A server is a computer or a system that provides functionality or resources to other computers, known as clients, over a network. Servers are designed to handle requests from clients and provide them with the necessary data, services, or resources. Here are some key points about servers:
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Purpose: Servers serve specific purposes such as hosting websites, managing emails, storing files, running applications, or providing access to databases.
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Hardware and Software: Server hardware is typically more powerful and robust compared to client computers, capable of handling multiple requests simultaneously. Server software includes operating systems and specialized server applications that manage resources and respond to client requests.
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Types of Servers:
- Web Server: Delivers web pages to clients over HTTP/HTTPS protocols (e.g., Apache, Nginx).
- File Server: Stores and manages files for clients (e.g., Windows File Server, Samba).
- Database Server: Manages databases and provides access to stored data (e.g., MySQL, Oracle).
- Mail Server: Handles email communication and storage (e.g., Exchange Server, Postfix).
- Application Server: Runs and manages business applications (e.g., Java EE servers like Apache Tomcat).
- Game Server: Manages multiplayer online games (e.g., Minecraft server, game-specific servers).
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Client-Server Model: This is a common architecture where clients request data or services from servers over a network. The server processes these requests and returns the appropriate response.
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Server Farm/Cluster: Large-scale deployments of servers where multiple servers work together to provide redundancy, scalability, and load balancing.
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Cloud Servers: Virtualized servers hosted in the cloud, providing scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency for businesses and developers.
In essence, servers form the backbone of networked computing environments, enabling the sharing and distribution of resources and services across various devices and users.
