What is a server? Some criteria for choosing to buy a reputable server

For an organization or business's IT system to operate smoothly and conveniently for management, it must have a Server. However, for people outside the industry, this concept may still be too strange. Today, TipsMake will explain to you what a Server concept is in the easiest way to understand.

What is a server?

Server is a computer that contains a static IP , has fast, powerful processing performance and is connected to the internet. At the Server, software is allowed to be installed to help a series of computers access to request services, data or resources.

In simple terms, a server is similar to a computer you use every day, but is developed with many advanced features to have fast processing capabilities and outstanding resource storage. Server serves the needs of storing and processing data for a computer network via the internet.

Therefore, servers are considered the foundation of all services on the internet environment. Services such as: Applications, websites, games,. all need a server to operate.

History of the server's formation

Most users focus on the concept of the server but ignore its history. To have the most general perspective, below TipsMake will provide the formation and development process of the server.

Formation of server server

Derived from the 'Queue' and 'Black – box' algorithms , the term server was formed. This is an algorithm that describes the process of processing and responding to input data to the user.

Not stopping at the function of intermediary between two data ends, every server is configured to suit the diverse needs of users.

Server development process

After the IBM 7030 Stretch supercomputer officially appeared on the market, the definition of a server was born. In particular, it is a major milestone marking the development of the supercomputer industry in the world.

Currently, server formats are very diverse and rich. In addition to computer servers, there are also servers for telecommunications, transportation and television networks, etc.

Popular server types

Over time, server types gradually diversify in form and type. Here are the 18 most popular server types:

1. Physical server (Dedicated Server)

A physical server is a type of server that operates thanks to hardware and specialized support devices including: HDD, CPU, RAM and network card.

2. Virtual server (VPS – Virtual Private Server)

A type of server developed through virtualization technology to split a separate physical server into a series of different virtual servers. The virtual servers after separation have the same features as the previous physical server and will share resources from the server.

3. Cloud Server (Cloud Server)

Cloud Server is a server developed on a cloud computing platform, so it is easy to upgrade each part without affecting the usage process.

At the same time, it is also combined from many specialized, completely different physical servers with the same SAN (Storage Area Network) storage system . Thanks to the fast access speed, the server operates very stably.

4. Database server

This is the server on which additional Database Management System software is configured. Common database management systems include: SQL server, MySQL, Oracle,.

5. File server

A file server (also known as a file server) is a networked computer that provides space to store and share data including: text, images, video, and sound. For example: Dropbox, Microsoft One Drive, Google Drive.

The above data is accessed by workstations (or workstations). These workstations are allowed to connect to the server when they are granted access by a computer network.

6. Mail Server

Mail Server is a server system used to send and receive email, usually configured separately according to the business's domain name.

7. Application Server

Application Server is an application server, allowing the creation of web applications and the server environment to run them. For example, to run CRM software, ERP management software in businesses,.

8. Audio/Video Server

 Audio/Video Server is the server used in streaming Audio and Video.

9. Chat Server

Chat Server helps users exchange data in an environment similar to an Internet newsgroup. Therefore, chat servers provide real-time online discussion capabilities.

10. Fax Server

Fax Server is a system installed in a local network server that allows users whose computers are attached to the LAN to send and receive fax messages. 

11. FTP Server

FTP server is a computer that provides users with space to store and share data on the internet environment.

12. Web Server

Web server  is a server installed with programs to serve web applications. 

13. Proxy Server

Proxy Server is an intermediary server between the end user and the website they visit.

14. Telnet Server

Telnet Server is a network protocol with software program that allows users to access computers remotely. 

15. List Server

List server is the list server, configured to handle email message service.

16. IRC Server

IRC Server is a server that allows users to access using special software (IRC client)  and talk and discuss online with each other.

17. News Server

The New Server is intended as a source of distribution to a large number of public newsgroups, accessible through the USENET news network .

18. Groupware Server

Groupware Server is a software that gives users the ability to work together. Not hindered by location, use the Internet or intranet of companies and organizations and operate together in a virtual atmosphere.

Server role

The server plays the role of storing, providing and processing data and then delivering it to workstations continuously, without interruption 24/7 for users or an organization via LAN or Internet.

Besides, the server also stores information and manages it, and helps the business's software operate continuously. Businesses or organizations do not need to spend too much money to optimize workstations, just investing in hardware for the server system is enough.

In the case of individuals, the server also performs the same task as a storage unit, helping the system's data operate smoothly.

Operating model of the server system

Most servers will operate in the Client - Server model . The client is connected to the server using a network infrastructure using the IP (Internet Protocol) protocol, a server operates similar to a socket listener. 

Thanks to the network or internet, servers can provide necessary services to users or individuals in an organization. At some point, an alternative model was the peer-to-peer network, in which computers were allowed to operate as either Server or Client.

The impact of servers on business and life

Below is the impact of servers on business and life:

1. The impact of the server on business

At the present time, 4.0 technology is all through business on the internet environment. In particular, we cannot ignore the website, this is one of the elements that plays an important role in selling and providing products and services to buyers.

Behind websites is always a hosting service on a server. It directly affects customers' network access and operations. A quality server will help businesses and brands improve user experience on the website.

2. The impact of the server on life

For an easy-to-understand example, if you search for information about 'cheap laptop' on Google, a series of results with this keyword will appear densely. In just a very short time, there have been countless visits to Google but the results always appear very quickly and accurately.

Proving that behind Google is a huge server, fast data retrieval helps quickly meet needs and improve user experience.

Benefits of renting a server versus buying a server

Currently, from individuals to large and small business organizations, all use server services to store data, information, and backup for work for benefits such as:

1. Deploy and set up servers easily:  Compared to buying and configuring servers yourself, which is costly and time-consuming, etc., renting servers from server service providers will be more reasonable. Users will be supported by the server service for everything without having to worry much.
2. Easy upgrade and scale expansion:  Upgrading and expanding the scale of the system will be faster and simpler than ever. The supplier will advise and guide users on technical and cost issues.
3. Budget control:  Instead of having to spend time and manpower to manage the entire server, when registering for services with providers, users only need to pay the pre-agreed periodic cost. there. This helps users control their budget and finances.

Some criteria for choosing to buy a server

If you are in need or planning to buy a server, users should pay attention to the following basic points:

1. About cost

In case of individuals or small and medium-sized business startups, users should prioritize choosing hosting or VPS packages. Both cost-effective and easy to manage.

2. In terms of performance

For those who need high performance and fast speed, a separate physical server (Dedicated Server) is a reasonable choice. Dedicated Server will avoid problems such as: Congestion and risks compared to using a server with the same resources (also known as Shared Hosting).

3. Flexibility and extensive upgrades

For cases where performance is not important but just needs a flexible server or needs to expand, VPS is the perfect choice. Because VPS has the flexibility to switch and upgrade easily, it is possible to accommodate 'huge' traffic.

4. Security

On the market, currently some server services have focused on integrating anti-DDoS attack services. Hosting packages are also supported similarly.

Epilogue

Hopefully, after the above article, you have a clear understanding of what a server is as well as the criteria to help choose a quality server with stable performance. Share the article if you find it interesting and useful.

Kareem Winters

Update 03 October 2023