Servers

In simple English, Servers refer to combinations of hardware and software with the objective of providing services to clients. In the context of computer networking, this refers to clients within networks. Nowadays, we are all part of some computer network whether we realize it or not, and it is Servers that make the network efficient and useful.

While there are many different types of Servers available such as print, exchange and web servers, they all must possess special characteristics which separate them from other computer devices given that they are providing services to users on a network. Some of these are covered in this article.

One of the necessary characteristics of any server is a fast network connection and high Input/Output throughput. If a network is to serve its users with an outstanding service, it must do so in a fast manner and be able to process a lot of data with ease. This is probably the single most important feature that all Servers must have.

Another essential feature of a server is its availability and reliability. Given that most networks work on a 20+ hours per day basis and process important (and sometimes confidential) data, Servers must be able to stand long periods and not be very prone to failure. In order to achieve a great level of reliability, Servers will use large computer fans or water cooling as well as power supplies which cannot be interrupted. An important industry where Servers are commonly used and relied upon is the web hosting industry which is becoming bigger and more important every year.

Overall, the number of computer networks that we participate in is growing exponentially on a yearly basis. As a result, Servers look set to become more important and central to our lives.