What’s a Server?

Recently, we have been asked this question on a couple of occasions and realized that not everyone is dialed into technology and the terminology used. So, let’s put up an explanation for better understanding.

According to Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Server_(computing)

a server is a computer program or a device that provides functionality for other programs or devices, called “clients”. This architecture is called the client–server model, and a single overall computation is distributed across multiple processes or devices. Servers can provide various functionalities, often called “services”, such as sharing data or resources among multiple clients, or performing computation for a client. A single server can serve multiple clients, and a single client can use multiple servers. A client process may run on the same device or may connect over a network to a server on a different device. Typical servers are database servers, file servers, mail servers, print servers, web servers, game servers, and application servers.

In many ways, a server on a computer network is similar to a server in a restaurant. Both take several kinds of requests for different kinds of items, process those requests, and return (ideally) the results desired by the client or customer. There are certainly other steps and services involved, but the server is the main point of interaction for the client.

Both kinds of servers can vary widely in how well they perform, but both are essential to smooth operation. You may have experienced dining out, and having a great meal spoiled by an incompetent waiter – in the same way, a great day on the job can be spoiled by a slow server on your network.

That’s why you want to have good server management. We’re not in the restaurant business, but at ZBx Technology we can help keep the servers on your network running the way they should.