What is a Server
Servers are a type of specialized computers and you will learn more about that in this section. Also, you will know whether the hardware of a server is different from that of a personal computer.
What is a server and where is it used?
A server is basically a specialized computer. It is designated to service the requests made by its clients. Server computers can specialize in different tasks like serving requests for files or serving requests for online games. By the name itself, servers are designated to serve the purpose for which it was built. If you build a server to manage SMS messages from clients then it will do this as long as it is told to do so.
www.sybase.com, shown above are Sybase servers used for database management. Sybase has been in the server business for a long time and they continue to deliver high performance server computers to the market.
Is the hardware for a server any different from the hardware of a personal computer?
Servers basically have the same parts as a personal computer like the hard drives, input output devices, memory, and a monitor but they are certainly more industrial in nature. Since server computers continuously respond to client requests, it is not surprising that these computers will be subject to tons of stress. Server computers usually have air conditioning systems in addition to the industrial cooling fans installed. The little fans on a personal computer simply fail in comparison to the kind of cooling that server computer needs. Since server computers should always be reliable, they must also have a back up power supply and a UPS unit or an uninterruptible power supply unit. If a generator is necessary then it must be installed for purposes of business continuity.
