A little about Servers: The history of servers moves parallel to the history of computer networks. The computer networks allow multiple computer systems to communicate with each other at the same time. 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.
There are multiples types of servers that have grown along with the development and rapid growth of the types of networks. To do the job of serving, servers and associated software are manufactured.
The origin of the server is to ‘serve’ – technically it means that the specific computer is serving all those computers that are present in its network. It facilitates them by making a queue of the printing command of several computers at a time and also acts as 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.
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, but due to an exponential growth in networking technologies, we are witnessing multiple other server types. I’ve taken a liberty it explain most of them below.
Traditionally know servers are:
- FTP servers
- proxy servers,
- online game servers
- web servers.
1.FTP Server
File Transfer Protocol (FTP ) is one of the oldest server types. It is responsible for transferring files from server to a computer and vice versa. FTP server ensures the security and integrity of data during the transfer. It is commonly used by web servers, it enables user to upload, edit or delete files from websites using FTP clients.
2.Proxy Servers
The Proxy server is responsible for a connection between a client(web browser or an app) with and an external server to entertain the request for connection, performance enhancement, and accessibility
3.Online Gaming Server
Gaming server has gained its popularity in a recent decay. This type of server is responsible for connecting hundreds of gamers around the world to an external server(s) for accessing gaming data.
4.Web servers
The web server is responsible for hosting website files and serve it up through a web browser. It loads an individual file of a web page and loads it to display in the browser as one complete page. HTTP or HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) communicate between server and web browser to load a web page.
As an example consider this:
You can convert any computer into a web server by installing server software and connect that machine to the internet.
Here are some other types of servers that you should read about.
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 a Web browser and based on the users’ profile and request, allowing the Web server to return dynamic Web pages.
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 a Web browser and based on the users’ profile and request, allowing the Web server to return dynamic Web pages.
List Servers
List servers are used to enhance the functionality & management of mailing lists. Whether they are an interactive database that is open to the public or one-way lists that deliver newsletters, announcements or advertising.
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 a computer. To immediately respond to the input real-time operating systems are used.
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.
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.
Groupware Servers
It is software that is designed to make the users able to work together, regardless of their location, through the Internet or a corporate Intranet and to work together in a virtual environment.
Mail Servers
The mail server just is as important as a web server is. A mail server is to send/receive and store emails on the corporate networks through LANs and WANs and across the internet.
Telnet Servers
By the help of it, users log on to a host computer and perform work as if they are working on an isolated computer.
News Servers
They work as a source of distribution and delivery for hundreds of available public newsgroups accessible over the USENET news network. USENET is global bulletin board system that can be approached via the internet or via a variety of online services
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 and its types.