Server
Server In a technical sense, a server is an instance of a computer program that accepts and responds to requests made by another program; known as a client. Less formally, any device that runs server software could be considered a server as well. Servers are used to manage network resources. For example, a user may setup a server to control access to a network, send/receive e-mail, manage print jobs, or host a website.
Some servers are committed to a specific task; often referred to as dedicated. As a result, there are a number of dedicated server categories, like print servers, file servers, network servers and database servers.
Because they are commonly used to deliver a services that are required constantly, most servers are never turned off. Consequently, when servers fail, they cause the network users or company many problems. To alleviate these issues, servers are commonly high-end computers setup to be fault tolerant.
Application server
The application server is a framework, an environment where applications can run, no matter what they are or what functions they perform. An application server can be used to develop and run web-based applications. There are a number of different types of application servers, including Java, PHP and .NET Framework application servers.
Application servers provide a number of advantages. They provide data and code integrity by allowing for a more centralized approach to updates and upgrades to applications. They provide security by centralizing the management of data access and the authentication process. Performance can be improved for heavy usage applications by limiting network traffic performance-tier traffic. All of the advantages and benefits can result in a lower total cost of ownership.
Blade
1. When referring to a network router, switch, server, or other network device a blade also known as an expansion module refers to a hardware component that can be installed into a chassis that allows for additional functionality, much like an expansion card in a computer, but often at a much bigger scale. For example, a router or switch with blade support allows complete customization, if more fiber lines are needed, additional fiber blades can be added.
Computer network and network card help and support.
Dell PowerEdge 1855 blade server2. When talking about servers, a blade, blade server, or a high density server is one rack mount unit that is capable of holding dozens of different servers. Blade servers can save space and make maintaining a network of hundreds of servers a lot easier. The picture is an example of the Dell PowerEdge 1855 and what a blade server may look like outside of a rack.
Client
1. A client is a computer that retrieves information from or uses resources provided by the server or main computer. Many corporate networks are comprised of a client computer at each of the employees' desks. Each of these computers connects to a central server or mainframe, which allows processing to be done on the client side instead of the server side and reduces the processing requirements of the server.
Computer network and network card help and support.
2. Client is also another name for a software program used to connect to a server.
3. A client can also be another term used to describe a user.
Computer
A computer is not an acronym and sometimes abbreviated as comp or 'puter. The term "computer" was originally given to humans who performed numerical calculations using mechanical calculators, such as the abacus and slide rule. The term was later given to a mechanical device as they began replacing the human computers. Today's computers are electronic devices that accept data (input), process that data, produce output, and then store (storage) the results.
The first digital computer and what most people think of as a computer was called the ENIAC, built during World War II (1943-1946). Early computers like the ENIAC used vacuum tubes and were large (sometimes room size) and only found in businesses, Universities, or governments. Later, computers began utilizing transistors as well as smaller and cheaper parts that allowed the common person to own a computer.
The history of the computer and when the first computer was invented.
Today, computers help make jobs that used to be complicated much simpler. For example, a user can write letters in a word processor, edit any portion of the letter anytime, spell check the letter, print multiple copies of that letter, and even send that letter to someone across the world in a matter of seconds. All of these activities would have taken someone days, if not months, to do before computers. Also, all of the above is just a small fraction of what computers can do.
What components make up a computer?
Today's computers have some or all of the below components (hardware). As technology advances, older technologies such as a floppy disk drive and Zip drive (both shown below) are no longer required or included with computers.
Example of front of computer caseBay
Case or Chassis
Case Fan
Optical drive: Blu-ray, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, or DVD
CPU (processor)
Floppy disk drive
Hard drive
Keyboard
Memory (RAM)
Microphone
Monitor, LCD, or other display device
Motherboard
Mouse
Network card
Power Supply
Printer
Sound card
Speakers
Video card
Inside of the computer
What does the inside of a computer look like?
Connections
A diagram of the back of a personal computer and a brief description of the computer connections can also be found on our connection definition.
Peripherals
A peripheral is any accessory or add-on that can be attached to your computer, but is not required. For example, a computer printer is a perfect example of a peripheral. See the peripheral definition for a full list of peripherals that can be attached to your computer.
Variations of computers
When talking about a computer or a "PC", you are usually referring to a traditional computer that you would find in a home or office. Today, however, the lines of what makes a computer are blurring. Below are all the different examples of what is considered a computer today.
Dedicated server
A server that is hosted by a company and only allows one company to lease and access it is called a dedicated server. It is "dedicated" to the one client and is not shared with any other clients. Dedicated servers usually allow the client to choose what operating system is installed on it and what type of hardware. In some cases, as an add-on service, the hosting company will provide administration services for the client, freeing the client from having to worry about it.
In most cases, the hosting company performs most, if not all, of the maintenance on the dedicated server, including operating system updates and updates to any installed applications, monitoring of the server and applications, firewall maintenance, intrusion detection, data backups, disaster recovery, and a number of other maintenance services. The hosting company also employs strict security measures to safeguard their clients' data and comply with all security policies and audit guidelines. Clients usually pay a monthly, quarterly, or yearly fee to use a dedicated server, which can save money over hosting, maintaining, and managing their own servers on-site.
Host
1. Alternatively referred to as an Internet node, a host is the computer or other device connected to a computer network that delegates to the other nodes. A network host handles user requests; offering services, software applications, and information resources to users or other nodes within the network. A host serves many different purposes, for example, it may be responsible for sending information to players in an online computer game or for serving users a web page on the Internet (ComputerHope.com is a host). Each device connected to the host that receives data is known as a client.
Computer network and network card help and support.
2.For Linux, see the host command for further information.
3. A host can also be an abbreviated version of a web host.
Also see: Client, Host priority, Hostname, Network terms, Node address, Server, Vhost
SAS
1. Short for Serial Attached SCSI, SAS is a serial transmission replacement for the parallel SCSI. SAS is an improvement of regular SCSI in that it allow up to 128 devices to be connected at the same time with transmission speeds of 3.0Gb/s. SAS devices have two data ports and can communicate with both SCSI and SATA.
2. Short for Standalone Server, SAS is a server that does not rely on any other servers or services.
3. Abbreviation sometimes used to describe SUPERAntiSpyware.
Standalone
Fax MachineA standalone device is any mechanism or system that can perform its function without the need of another device, computer, or connection. A perfect example of a standalone device is a copy or fax machine, as shown in the picture.
Supercomputer
A computer or array of computers that act as one collective machine capable of processing enormous amounts of data. Supercomputers are used for very complex jobs such as nuclear research or forecasting weather patterns. The picture shows a supercomputer at the William R. Wiley Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory; the Linux-based system is composed of nearly 2,000 processors. Courtesy: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
Workstation
A name given to a single computer that is connected to another computer or network. A workstation has no important function and is not a necessity for a network to operate. A workstation is only needed for a single user to connect to the network. For example, almost all users who utilize a computer at their job or school are using a workstation.
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