what is server

The server refers to a special computer that can provide certain services to other clients (such as PCs, smartphones, ATMs and other terminals, and even large equipment such as train systems) in a network environment. It runs faster than ordinary computers. Faster, higher payload, more expensive. The server has high-speed CPU computing capabilities, long-term reliable operation, strong I/O external data throughput capabilities, and better scalability.

The operating environment of this tutorial: Windows 7 system, Dell G3 computer.

What is a server

The server is a type of computer. The English name of the server is "Server", which refers to the client computer (such as a PC, Terminals such as smartphones, ATMs, and even large equipment such as train systems) are dedicated computers that provide certain services. The servers are installed with network operating systems (such as Windows 2000 Server, Linux, Unix, etc.) and various server application system software (such as Web services). , email service) computer.

Compared with ordinary computers, servers have higher requirements in terms of stability, security, performance, etc. Therefore, the CPU, chipset, memory, disk system, network and other hardware are different from ordinary computers.

The server provides computing or application services to other clients in the network (such as PCs, smartphones, terminals such as ATMs, and even large equipment such as train systems). The server has high-speed CPU computing capabilities, long-term reliable operation, strong I/O external data throughput capabilities, and better scalability.

The server is the node of the network, storing and processing 80% of the data and information on the network, and plays a decisive role in the network. They are high-performance computers that provide various services to client computers. Their high performance mainly reflects high-speed computing capabilities, long-term reliable operation, and powerful external data throughput capabilities. The composition of a server is similar to that of an ordinary computer, including a processor, hard disk, memory, system bus, etc. However, because it is specially formulated for specific network applications, servers and microcomputers have differences in processing power, stability, reliability, security, etc. There are huge differences in scalability, manageability, etc. Servers mainly include network servers (DNS, DHCP), print servers, terminal servers, disk servers, mail servers, file servers, etc.

The role of the server

1. As a node of the network, the server stores and processes 80% of the data and information on the network, so it is also called the soul of the network.

2. Make a vivid metaphor: the server is like a switch in the post office, while fixed or mobile network terminals such as computers, notebooks, PDAs, and mobile phones are scattered in homes, various offices, and public places. Telephones in places, etc.

3. Our daily telephone exchanges and communications with the outside world in daily life and work must go through a switch to reach the target phone number; the same is true for network terminal equipment such as microcomputers in homes and businesses to access the Internet and obtain information. Communication and entertainment with the outside world must also go through the server, so it can also be said that the server "organizes" and "leads" these devices.

4. It is a high-availability computer that provides various services to client computers on the network. Under the control of the network operating system, it connects the hard disk, tape, printer, Modem and various devices connected to it. Special communication equipment is provided for customer site sharing on the network, and can also provide network users with services such as centralized computing, information publishing, and data management.

5. Its high performance is mainly reflected in high-speed computing capabilities, long-term reliable operation, and powerful external data throughput capabilities.

Reasons why the server is turned on 24 hours a day

1. Since people visit the website day and night, it needs to be turned on. If it is an internationally renowned website, that is even more true. It almost cannot be stopped. Once the service is stopped, the consequences will be disastrous.

2. Generally, servers are required to be on 24 hours a day, all year round, and occasionally need to be shut down for maintenance.

Server placement place

The server should be placed in the computer room, because the server needs to be on 24 hours a day and work continuously 365 days a year, so heat dissipation is more important , so the server needs to be placed in a relatively stable and suitable environment, where constant temperature, constant humidity, dustproof, power supply, etc. are essential. The computer room is equipped with air conditioning to ensure constant temperature, humidity and dust-proof power supply.

Server classification:

According to the system architecture, servers are mainly divided into two categories:

(1), non-x86 servers:

1. Including mainframes, minicomputers and UNIX servers. They are servers that use RISC (Reduced Instruction Set) or EPIC (Parallel Instruction Code) processors and mainly use UNIX and other dedicated operating systems.

2. Reduced instruction set processors mainly include IBM's POWER and PowerPC processors. The SPARC processors and EPIC processors jointly developed by SUN and Fujitsu are mainly Itanium processors developed by Intel.

3. This kind of server is expensive and has a closed system, but it has good stability and strong performance. It is mainly used in the core systems of large enterprises such as finance and telecommunications.

(2), x86 server:

1. Also known as CISC (Complex Instruction Set) architecture server, commonly known as PC server, it is a server based on PC architecture, using Intel or other processor chips compatible with x86 instruction set and Windows operating system. .

2. It is cheap, has good compatibility, poor stability, and not too high security. It is mainly used in small and medium-sized enterprises and non-critical businesses.

Expand knowledge:

Things to note in the server room

1. A stable supply of power is necessary for the normal operation of the server. Necessary conditions are also the basis for the server to serve enterprises. Therefore, when we lay out the power system of the computer room, we need to consider not only the normal power conditions for the normal operation of the server, but also the countermeasures for emergencies. For example, in order to ensure the security of server data due to a sudden power outage, a high-standard large-scale UPS power distribution cabinet needs to be equipped to ensure that the server can continue to operate for a period of time after the power outage. For example, it is also necessary for the server to separate the power supply line for the server room from other facilities. A measure for power stability.

2. The stable operation of the server also requires temperature control. If there is no temperature control device, the CPU temperature of most servers is generally above 60 degrees when running. In hot summers, the temperature will be even higher. Long-term exposure to high temperatures will affect the performance of the server, so server rooms generally require precise configuration. Air conditioning, use air conditioning to control the ambient temperature of the computer room at about 18 to 25 degrees to prevent the server from continuing to operate in a high temperature environment.

3. Humidity also has a great impact on the server. If the humidity is too low, it is easy to generate static electricity, which may cause capacitors or other chips to be broken down accidentally. If the ambient humidity is too high, condensation may form on the circuit, causing the circuit's insulation to drop or even short circuit. Long-term humid conditions may produce mold and damage the server's circuit system. Generally, the humidity in the server room is required to be controlled between 45% and 55%. If possible, it is best to elevate the cabinet and lay moisture-proof materials under the floor.

4. Dust is the killer of all electronic equipment. If a large amount of dust covers the server motherboard circuit, it can easily cause a short circuit; if it adheres to the cooling fan, it will also increase the load on the cooling fan and affect the heat dissipation effect. Therefore, the server room must take dust-proof measures. For example, when entering the computer room, you must wear disposable dust-proof shoe covers or prepare special slippers for the computer room. At the same time, the server needs to be dusted regularly; try to avoid opening the doors and windows of the server room for a long time.

5. The computer room also needs to take fire and lightning protection measures. Although the computer room is required to use insulating and refractory materials, protective measures must also be taken, such as purchasing high-standard power strips, non-smoking in the computer room, and equipped with fire-fighting equipment. If possible, independent smoke sensors can be installed. Electronic equipment such as servers are very sensitive to current pulses, so lightning protection measures must be taken into consideration when arranging the server room. Instantaneous large current pulses in the circuit may breakdown the server.

6. Other matters that need attention. Do not expose the server to direct sunlight for a long time. Sunlight will cause the surface temperature of the server to rise. Do not place too many servers in a cabinet because the load-bearing capacity of the cabinet is limited. When arranging the server room, long-term care must be taken. Planning, cabinet discharge, patch panel location, etc. all need to be planned in advance so that space can be better utilized and management can be facilitated.

Proper maintenance of the server can effectively extend the service life of the server and improve work efficiency and performance. After all, servers generally serve us 24 hours a day, all year round.

For more related knowledge, please visit the FAQ column!

The above is the detailed content of what is server. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!