With the advent of the Internet and computer networks in our lives, we increasingly often come across the previously unfamiliar word "Server". This is an important part of any computer system, and it is not always possible to single out an unambiguous definition of this concept.
Server (from English To serve - "To serve") - a concept used in information technology, means a software element of a computing system that performs serving functions at the request of the client, providing him with certain services or access to resources. Server devices serve a set of a certain number of clients that are networked. The server is not only a hardware device, i.e. a physical object, but also a software tool that serves for these purposes. The notions "Server" and "Client" form a software concept, which is built according to the "Client - Server" scheme. To interact with clients, the server allocates the necessary interprocess communication resources, and also awaits a request to open a connection. The server can service processes within one computer system, and processes on other machines, depending on the type of resource. The format in which client requests and server responses are executed is determined by the protocol. There is such a concept as "Virtual Server", it is a set of software tools aimed at performing tasks of exchange, processing and storage of data, managing office equipment, and providing remote communication for a certain number of clients. A specific server can combine hardware and virtual at the same time. Servers are used in the work of almost any enterprise, on their basis multiuser centers are created, which combine the information resources of all employees, provide quick access to them; enable simultaneous work with data arrays, exchange of information. Thus, the server makes it possible to make the work of the company more convenient and efficient, to increase the reliability and speed of execution. It also combines material resources (technology). This saves a lot of time and money. It is the server that makes it possible to communicate by e-mail, the remote server allows you to reduce the effort of remote communication. The server provides access to the Internet, since web servers are designed to store Internet pages. Naturally, the reliability and safety of its operation directly depends on the cost of hardware and software. But it's worth it, as for many businesses, LAN damage or lack of Internet access can cause significant disruption.
