A server or web server is basically a computer that provides resources, data, services or programs to other computers called clients.
Types of Servers
- Web Servers
- Mail Servers
- Virtual Servers
A web server is a computer that stores all the files that make a website work. These files can include HTML documents, images, CSS style sheets and JavaScript files. The web server is a combination of software and hardware that uses HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and other protocols to respond to client requests made over the World Wide Web.
The Server’s job is to deliver webpages to users. They’re also used to supply SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) and FTP (File Transfer Protocol) that are used for email, file transfer and storage.
Web Servers
Web server hardware is connected to the internet and allows data to be exchanged with other devices. The server software controls how a user accesses hosted files.
Web servers need to have underlying layers they can run on. For most websites this will normally mean:-
- Linux (the operating system)
- Apache (the web server)
- MySQL (the database)
- PHP (software that coordinates with the database, operating system and other files to make web pages)
What is the Purpose of a Web Server?
A web server is responsible for the following:-
- Providing space and resources for a website. This includes all the file that make up the site. It also provides the RAM and CPU resources required by the website.
- Makes a website accessible online.
- Website security. The web server is responsible for protecting a website’s files and other assets. By using firewalls and access control, the server ensures that only authorised users are able to log in and view or edit the website’s files.
- Runs other necessary applications. A webserver also runs other tools and applications that a website requires. These include vulnerability scanners that protect a website from cyberattacks to backup solutions that prepare incremental backups.
