What is a server?

Servers are dedicated computers that are designed to process requests and provide data services to "client" computers. A server is comprised of server hardware, a server operating system, and depending on it’s function, can also include application software. The server hardware is usually a lot more powerful than a normal computer and has the following characteristics.

• One or multiple powerful processors.
• Large amount of available storage. This is usually setup in a raid configuration to provide redundancy. (Basically, if a hard disk were to fail, no information would be lost.)
• In most cases, can be fitted into a server rack.
• Some come with multiple power supplies for redundancy.

Businesses are quite dependant on servers in order to run their day to day operations, and this is why server manufacturers have incorporated all these redundant features. Manufacturers have come up with quite a range of different servers to appeal to all types of businesses, from entry level servers to high-end blade servers and server farms.

The server operating system is basically a platform to supply services to the "client" computers and usually includes file sharing, printer sharing, web site hosting and many other features. The most common server operating systems are Microsoft Windows, Linux (many versions), Unix and Novell NetWare.

Application software provide services like email communications, database functionality, web services and many other custom made applications.

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