3.1 Server types

Question 1

What is a server

Answer 1

• A powerful dedicated system on a network

Question 2

What does a server require

Answer 2

• Memory
• Storage
• Processing power

Question 3

What should servers do

Answer 3

• Manage the needs of connected systems
• Must be adaptable

Question 4

File Servers (4)

Answer 4

• Manages and centrally stores files - so other systems can access them.
• Provides access security - ensures only authorised users can access files
• Automatically backup files - disaster recovery policy.
• Frees up physical storage space and provides printing services.

Question 5

Printer Servers (3)

Answer 5

• Control any printers on a network, manages printing requests by sending them to an appropriate printer.
• Use spooling to queue print jobs, so that they are printed when the printer is ready.
• If a fault occurs, work can be automatically diverted.

Question 6

Application Servers (4)

Answer 6

• Allow users to access shared applications on a network.
• Will restrict certain applications to unauthorised users.
• Simplified updates can be deployed to just to the application server, saves a lot of time.
• Installers found in application servers which allows the software to be installed on other systems.

Question 7

Database Server (4)

Answer 7

• Manages database software that users on the network can access to manipulate data.
• Data is stored in a database accessible from multiple connected computers.
• The data can be modified.
• Storing data on a database server is more reliable and allows for scaling.

Question 8

Web server (2)

Answer 8

• Manages HTTP requests from connected devices to display on web pages.
• Server uses URLs with matching IP addresses to deliver the web page to the client.

Question 9

Mail Server (4)

Answer 9

• Sends and receives emails using Email Protocols (SMTP and POP), this allows email communication between other mail servers.
• The server makes sure emails are delivered to the correct user.
• Email servers can store company address books, this makes internal communication easier.
• The server may have anti-spam functions to reduce junk mail.

Question 10

Hypervisor

Answer 10

• Allows a host machine to operate virtual machines as guest systems.
• Virtual machines share resources of the host, memory, processing power and storage. (Virtualisation)
• Guest systems are isolated so if one fails, the other guests and hosts are not affected. (Good security)
• Hypervisor optimises the hardware of the host server to allow virtual machines to run ass efficiently as possible.