Server

A server is a computer, a device or a program that is dedicated to managing network resources. Servers are often referred to as dedicated because they carry out hardly any other tasks apart from their server tasks.

There are a number of categories of servers, including print servers, file servers, network servers and database servers.

In theory, whenever computers share resources with client machines they are considered servers.

Nearly all personal computers are capable of serving as network servers. However, usually, software/hardware system dedicated computers have features and configurations just for this task. 

For example, dedicated servers may have high-performance RAM, a faster processor, and several high-capacity hard drives. In addition, dedicated servers may be connected to redundant power supplies, several networks, and other servers. Such connection features and configurations are necessary as many client machines and client programs may depend on them to function efficiently, correctly and reliably.

In order to operate in a unique network environment where many computers and hardware/software systems are dependent on just one or several server computers, a server often has special characteristics and capabilities, including:

• The ability to update hardware and software without a restart or reboot.

• Advanced backup capability for frequent backup of critical data.

• Advanced networking performance.

• Automatic (invisible to the user) data transfer between devices.

• High security for resources, data and memory protection.

Server computers often have special operating systems not usually found on personal computers. Some operating systems are available in both server and desktop versions and use similar interfaces. However, an increase in the reliability of both server hardware and operating systems have blurred the distinctions between desktop and server operating systems.