What Are Server Types? A Simple Guide to Understanding Them

Published: 20 Jan 2025

What are Server Computers with Examples

Servers play a crucial role in powering the digital world, hosting websites, managing data, and running applications. But with so many server types like web servers, file servers, and cloud servers, how do you know which one fits your needs? Many people struggle to pick the right server, often leading to slow performance or wasted resources. Imagine a world where your online tools run seamlessly because you chose the perfect server type. Whether you’re a tech newbie or looking to upgrade, understanding the different types of servers is the first step to making smarter decisions.

Table of Content

What are Server Computers

Server computers are powerful machines designed to manage and share data, files, or services with other devices. They handle tasks like hosting websites, running apps, or storing data, making them the backbone of any network.

Different Types of Servers in Computer Network

Servers come in different types, each designed for specific tasks. Understanding these server types helps you pick the right one for your needs.

Web Server
File Server
Database Server
Application Server
Mail Server
Proxy Server
Cloud Server
Virtual Server
Dedicated Server
Shared Server
Print Server
Game Server
DNS Server
FTP Server
Backup Server

Web Server and its Functions

Websites are hosted by web servers, which also send web pages to users via the internet. Browser requests are processed, and the requested content, such as HTML files or images, is returned. For instance, Apache is a well-known web server that hosts numerous websites all around the world.

File Server in Networking with Example

Multiple users on a network can access and share files that are stored and managed by a file server. It allows users to store, retrieve, and share documents or media easily. Google Drive is an example of a file server used for cloud-based file storage and sharing.

What is a Database Server Used for

Multiple users or applications can access and query data thanks to the storage and management of databases by a database server. It handles requests for data storage, retrieval, and manipulation. MySQL is a popular database server used for managing data in websites and applications.

Application Server in Software Development

An application server runs applications and manages the communication between users and the backend systems. It processes business logic, handling tasks like user requests and data processing. Tomcat is an example of an application server used to run Java-based web applications.

What is a Mail Server in Computer

A mail server manages the sending, receiving, and storing of email messages. It guarantees that emails are saved in inboxes and sent to the appropriate recipients. Microsoft Exchange is a widely used mail server for managing corporate email communication.

What is a Proxy Server and How it Works

By serving as a go-between for a user’s device and the internet, a proxy server enhances performance, security, and privacy. It can hide the user’s IP address or filter content. Squid is an example of a proxy server used to cache web content and improve browsing speed.

Cloud Server

A cloud server is a virtual server hosted on the internet, offering flexible and scalable computing resources. It allows users to access data and applications remotely without the need for physical hardware. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a popular example of a cloud server providing scalable hosting and storage solutions.

Benefits of Using a Virtual Server

A software-based server that operates on a physical server and creates several separate environments is called a virtual server. It allows more efficient use of hardware by running multiple virtual machines on one physical machine. VMware is an example of a platform that enables the creation and management of virtual servers.

Dedicated Server

A physical server that is only owned or leased by one person or entity is known as a dedicated server. It provides complete control over the server’s resources, offering high performance and security. Liquid Web is an example of a hosting provider offering dedicated servers for businesses.

Shared Server

A shared server is a type of server where multiple users share the same physical resources, such as CPU, memory, and storage. It is cost-effective but may have slower performance due to resource sharing. Bluehost is an example of a hosting provider offering shared servers for small websites.

What is a Print Server Used for

Multiple users’ print tasks are managed by a print server, which then forwards them to the relevant printer. It eliminates the requirement for direct connections by enabling network users to share one or more printers. HP Jetdirect is an example of a print server used for connecting printers to a network.

What is a Game Server and how It work

Players can connect, communicate, and compete in real-time while playing online multiplayer games hosted by a game server. It ensures smooth gameplay by managing game data and player interactions. Minecraft is an example of a popular game that uses game servers for online play.

DNS Server Types and Functions

Domain names, such as www.example.com, are converted into computer-understandable IP addresses by a DNS server. It facilitates users’ access to webpages by substituting memorable names for numbers. Google DNS is a widely used DNS server that improves speed and reliability for users.

FTP Server Example in Networking

Using the File Transfer Protocol (FTP), users can move files over the internet with an FTP server. It makes it possible for computers and servers to upload and download files. FileZilla is an example of an FTP server used for managing file transfers.

What is a Backup Server in IT

Important data copies are kept on a backup server to guard against data loss in the event of a disaster or hardware malfunction. It ensures that information is recoverable when needed. Acronis is an example of a backup server solution used for automatic data backups and recovery.

Conclusion About Best Types of Servers for Small Business

We’ve explored the different types of servers in depth. If you’re just starting out, I suggest opting for a shared server or cloud server, as they are cost-effective and easy to manage. However, for larger, more complex needs, consider a dedicated or application server. Want to dive deeper? Begin your search for the right server type today and see what fits best for your needs!

FAQS – Types of Servers Used in Cloud Computing

How many servers in the world?

It’s hard to know exactly how many servers exist worldwide, but estimates suggest there are millions of servers running globally. They power everything from websites to cloud services and business networks.

Which kinds of server operating systems are there?

Linux, macOS Server, and Windows Server are among the several kinds of server operating systems. These systems manage server tasks like hosting websites, storing data, and running applications.

How many types of server in computer?

There are many types of servers in computers, with common ones including web servers, file servers, and database servers. Each server type has a specific job, like hosting websites or storing files.

What is a FQDN in networking?

FQDN stands for Fully Qualified Domain Name, like www.example.com. It includes the full path from the hostname to the top-level domain.

What is the most common TLD?

The most common TLD is .com. It stands for “commercial” and is used worldwide for websites.

Who runs DNS servers?

DNS servers are managed by internet service providers (ISPs), tech companies (like Google or Cloudflare), and domain registrars. The global DNS root servers are operated by organizations like ICANN and Verisign.

Why are there only 13 root servers?

There are 13 main root server addresses due to technical limits in DNS. But each of them uses multiple servers around the world through a system called Anycast.

What is a TLD server?

A TLD (Top-Level Domain) server handles domains like .com, .org, or .net. It directs DNS queries to the correct authoritative server for that domain.

What are Level 3 DNS servers?

Level 3 DNS servers were public DNS servers provided by a telecom company called Level 3. They were used to resolve domain names quickly and reliably.

What are the three main servers?

The three main servers are the Web Server, File Server, and Database Server. They handle websites, file storage, and data management.