The history of servers moves parallel to the history of computer networks. The computer networks allow multi-systems to communicate with each other at the same time and its evolution was expected to assign some computers with some serving role where all other computers that are in direct interaction with the human users, perform as clients. Server types have grown along with the development and growth of networks. To do the job of serving, servers and associated software are manufactured.
The origin of the server is to serve – technically means that the specific computer is serving all those computers that are present in its network. It facilitates them by making queue of the printing command of several computers at a time and also acts like a file server for those applications that are accessed by the online terminals.
Today the role of the server is similar to that of microcomputers of the past which are now substituted. For this role many servers are appointed but this allocation does not limit the role of a server as many other roles can be assigned to the server simultaneously. For instance, we can take the example of a small office where a desktop computer can serve all other computers present within the office while simultaneously serving as a workstation for some employee.
Types of servers: What are the types of servers available with brief information
Typically servers are of four types:
- FTP servers
- proxy servers,
- online game servers
- web servers.
Server networking model or client is used by many systems together with email services and web sites. Peer to peer networking, a substitute model, makes all computers to work like servers and clients simultaneously. You can better understand a server by these examples. Name servers gives information about internet host names, FTP servers keep hold on FTP sites and provide files to does users who request for it, mail servers are responsible for delivering e-mails, web servers are bound to send web pages where list servers are programmed to administrate mailing lists.
The underlying hardware or software for a system that drives the server is called a server platform. Instead of operating system, the term server platform is used.
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Application Servers
Application servers have lion’s share in computer territory between database servers and the end user, where servers are often connected to the two. They are often referred as middleware Middleware is that software which establishes a connection between two separate applications that are otherwise apart. A number of middleware products can link a database system to a Web server. It enables users to request data from database by the help of those forms that are displayed on Web browser and based on the users’ profile and request, allowing the Web server to return dynamic Web pages.
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List Servers
To improve the management of mailing lists list servers are used despite of what is there type. Whether they are interactive debates open to the public or one-way lists that deliver newsletters, announcements or advertising.
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Chat Servers
This server enables a number of people to share information in the environment of an internet newsgroup that offer real time discussion capabilities. It is used to refer to a number of different features of computer. To immediately respond to the input real-time operating systems are used.
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IRC Servers
Internet Relay Chat is comprised of various independent networks of servers that allow users to connect to each other via an IRC network. It is an option for those who are seeking real time competence.
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Fax Servers
Those organizations that want to reduce the incoming and outgoing telephone resources; a fax server is an ideal solution. However, there is a need to fax the actual document.
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Groupware Servers
It is software that is designed to make the users able to work together, regardless of their location, through Internet or a corporate Intranet and to work together in a virtual environment.
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Mail Servers
Mail server is as important as web server s and mail servers to send and store mails on the corporate networks through LANs and WANs and across the internet.
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Telnet Servers
By the help of it users log on to a host computer and perform work as if they are working on isolated computer.
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News Servers
They work as source of distribution and delivery for hundreds of available public news groups accessible over the USENET news network. USENET is global bulletin board system that can be approached via internet or via a variety of online services
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Proxy Servers
These servers work in-between a client programme (commonly a Web browser) and an external server (another server on web) to filter requests, improve performance, and share connections.
The role played by the servers in a networking is very significant. An out of order server can halt the interconnectivity of all computers on its network. The rise in the usage of internet in homes and office users along with the increase in corporate computer networks are responsible for boosting the development of server. Servers are used in today’s computers and we do not know what will be there developed form and of course what will be the choice of the upcoming generation. Let us wait and see how will be these serving computers molded in near future