Servers, in simple terms, are basically a computer configured to work as a task master. They manage a multitude of network requests, different application jobs, files, and processes. A server can be used for a variety of purposes, but they are commonly used for web hosting solutions.
Whether you require file storage management, a web site host, or the ability to handle email for an internal network, servers can provide many different solutions. They can prove very versatile and utile where needed.
In web hosting, servers can generally be found in three different offerings: shared, virtual, and dedicated. What does that mean? A shared webhosting server basically splits and shares all the systems resources between each website, including the fact that they all share the same IP address. Furthermore, virtual servers create separate "virtual" entities on the system that act as their own individual servers. Dedicated servers, on the other hand, use the entire server box for whatever purpose; they have access to all the system's resources.
The average user will discover many benefits from setting up their own web servers. You can learn a lot about the internet and web hosting in general by setting up your own personal server. The process can often take some troubleshooting and patience to get things working the way you want, but ultimately you control everything. You can configure things the way you want them.
With technology today, basically any computer can be configured as a server. Not all hardware is designed specifically for server purposes but they can still do the job. Regardless, the majority of computer systems will support the even the most basic server software. Some things should be taken into consideration, however: sufficient cooling, storage location, power requirements, sufficient memory and resources, and processing power, among other things.
In order to setup a web server you will also need the right server software. You can find a wide range of free, open-sourced server software available online, and commercial solutions are also available. There are a huge number of server solutions but home users may want to consider the following: Ubuntu Server Edition, FreeBSD, Red Hat Linux, FreeNas, Debian, and Windows Home Server. All but Windows Server can be found for free.
Configuring a home computer as a web server is one thing but setting it up as a file server as well? With so many people requiring more and more memory, hard drive space, it only makes sense to setup a file storage solution within your own home.
Why setup your own server? Everyone has distinct needs and requirements, but the question could also be, "Why not setup your own server?" An old computer could be lying around your house that you can put to better use. And although online web hosting is very affordable these days, sometimes you may want more control over everything, and for academic purposes it is a great resource.
Whether you require file storage management, a web site host, or the ability to handle email for an internal network, servers can provide many different solutions. They can prove very versatile and utile where needed.
In web hosting, servers can generally be found in three different offerings: shared, virtual, and dedicated. What does that mean? A shared webhosting server basically splits and shares all the systems resources between each website, including the fact that they all share the same IP address. Furthermore, virtual servers create separate "virtual" entities on the system that act as their own individual servers. Dedicated servers, on the other hand, use the entire server box for whatever purpose; they have access to all the system's resources.
The average user will discover many benefits from setting up their own web servers. You can learn a lot about the internet and web hosting in general by setting up your own personal server. The process can often take some troubleshooting and patience to get things working the way you want, but ultimately you control everything. You can configure things the way you want them.
With technology today, basically any computer can be configured as a server. Not all hardware is designed specifically for server purposes but they can still do the job. Regardless, the majority of computer systems will support the even the most basic server software. Some things should be taken into consideration, however: sufficient cooling, storage location, power requirements, sufficient memory and resources, and processing power, among other things.
In order to setup a web server you will also need the right server software. You can find a wide range of free, open-sourced server software available online, and commercial solutions are also available. There are a huge number of server solutions but home users may want to consider the following: Ubuntu Server Edition, FreeBSD, Red Hat Linux, FreeNas, Debian, and Windows Home Server. All but Windows Server can be found for free.
Configuring a home computer as a web server is one thing but setting it up as a file server as well? With so many people requiring more and more memory, hard drive space, it only makes sense to setup a file storage solution within your own home.
Why setup your own server? Everyone has distinct needs and requirements, but the question could also be, "Why not setup your own server?" An old computer could be lying around your house that you can put to better use. And although online web hosting is very affordable these days, sometimes you may want more control over everything, and for academic purposes it is a great resource.
About the Author:
Need aserver? Jared Stanley recommends you learn more about server hardware and discover what you need online, or use an old computer in your home.