Servers are computers that are specially optimized to provide other computers with services or resources. In a simple sense, any computer with file-sharing capabilities is, technically speaking, a server. However, the term as commonly used has become synonymous with computers that are built and programmed specifically to provide efficient and fast service and resource delivery to clients.
Essential Features of Servers
The features you'll want from a server depends on the task you will be relying on the machine to complete. File servers, for example, need large and fast hard drives, multiple processors and the capability to connect to the Internet at a very high speed.
An online server is built to help clients efficiently connect to the Internet and exchange data. Since going online really just involves the exchange of data stored in files, an online server is really a subtype of file server.
By contrast, a mail server is a computer specially designed to handle huge quantities of email—it will benefit from large internal hard drives and redundant components that will create backups to minimize the chance of email being lost in a system crash.
Print servers usually feature parallel printer ports and multiple USB connections to allow connections to multiple printers.
In essence, then, servers are equipped with highly specific hardware that enables them to perform the assigned task with optimal efficiency.
Server Options to Consider
As mentioned, the specific options you'll want your server computer to have depends on its intended application. However, there are some subclasses of servers that you should be aware of if you're going to take advantage of these technologies.
An SQL server is a special type of database server that uses relational models produced by Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft has also released a family of servers under the Windows Server brand name, including the Windows Server 2008 family of products, the Windows Home Server and the Windows Small Business Server.
A private server or dedicated server is a server machine that only you (or your business) have access to. Because they can be expensive to purchase and maintain, it's common for people to have a virtual private server instead, which is essentially an autonomously controlled section of a larger shared server.
Top Manufacturers of Server Software
Specialized server software is needed to run these powerful machines. Microsoft's server products are the industry standard for PCs and are highly recommended, especially to those who are new to the setup and operation of server equipment.