A server computer is computer that runs shared applications or
manages shared data that is accessed by other computers (i.e. client
computers). By consolidating data or software on a server
computer, the machine can be optimized for the functions it performs.
Some computer servers have web server software installed. This
allows the machine to respond to receive and respond to "http" requests
for web pages from web browsers that run on client machines (e.g.
personal computers). Other server computers may be optimized for running
complex application systems while others may be dedicated to managing
large volumes of data. By distributing functionality across multiple machines,
network performance can be optimized and hardware resources can be
optimized.
Although it is feasible to attach a keyboard, mouse and monitor to a
server computer and use it concurrently as a server and a normal computer, this is not normally
done. Server computers are normally dedicated for server functions
and operated in a separate, secured and climate controlled location.
