Server

From The IT Law Wiki

A server is an application or device that performs services for connected clients as part of a client-server architecture. Server computers are devices designed to run such an application or applications, often for extended periods of time with minimal human direction. Examples of servers include:

• web servers
• e-mail servers
• file servers
• caching servers
• database servers
• authentication servers
• proxy servers
• domain name servers, and
• network time servers.

Almost the entire structure of the Internet is based upon a client-server model. Millions of servers are connected to the Internet and run continuously throughout the world. Among the many services provided by Internet servers are: the Web; the Domain Name System; electronic mail; file transfers; instant messaging; streaming audio and streaming video, online gaming, and countless others. Virtually every action taken by an ordinary Internet user requires one or more interactions with one or more servers.

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