When dealing with computers, the term “server” is actually quite broad. It can refer to any type of technology that provides services on the Internet or to other devices. For instance, server hardware might have software running on it that enables it to act as Web server, an FTP server, or an email server.
So how exactly do servers work? Basically, there’s a quick process that takes place behind the scenes while users surf the Web. First, the browser communicates with the Internet’s domain name server to translate the name of a website into an IP Address. Next, the browser establishes a connection to the server hardware at that specific IP Address. The server must then send the HTML text for the Web page to the browser, so that it can read the HTML tags and format the page onto your screen.
In order for this process to work, each individual computer that’s hooked up to the Internet has a unique IP address, while the server itself has a static IP address that does not change on a regular basis. Most companies today use either a shared server to keep costs down or a dedicated server, which hosts one main website. With dedicated servers, companies do not have to share their hosting with other companies. Instead, businesses have complete control over the security of the server as well as any other features, including storage capacity and data encryption.
Recent advancements in server technology have made it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to use IT in a big way. Essentially, server hardware allows companies with limited resources to manage its network with the stability, speed, and data protection that the market currently demands.
