What is a server used for?

Question

Isn't a server just a computer with a ton of hard drive space? What are they primarily used for, and what sets them apart from normal desktop computers (i.e. Why do they need a special "server" edition of OS X/Windows/Whatever Linux is used in servers)?

Answer 1

It can be used as a huge storage point, but they can also be used to basic networking services. Beyond the common uses of network file/web sharing or storage, servers can also be used as:
->Common administration point to store usernames/passwords while controlling access to printers computers or other network resourcesfor printers, computers and users and passwords
->Store Databases and email
->Push software or antivirus updates to desktop computers
->Translate routing requests such as www.yahoo.com address into IP address->69.147.114.210

Those are also common uses. What sets them apart from regular computers is that under extreme loads, a server maybe handling 1000's of requests at the same time and needs the right components in order to work under such loads. This is why they also have particular software editions optimally coded, so that they can provide the services described earlier while being able to utilize multiple CPUs, massive storage arrays and respond to requests if another server is overloaded or fails.

Answer 2

Actually a server doesn't have to have much drive space, memory or a fast processor as it is basically just a fancy router. Servers like others are describing are commercial servers and they have lots of space because that is where the employees or clients save all their cra*. I set up a server running Linux for my 3 PC's last year just for grins. It was a Pentium 200 with a 2 gig hard drive. Worked fine and filtered out any viruses and span wonderfully. Yes, two of my PC's run on Windows but since the server is a router all it needs to do is make a connection and filter for me.

Answer 3

You've already gotten some windows-centric answers!

A good UNIX base system (os x or linux or bsd) has no distinction. When you purchase a 'server edition' you usually get extra software, already installed. or installed with the OS. It's often opensource and often not needed.

I run my linux workstations and os x workstations as servers without the extra price of 'server' versions!

The windows world is crippled because they are limited in the number of connections for 'client' machines. MS Exchange checks to see if its running on a server version and won't run on a regular 'machine'. The list goes on and on, in the windows world.

Answer 4

Server software allows for many connections opposed to just standard OS. It also includes capabilities for setting up a domain, using Active Directory, domain control, etc.
Bottom line - we are talking networking here.

Answer 5

You have 5 PC or more. You buy one copy of MS Office, load it onto the server and all of your other PC can access MS OFFICE!

You get a fix for XP on the server- You down load it to all the other PC. That is why it is call a SERVER! It services your other computer.
too, any device that you connect to the server is available to all PC that connect to the server! And on And on And ON!

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Answer 6

a srever is use for to assign ip address. also having more processing power, memory, and hard disk space than clients.