What is a Server?

A server is any computer that is used to send, receive, or relay data to other nodes on a network. In simpler terms, this means a server is any computer that “serves” other computers on the network. Now, servers come in all shapes and sizes. There is nothing holier about a Dell Power Edge server over any other server, such as a Compaq Presario made in 1993. There is obviously a difference in all sorts of things: form factor, speed, memory, and so forth. However, because a server’s only requirement is that it must serve , then any computer with a network card should make a fine server.

What can servers do?

Well, servers can do many things. Obviously, they can host web sites and pages, serve files, serve DNS records, host computer game sessions, verify users, and even share an Internet connection. How does a single computer do all of this? Usually, it doesn’t. Most servers have a single type of purpose. For example, if you wanted to use an old computer to host a personal web site, you probably would leave that server specifically to do things like hosting web pages, serving files, and maintaining a database. However, if your objective is to host multiplayer games, you would probably set the server up to host a dedicated server program for only the games you wish to host. That being said, most servers are specialized . Why? Most servers simply lack the raw processing power to “do-it-all.” If you have a need for a server, there is software and hardware made just for your purpose. I guarantee you this.

So, how does this “server software work?”

Server software is simply an application to a specific function. The Apache Foundation maintains powerful web server software known as Apache Web Server. This software doesn’t know how to maintain large databases or host multiplayer games or run scripting language code. It is specialized for one purpose, and that purpose is to host web pages. Similarly, all server software is relatively specialized. Each piece of software has its own requirements and setup procedures, and each piece of software is unique.

Hardware Stuff

Now that we have those pressing questions out of the way, we can go over the hardware requirements of servers.

The hardware you choose for your server is dependant on its purpose. However, usually, an old computer lying around is a very appropriate server. Remember, this tutorial is focused on the software side of things, since a server is just a computer with different software.

Now, if you really want to know what would be a good “mid-range” setup, here’s one:

• ATX Full Tower Case
• Xeon 1.5 GHz.
• 1 Gigabyte RAM
• Motherboard that supports SCSI (for many hard drives)
• Appropriate Amounts of Disk Space (per application)
• Gigabit LAN Card

Now, refer to the Build Your Own PC guide to build your server. Remember, on the hardware side, there is little to nothing that differs between a PC and a server (with the exception of the SCSI motherboard), and usually that kind of stuff is only optional. IDE hard drives should be just fine for a lower-end, small operation.