Anyone who goes online, such as to visit a website, read emails, or engage on a social platform, is engaging with a web server. Initially named the web server, it handles all requests to an internet address.
The web server is crucial for every web hosting company and is essential for the existence of the internet. This article explores the definition and purpose of a web server, highlighting the two distinct meanings of the term.
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Distinguishing one web server from another.
A web server is a computer that hosts websites or applications on the internet, encompassing both the physical hardware and the software it contains. The term can be used to describe either the hardware or software aspects, or both.
The distinction between a hardware server and a software server depends on the specific situation in which the term is utilized. Let’s explore how to recognize each scenario.
Web server – hardware
A website consists of digital files that are interpreted by a browser and shown on a computer or device screen. To be accessible to users, these files must be stored on a computer connected to the internet at all times, known as a Web Server.
A server contains internal components that resemble those of a personal computer, like a hard drive, RAM, and motherboard. However, its architecture is tailored for serving purposes, with specialized equipment designed for this function.
Tower and shelf
Tower servers used to be the norm, but rack servers are now more popular due to their greater expansion capacity, allowing multiple servers to be grouped and interconnected in a single rack column.
A web server, like a personal computer, operates with an operating system and can host multiple programs for various functions like webpage sharing, email handling, and file storage and retrieval. The programs installed on the server are also given a specific name, as we will learn about later.
Is it possible to have a server at home or in a business setting?
Hosting a website at home using your personal computer as a server is not advisable due to the continuous care and maintenance required. This includes ensuring constant connectivity and operation of the server, maintaining a stable internet connection, and addressing technical issues. Additionally, the server manager would need to provide customer support in case of any instability or operational problems.
It is safer and more practical to delegate web server maintenance to a specialized company, as there are many such companies available today. Typically, a web server is located in a data center managed by a hosting company.
A program for a web server
When a browser interacts with a web server to request and receive data from a webpage, it does so through a protocol called HTTP. All website traffic uses this protocol or its secure version, HTTPS. The server has specialized programs to handle these HTTP requests, also known as web servers.
Different types of web servers are utilized for various requests, such as sending and receiving emails. An example would be installing an email server on the same computer (server) used for HTTP requests.
Some common examples of software used on web servers are provided below.
- The HTTP server transmits the files comprising a website.
- An FTP server facilitates file transfers between computers and servers.
- An email server is responsible for sending, receiving, and storing emails.
- The database server stores information in a particular format.
When we ask for a webpage, the server with the site’s files will handle the request by processing the information and sending a response.
A web server is capable of handling requests from numerous users at the same time and delivering files quickly.
Types of web servers
Several types of web servers are available in the market, including both paid and free software. Apache, Nginx, and Microsoft IIS are among the most popular options currently used. Apache holds the top position with a usage rate of 49% on all websites, followed by Nginx at 34% and Microsoft IIS at 11% as of July 2017, according to data from W3 Techs. Microsoft IIS is the only paid option among the three, with the others being free and open-source.
The list also includes other options like LiteSpeed, Google Servers, Tomcat, and Node.js.
All these various web servers have distinctions, but they are all utilized for the same purpose – delivering content in response to HTTP requests.
Operating system – System that manages computer hardware and software resources.
Linux is the most common operating system found on web servers worldwide, while Windows servers are primarily used for applications based on Microsoft technologies like ASP.NET.
While Unix-derived operating systems are used by 66% of websites, only 33% use Windows IIS.
Web servers and hosting websites
Web servers are typically included in service packages for website hosting, such as shared, VPS, dedicated, resale, and cloud hosting. These packages often include additional services like FTP, databases, and programming languages.
To determine the required lodging type for each situation, various factors like the objective, the nature of the website (whether dynamic or static), the target audience, and others must be considered.
Conclusion
If you are here, you likely understand the concept of a web server, which can encompass both hardware and software. Servers play a crucial role in enabling the internet to function as it does today.
Do you have any queries or want to provide additional details? Feel free to leave a comment, and we will assist you willingly!
Published on 11/07/2017 and revised on 17/02/2021.
Concepts are labeled as tags.
