What is a server and what does it do?

Internet Basics
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A server is a computer or software system that provides services, information, or resources to other devices on a network.

Servers are responsible for many of the online services people use every day. Websites, email systems, file storage platforms, streaming services, online games, and countless other applications all rely on servers to process requests and deliver information.

When you visit a website, send an email, or stream a video, your device is typically communicating with one or more servers behind the scenes.

Although many people think of servers as large machines in data centers, servers can come in many forms and sizes depending on their purpose.

If you’d like to learn more about servers and how they work, check out the related resources below.

Key Takeaways

  • Servers provide services and resources to other devices.
  • Many internet services rely on servers.
  • Servers can host websites, email systems, files, applications, and more.
  • Devices communicate with servers constantly when using the internet.
  • Servers are a fundamental part of modern networking.

Related Resources

Related Community Discussions

Discussion Questions

  • When did you first hear the term server?
  • Were you surprised by how many online services rely on servers?
  • What internet technology do you think works hardest behind the scenes?
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One common misconception is that a server must be a large, powerful machine located in a data center.

In reality, the term “server” refers more to the role a system performs than its physical size. A server can be a powerful enterprise system, a virtual machine, or even a small device performing a specific task on a network.

What image comes to mind when you think of a server?

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For a long time, I pictured servers as giant machines hidden away in secure rooms.

The more I learned about networking and internet infrastructure, the more I realized that “server” describes a function rather than a specific type of hardware. Servers come in many shapes and sizes, but they all play an important role in delivering services to users.