Things to Know About Server Computers

A server computer is a computer system that usually serves other computers or devices on a network.

A server computer is a computer system that usually serves other computers or devices on a network. These computers are designed to perform a variety of tasks, such as storing large amounts of data, file sharing, printer sharing, application hosting, web hosting, email services, etc.

Server computers are designed for higher reliability and performance requirements. Therefore, they can have more powerful processors, more memory, and more storage. Additionally, most servers may have advanced features for remote management and are often designed to support critical functions such as redundancy and data backup.

1. Physical Properties:

o Processor: Servers usually have multi-core and high-frequency processors. There may also be support for multiple processors.

o Processor Type and Architecture: Server processors are often selected from specialized processor series, such as Intel Xeon or AMD EPYC. In addition to features such as processor architecture, memory, and PCIe ports, factors such as energy efficiency and security features should also be considered.

o Number of Cores and Work Parallelization: Depending on the workload of the server, multi-core processors may be preferred. Especially for applications that require multi-threading parallelization, processors with more cores can provide a performance advantage.

o Frequency and Processor Speed: The speed of the processor determines how fast a server can handle a workload. Higher clock speeds allow processors to run faster but can increase energy consumption.

o Memory Support: Server processors usually support large memory capacity. High memory bandwidth and low memory latency can improve server performance.

o Power Consumption and Heat Generation: Server processors are generally preferred for their low heat generation characteristics combined with energy efficiency. Low power consumption can reduce operating costs and require less cooling.

o Virtualization Support: Virtualization technologies allow multiple virtual servers to run on a single physical server. The processor must support virtualization technologies.

o The choice of server processor should be made in such a way as to provide the performance that best suits the specific requirements of the server. Additionally, it is important to consider future growth and expansion needs.

o Memory (RAM): Servers usually have large amounts of memory. This ensures that they can respond to the service of a large number of users or processes at the same time.

o Storage: High-capacity and reliable storage solutions are used. Data protection technologies such as RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) are frequently used.

o Network Connections: Servers usually have more than one network port. This provides high bandwidth and balances network traffic.

o Power Supply: Servers are supported by power backup systems such as uninterruptible power supply (UPS). This allows them to operate without being affected by power outages.

o Cooling: Due to intensive workloads, servers are often heavily cooled. This prevents the hardware from overheating and prevents performance degradation.

2. Operating System and Software:

o Operating System: Operating systems based on Windows Server, Linux (distributions such as Ubuntu, CentOS, Red Hat) or UNIX are commonly used.

o Server Software: Software such as Apache and Nginx can be used for web servers; database management systems such as MySQL, PostgreSQL for database servers; software such as Postfix and Exchange can be used for e-mail servers.

3. Management & Security:

o Remote Management: Servers can usually be managed remotely. This allows system administrators to manage the server without physically accessing it.

o Security Software and Protocols: Servers are protected by security software and protocols such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), intrusion prevention systems (IPS).

o Data Backup and Recovery: It is important to make regular data backups for servers and to create data recovery plans in case of emergencies.

4. Features by type:

o Web Servers: High availability, fast response times, and security measures are important.

o Database Servers: Fast data processing, high database performance, and security are critical.

o Email Servers: It is important that they have features such as spam filtering, anti-virus protection, and secure communication protocols.

Since servers form the basic infrastructure of an organization or a website, it is important that they are configured with the right hardware, software and security measures. In addition, operations such as regular maintenance of servers, updates and performance monitoring should be carried out regularly.