There is confusion between computers and servers among a lot of people. To resolve this, I wrote this article about servers, the type of server, and the difference between desktop computers, servers, and server components.
Server
In basic terms, a Server is a high-end configured computer designed to provide various types of services to various computers over the internet or within the local network. The server processes a high amount of data.
Servers are dedicated computers for a specific purpose, and unlike Desktop computers, these computers are made for durability, longevity, and for working for long periods of as compared to a desktop PC.
Desktop computer vs server
A desktop computer is used for the user-friendly operating system and desktop applications to facilitate desktop-oriented tasks Like video editing, gaming, coding, graphic design, etc. Whereas the Server manages, stores sends, and processes heavy data 24 hours a day. The server manages all network resources.
Desktop computers may have low-specification hardware. But the server has high-end specification hardware. Desktop computers are mainly designed to run user small tasks at intervals. Whereas the server is designed to run a high amount of functions regularly without intervals.
Type of server
Web server
A web server is used to store data and deliver that data to the user browser on demand. The server uses the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and file transfer protocol to communicate with other systems.
Web servers are used to host websites and data for websites. The web server also helps email service using the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP).
Mail server
A mail server is a dedicated computer responsible for sending mail from point A to point B. Without all mail servers, you will not be able to send mail to other domain email addresses i.e. you can only send mail from the user of domain.com to another user of domain.com.
There are mainly three types of mail servers IMAP, POP3, and SMTP. IMAP is used to receive mail and store copies of mail on the server and POP3 is also used to receive mail but not store mail on the server. SMTP is used to send mail from one mail address to another email address.
Proxy server
The proxy server works as an intermediary between the user and the internet. It helps private networks from cyber attacks. It also works as an additional layer of security in case of internet use.
A proxy server has its IP address. Your computer knows this address, and when you send a request on the internet, it goes through a proxy. And gets the response from the web server and forwards it to the user browser.
Application server
The application server is a server that is used to run applications. An application server is made to develop and run web-based applications. There are many different types of application servers like Java, PHP, and .NET Framework applications.
Application servers provide many advantages. They provide security by centralizing data access management and the authentication process. By limiting network traffic, performance can become better for heavy applications.
Virtual server
A virtual server helps in sharing software and hardware resources with other operating systems. Virtual servers are familiar because they can provide more efficient resource control and are cost-effective through server virtualization.
Traditionally a physical server is dedicated to a specific task or application, but the introduction of a virtual server helps in assigning multiple functions to a single server. The virtual server also requires less space, power, and money to maintain.
Blade server
Blade server manages and distributes data to many computers and systems in a network. It acts as an intermediary between computers, programs, applications, and systems.
The shape of this server is ultra-thin. It stores information on a memory card and other storage devices. To maximize its efficiency, It is dedicated to a single-task function only.
File server
The file server is used to store data and deliver that data to a connected device(like a computer, or server) in a network. It helps users to share information with other users in a network without having to transfer files physically.
File servers provide access to files through a LAN connection or the internet. File server helps in storing files securely from ransomware and hackers. The file server can be used to take backups of the entire organization’s files.
Policy server
A policy server is a security element for a policy-based network that provides authorization services and tracking and control of files.
A policy server is required where the policy-based network is created. This server helps in allocating the resources according to the policy created by the admin. And policy is created according to the time of the day, client authorization privileges, and availability of network resources.
Database server
A database server provides database service to the connected systems in a network. Database servers require a large storage capacity and high memory density to process data efficiently.
The database server is a central server that manages and maintains data for a large organization. While small organizations use file servers and NAS for storage needs.
Print server
The print server is responsible for handling all print requests coming from the system(connected to the same network). It provides information about the queue status of the print command.
In a large organization, they use a dedicated system as a print server to manage all of their printer-related work. But in a small office, they use specialized plug-in boards or small devices that perform the same as print servers.