There are different types of servers for different applications. The selection on the hosting market is large and providers offer customers servers in many different variants. But where exactly are the differences and which server types are there at all? You can find out in the following article:
Definition of the term Server
Basically, a server is a particularly powerful, central network computer that makes the available resources available to other computers and is used to operate functional as well as infrastructural network services. However, the term server alone has a double meaning in this context, as it is used both in reference to hardware and in reference to software. While the software-based server is a program that takes over a special server service, the hardware-based server is a physical computer that is integrated in a computer network. Several different software-based servers can also run on one hardware-based server. In the following overview of server types, reference is made to the server as hardware. An overview of servers as software can be found in the article on the most popular server services.
Different server types
The following server types can be provided for the different applications of a server.
Virtual Server
Virtual servers, also called VServers, are virtual servers that are set up on a physical computer. Since the individual VServers work independently of each other, several virtual servers can be present on one physical computer. The advantage of this variant is the cost savings. Customers often do not need the full performance of a standalone physical server and can use a VServer to rent the corresponding resources simply and cost-effectively. A VPS can also be used for mining Cryptocurrencies, to get an overview of some providers visit Peer-Server.
Dedicated server
Dedicated servers, also called root servers or simply servers, are a computer physically present in the data center. This is available to the customer without any restrictions and exclusively, including the full hardware resources. With this variant, the customer can use the full performance of the server and configure the system completely individually according to his own wishes. Of course, the entire server costs must be borne by the customer alone. You can find good offers at Hostgator.
Managed Server
Managed servers are available as VServers as well as dedicated servers. The “managed option” is primarily intended for customers who do not want to deal with the technical administration of the systems. In principle, customers with their own server have to take over the configuration and administration of the systems. This not only involves a one-off effort to set up the server, but also continuous maintenance work and updates. Since server administration is not only time-consuming, but also requires specific expertise, this task can be outsourced to the web hoster’s trained specialists for a fee as part of a managed server.
Special server systems
In addition to the classic server types, many providers also offer its customers various special server systems. For example, the High Class Servers are special server systems that will not only provide excellent performance in normal operation, but will also easily handle high load peaks. With the Proxmox HA Cluster, a special high availability cluster based on Proxmox PVE5 and Ceph can be provided for customers who are looking for particularly fail-safe and scalable solutions for large web projects.