A server is a computer or a computer program that provides services, resources, or data to other computers, known as clients, over a network. This setup is known as the client–server model, where the server responds to requests from clients by delivering the requested information or service
. Servers are typically more powerful and reliable than standard personal computers, as they are designed to handle multiple simultaneous requests and provide continuous service. They can serve various purposes, such as hosting websites (web servers), managing databases (database servers), sharing files (file servers), handling email (mail servers), and more
. The term "server" can refer both to the hardware (the physical machine) and the software (the program running on that machine) that performs the service. Servers can be dedicated devices or virtual machines running on shared hardware. They play a crucial role in the infrastructure of the internet and local networks by organizing, storing, and distributing data and services efficiently
. In summary, a server is a specialized computer or software system designed to provide resources, data, or services to other computers (clients) over a network, enabling communication and resource sharing in computing environments
