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server Last modified: Monday, July 26, 2004
(ser´ver) (n.) A computer or device on a network that manages network resources. For example, a file server is a computer and storage device dedicated to storing files. Any user on the network can store files on the server. A print server is a computer that manages one or more printers, and a network server is a computer that manages network traffic. A database server is a computer system that processes database queries. Servers are often dedicated, meaning that they perform no other tasks besides their server tasks. On multiprocessing operating systems, however, a single computer can execute several programs at once. A server in this case could refer to the program that is managing resources rather than the entire computer. Also see the Server Types page in the Quick Reference section of Webopedia for a comparison of server types.
Server Buyer's Directory LAN Times site with information on a full range of standard and specialized servers. The directory features a wide range of servers: application, backup, chassis/rack-mounted, desktop, file, and specialized hardware, such as fax- and print-servers. Server Tuning for High Performance Web Developer article (April 1997) on tuning a server's CPU usage, disk I/O, memory utilization, and network performance. ServerWatch - Guide to Internet Servers and Platforms Includes ratings, industry news, extensive reviews, and downloadable server software. ServerWatch Hardware Reviews Server hardware is the backbone of any good network. This section contains reviews of the latest Server hardware. The Truth About Servers What makes a server a server? Is there a difference between an e-mail server and a messaging server? Should a firewall be considered a server in certain circumstances? These questions and more are answered in an extensive tutorial that cuts through the marketing hype and explains the basics of key server types.	Related Categories Hardware Servers Related Terms application server client client/server architecture ColdFusion commerce server Content Vectoring Protocol DEC dedicated server load balancing local-area network network network-attached storage proxy server remote access server secure server server appliance server blade server farm server mirroring server-side SGI Sun Microsystems virtual server Windows 2000