What Is a Server?

A server is a computer that provides data, applications or services to other computers (clients) over a network. Whenever you open a website, send an email or join an online game, a server is working in the background. Servers are built to run continuously and are usually hosted in data centers.

In this article we explain what a server is, how it works, the main types of servers and how to choose the right one for your project.

How Does a Server Work?

Servers follow the client–server model. A client (browser, app or game) sends a request; the server processes it and returns a response. For example, when a web page is requested, web server software (such as Apache, Nginx or LiteSpeed) finds the files, pulls data from the database if needed and sends the page to the visitor.

What sets a server apart from an ordinary computer:

• Continuous operation: Designed to stay on 24/7 with redundant power and cooling.
• Server-grade hardware: Multi-core processors such as Intel Xeon and error-correcting (ECC) memory.
• High bandwidth: Uses the data center’s powerful internet connectivity.
• Remote management: Managed via SSH, RDP or a control panel without physical access.

Server Types by Purpose

Web Server

Stores website files and serves pages to browsers. Every hosting setup, from shared hosting to dedicated servers, runs web server software.

Database Server

Runs databases such as MySQL, MariaDB or PostgreSQL. For query-heavy projects, moving the database to a separate server can improve performance.

Mail Server

Sends, receives and stores business email. For bulk sending, mail relay services are used to improve deliverability. See our mail relay service.

Game Server

Brings players together in the same world in multiplayer games. Low latency requires a location close to the players and a fast processor. See our game server plans.

Server Types by Infrastructure

Shared Server

The resources of one server are shared among many users. It is economical and needs no technical knowledge, ideal for small and medium websites. See web hosting plans.

Virtual Server (VDS / VPS)

A physical server is split into independent virtual machines using virtualization software. Each virtual server gets dedicated CPU, RAM and disk, and with root/administrator access you can install any operating system and software. Compare plans on our VDS server page.

Dedicated Server

All the hardware belongs to a single customer. Because you share resources with no one, performance is the most predictable; suitable for large projects and special security requirements. See our server options.

Colocation

You place your own server in a data center and get power, cooling and connectivity from the facility. The hardware is yours; the infrastructure is provided by the data center. See data center services.

What to Consider When Choosing a Server

• Processor: Core count affects parallel workloads; clock speed affects single-threaded performance.
• RAM: Enough memory is critical for applications that use databases and caching.
• Disk: NVMe and SSD disks are much faster than traditional hard drives.
• Network: Check the port speed and any traffic limits.
• Location: A data center close to your users means lower latency.
• Operating system: Consider Linux distributions (Ubuntu, Debian, AlmaLinux, etc.) or Windows Server.
• Backup and security: Look for automatic backups, DDoS protection and firewall options.
• Management support: If you lack server administration experience, consider a managed support option.

Which Server for Which Need?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a server and hosting?

A server is the computer where data is stored; hosting is the service of renting that server’s resources to publish your website.

Are VDS and VPS the same?

Both are virtual servers. VDS is usually used for virtual servers with more clearly dedicated resources; in practice both mean a virtual machine with its own resources and full administrator access.

Do I have to manage my server myself?

On VDS and dedicated servers, management is yours by default. If you lack technical knowledge, you can get a server management service or start with shared hosting.

Why does server location matter?

The physically closer the server is to the user, the lower the latency. For visitors in Turkey, Turkey-based servers respond faster.