A computer can indeed be used to do things to be more effective. But by using more than 1 computer would be more efficient is not it? This is where the role of a network, 2 or more computers will be connected to each other to form a network. Well for that, we will need a server to be able to build a solid network.
What is a server? We must have often heard this one word but not many understand the meaning. In a computer network will usually be acting as a server and client. What does it mean? Simply server is a computer or device that provides data. A client is a device that performs data requests to a server.
What is a Server and How Does it Work?
For more details, this time we will discuss the whole about a server. There is quite a lot of information we can discuss from definition, type, function and benefits and how it works. Here is a brief explanation of the ins and outs of the server.
Definition of Server
We have a little touched on the start about what exactly the server is, but to be more clear we will discuss it in more detail. Server can be said as a place where all data and information is stored. Well when there is a client that requests the server will provide information in accordance with the request of the client. This is a common relationship between server and client.
A computer device can actually be a server or client and even both. If device A accesses a website then it will request information from the website and then displayed on its monitor. Simply server is a device that provides information while the client is asking for the information. For more details on how it works please read the following discussion.
How Client and Server Work
It can be said that the workings of the client and server is very simple where the client is the requester while the server is the provider of information. For example when we access website A then our computer acts as a client which asks for information to website A. Then the server from website A will receive the request and then process it. Finally the server sends data in accordance with the client request that will appear on the monitor.
Functions of a Server
This server and client system has many uses and benefits. Instead of being used individually, a computer formed into a network will have many advantages. The following are some of the functions of a server:
- Responsible for the data needs of the clientnya, if anyone asks for information then the server must provide and send it to the client.
- Serves as a place to store and share data for the client.
- Provide various types of needs from the clientnya, not just a matter of data but also hardware and software.
- Keeping an important data so as not to be arbitrary people who can access it. Only clients with permissions can request the data.
- As the center of the flow of data traffic.
- As a patron of the clientnya from malware and virus attacks.
- As a provider of software which one day can be used by all clients connected to it.
Type and Server Type
In general, the server will serve as a provider of data and information for its clients. However there are quite a number of server types which have some differences in functionality and how they work.
- Proxy Server: To limit the data that can be accessed from any server and client that can access it.
- FTP Server: A server that is used to share and manage file transfers between clients.
- Telnet Server: To organize the computer by logging in or logging on the host.
- Application Server: To process a command given by the client and then forward it to the database.
- Virtual Server: Provides additional virtual servers such that there are multiple servers at once.
- Mail Server: As a place to store various emails.
- Web Server: To store data from a website that will be accessed by the client.
- News Server: Serves to distribute various types of news through a network.
- Audio and Video Server: As a place to store various multimedia files on the website.
Benefits and Advantages of Using the Server
A simple example is when multiple computers are connected through a network with one server in it. When there is one client computer that wants to print the data then he can use the printer on the server. This way some computers can share a printer that will be used to print data.
To build a server computer will certainly require various resources. We must consider the various components that will be used as a server for maximum performance. Here are some components that must be considered when you want membuild a server computer.
- Processor with good speed and performance, to handle the various processing from the client, of course server require brain which can work quickly.
- Storage media with large capacity and speed of processing the data is tolerable. It is recommended to use SSD compared to hard disk.
- RAM capacity is also not less important because it will be used for a variety of multitasking then the required capacity is adequate.
Thus the understanding, type, function and workings of a server computer. Hopefully this discussion can provide information related to the definition, benefits and advantages of using the server. If anyone wants to be asked please comment below.