A server is a hardware device or software that processes requests sent over a network and replies to them. A client is the device that submits a request and waits for a response from the server. The computer system that accepts requests for online files and transmits those files to the client is referred to as a “server” in the context of the Internet.
Types of Servers and Their Applications
1. Application Server
These servers host web apps (computer programs that run inside a web browser) allowing users in the network to run and use them preventing the installation of a copy on their own computers. These servers need not be part of the World Wide Web. Their clients are computers with a web browser.
2. Catalog Server
These servers maintain an index or table of contents of information that can be found across a large distributed network. Distributed networks may include computers, users, files shared on file servers, and web apps. Examples of catalog servers are directory servers and name servers. Their clients are any computer program that needs to find something on the network. An example can be a domain member attempting to log in, an email client looking for an email address, or a user looking for a file
3. Communication Server
These servers maintain an environment needed for one communication endpoint to find other endpoints and then communicate with them. These servers may or may not include a directory of communication endpoints and a presence detection service, depending on the openness and security parameters of the network. Their clients are communication endpoints.
4. Computing Server
These servers share vast amounts of computing resources which include CPU and random-access memory over a network. Any computer program that needs more CPU power and RAM than a personal computer can probably afford can use these types of servers. The client must be a networked computer to implement the client–server model which is a necessity.
5. Database Server
These servers maintain and share any form of database over a network. A database is an organized collection of data with predefined properties that may be displayed in a table. Clients of these servers are spreadsheets, accounting software, asset management software, or virtually any computer program that consumes well-organized data, especially in large volumes.
6. Fax Server
These servers share one or more fax machines over a network which eliminates the hassle of physical access. Any fax sender or recipient is the client of these servers.
7. File Server
Shares files and folders, storage space to hold files and folders, or both, over a network. Networked computers are the intended clients, even though local programs can be clients.
8. Game Server
These servers enable several computers or gaming devices to play multiplayer games. Personal computers or gaming consoles are their clients.
9. Mail Server
These servers make email communication possible in the same way as a post office makes snail mail communication possible. Clients of these servers are senders and recipients of email.
10. Print Server
These servers share one or more printers over a network which eliminates the hassle of physical access. Their clients are computers in need of printing something.
11. Proxy Server
This server acts as an intermediary between a client and a server accepting incoming traffic from the client and sending it to the server. Reasons to use a proxy server include content control and filtering, improving traffic performance, preventing unauthorized network access, simply routing the traffic over a large and complex network. Their clients are any networked computer.
12. Web Server
These servers host web pages. A web server is responsible for making the World Wide Web possible. Each website has one or more web servers. Their clients are computers with a web browser.
