Servers

The global web and local area networks in their modern form cannot be imagined without a server – one of the basic network devices. A server is a powerful computer designed to perform some specific tasks both locally and remotely.

A server, like a regular PC, consists of a case, motherboard, processor, RAM, expansion cards and a hard drive, and more often – several hard drives. True, often all these components are designed specifically for use in servers, but there are also common high-performance computer components. When we talk about a powerful server, we mean the level of its components. If a processor with high-performance indicators, good RAM, and other components are installed in the server, then purchasing such a device means buying a powerful server that is guaranteed to be able to perform the most complex tasks.

Until recently, servers were somewhat different from modern compact devices. The PC server had an overall vertical case (like a personal computer), which was placed in a wide variety of places on the premises. But when an organization needs multiple servers, it becomes obvious that this method of storing equipment is impractical. Currently, many server enclosures are horizontal. These compact designs are installed in special mounting equipment – server racks or cabinets, which allows you to place a large number of servers and other devices, taking up a minimum of space. The convenient mounting mechanism allows you to mount a new server in such a rack in a matter of minutes.

In large networks and data centers that contain a huge number of servers, it is very difficult to work with each of them separately. Therefore, the possibility of remote control has been implemented, thanks to which a specialist, regardless of his location, can manage several servers using one working machine.

All servers are controlled by specialized operating systems from Windows or Linux. The OS can be installed on the server only on-site, remote installation is not carried out. Ordinary systems are not suitable for servers; special operating systems are available for them, such as Windows Server or Ubuntu Server.

There are several types of servers, which are distinguished by the type of tasks performed by the server.

Web servers are designed to handle client requests and provide access to web resources. Servers of this type are capable of processing a huge number of requests, quickly giving answers to them.

Database servers handle business transactions and user queries. Database servers are distinguished by the high speed of data extraction and formatting.

Proxy servers are a kind of intermediaries between users and the World Wide Web, providing data transfer and network protection at the same time.

The mail server is designed to process e-mails – it reads the addresses of incoming messages, ensures their delivery, controls local mailboxes, allows you to generate automatic replies, etc. Accordingly, with a large amount of e-mail passing through the network, the server must have a suitable capacity.

Print Server allows you to share one or more printers with a group of computers. It saves all documents sent for printing on its hard drive, forms a queue, and prints them out.

In-home local networks, it is appropriate to use a mini server – this is a small-sized economical server capable of performing basic user tasks.

The main characteristics of servers also include their height, on which the conditions for placing the device depend. For example, a 2U server is a classic rackmount option (for example, IBM server x3630 M4 6C E5-2440 95W). While the 4U server and 5U server are often vertical (tower). Such devices include, for example, the IBM x3300M4 6C E5-2420 server or the DELL T110 QC E3-1240v2 server.