Data storage, website hosting, emails, and software all require a reliable server to function properly. But just what is a server, and are you sure yours is optimally performing?

CEG offers affordable and effective business computer support services, including server management that:

  • Mitigates server slowdowns and downtime.
  • Creates secure environments.
  • Ensures servers meet your business’s requirements as it grows.

Computer Support: What is a Server?

No, we’re not talking about restaurant servers. But we will use a dining experience to explain what a server is and does.

In simplest terms, a server is a computer that does work for other computers. Because they perform a service, they’re called servers, and the computers they serve are called clients.

When you dine out, a server takes your order, delivers it to the kitchen, and brings the completed dish back to your table, ready to eat. And they often do this for multiple diners (clients) simultaneously. Once you grasp this concept, it’s easy to understand client-server computing, which works the same way.

Personal computers and other types of clients. PCs, tablets, and smartphones are “clients” that work alone or on a network and ask servers to deliver information or perform tasks. As they don’t literally talk with one another, they exchange data and information using your network. A server is located somewhere on the network and takes care of multiple clients.

Specialized servers and multiple clients. If you’re dining at a large restaurant, it might have separate individuals who perform tasks like preparing salads and serving beverages. So your main server, or waiter/waitress, is actually working with many other people to make sure you get your meal.

So, what does all this talk of food and dining out have to do with computers?

The Internet and Client-Server Computing

The “internet” is made up of many computers that are connected via a network known as the world wide web. When your business uses the internet, it’s using client-server computing for one or more specific functions or applications, like email or website hosting.

You’ve probably heard the terms “email server or “web server.” Some of the other common server types businesses use include:

  • Application servers
  • List servers
  • Open source servers
  • Telnet servers
  • Virtual servers

Most end-users don’t concern themselves with which type of server is delivering the service they need; they just want to make sure the “meal” is prepared and delivered correctly.

Business Server Management Services

Organizations with limited or no in-house IT teams can benefit from outsourcing server management to outside professionals.

However, not all IT companies that offer computer support provide server management services. When you partner with CEG, you receive the server management services you need to keep your business on track each and every day, including hardware, CPU, hard drive, software, backup, and security support. Contact us today to learn more.