efficiency.

The disadvantages of computer servers are as follows; dedicated servers and high performance servers can be expensive to purchase and maintain. Computer servers are very complex they require specialized technical expertise to configure and manage especially for complex applications. Computer servers are vulnerable to cyber threats requiring robust security measures to protect sensitive data.

Computer servers find widespread applications in the following industries; business organizations, web hosting services, database management services, computer organization, data and cloud computing centers, educational and research institution, military and defense industries, government etc.

The future of computer servers is predicated on the development in the following technologies; artificial intelligence which would assist servers to drive enabling growth in all aspects of their operation and service. The increased use of edge server in computer server network will enable low latency processing and reduce reliance on centralized data. In addition cloud server prominence will offer new opportunities for business offering scalability, flexibility and cost effectiveness.

 

SOURCES:

• Mastering windows server 2022 by Jordan Krause.
• Ubuntu server by Jay LaCriox.
• Client/Server programming with Java and Corba by Robert Orfali and Dan Harkey.
• Database server administration: A comprehensive guide by Craig S. Mullins
• Server management: A practical guide by Kieran McCarthy.