A server is a specialized computer or software system designed to provide services, resources, or data to other computers, known as clients, over a network. Servers work by continuously listening for incoming requests from clients and responding appropriately based on the type of service they provide. They can host applications, store files, manage databases, or perform specific functions like email hosting or web hosting.
A server functions by receiving requests from client devices via the network. When a client requests data or services, it sends a request to the server, specifying the type of service needed (such as accessing a website or retrieving a file). The server processes these requests using its hardware and software resources, which may include processing power, memory, storage, and specialized software applications tailored to the server’s role.
Servers run continuously to ensure they are always available to respond to client requests. They operate using specialized operating systems and server-specific software that enable them to manage multiple client connections simultaneously. Depending on the type of server, it may run various applications or services in the background, such as web servers (like Apache or Nginx), database servers (like MySQL or PostgreSQL), file servers (like FTP or NFS), or email servers (like Exchange or Postfix). Servers typically operate in data centers with redundant power supplies, cooling systems, and security measures to ensure reliability and data integrity.
