What is the main purpose of a server?

Answer 1

Servers, as their name suggests, provide a service. This can mean a wide variety of things. Some servers are configured for file storage (i.e. NAS [network-attached storage], FTP [file transfer protocol]), while others specifically respond to requests to provide content (such as Web servers [you're making use of one now if you're browsing the Web!]). Some can be used for managing network traffic (e.g. a corporate intranet) as seen in enterprise or large-scale business set-ups.

Answer 2

Servers do exactly what the name implies: they provide a service to another group of computers & users.

For instance, a mail server provides mail service to you. If you use Yahoo! mail, then all of your e-mail goes through Yahoo's servers on the way to their destination.

An Active Directory server is used to keep track of the AD infrastructure in Windows Server 2000 and higher.

Video game servers are used to provide a playing arena to which players can connect and enjoy a multiplayer game of their choice (such as Everquest, Quake, World of Warcraft, etc).

Keep in mind that most servers require a client of some sort to interact with them. So, if you want to connect to a Quake III server and play Quake III, you first need to buy the game. The same goes for other games.

Other servers use webclients, such as Yahoo mail: You log into your e-mail online, and use the web-based client to read and send e-mail.

Rob Kendrick

Answer 3

A server is defined as a multi-user computer that provides a service (e.g. database access, file transfer, remote access) or resources (e.g. file space) over a network connection.

Server or server computer is also a designation for computer models intended for use running server applications, often under heavy workloads, unattended, for extended time. While any "workstation" computer can run server operating systems and server applications, a server computer usually has special features intended to make it more suitable. Distinctions often include faster processor and memory, more RAM, larger hard drives, higher reliability, redundant power supplies, redundant hard drives (RAID), compact size and shape, modular design (e.g., blade servers often used in server farms), rack or cabinet mountability, serial console redirection, etc

Answer 4

Computer server is mainly used to host websites and manage a lot of data. It could be used for normal computing as well but due to the fact that they are expensive for normal people they are used to do much harder tasks.

Answer 5

The purpose of server computers is to offer a means of protection for a larger network of computers. The server computer also has the ability to monitor its other computer counterparts.