Servers are the backbone of the internet. Every website you visit, every email you send and every video you stream passes through one. Yet for most people they remain an abstract idea, something that lives “somewhere out there”.
As part of our 101 series, this guide explains what a server actually is, how it works, the different types you’ll encounter, and, importantly, whether you need one of your own.
What is a server?
A server is a computer (or a program running on one) that provides a service to other computers and devices on a network. Think of it as a central hub that stores information and hands it out on request.
The word describes a role rather than a particular machine. Servers range from vast racks in data centres powering global platforms, down to a small box in an office cupboard sharing files between a handful of staff. What makes something a server is that other devices, the clients, connect to it and ask it for something.
How do servers work?
The relationship is simple: a client asks, the server answers. When you type a web address into your browser, your device sends a request to the server that holds that website, and the server sends back the files needed to display the page. All of this happens in a fraction of a second.
Servers use agreed-upon protocols to make sure both sides understand each other. Web servers use HTTP and HTTPS to talk to browsers; mail servers use SMTP to send email and IMAP or POP to retrieve it.
Because so much depends on them, servers are built for reliability rather than speed alone. Many run in clusters or redundant configurations, so that if one machine fails another takes over automatically and the service keeps running. Good hosting providers back this up with power redundancy, cooling, backups and 24/7 monitoring.
The different types of servers
Servers are usually named after the job they do. Here are the most common:
| Server type | What it does | You use it when… |
| Web server | Hosts and delivers websites over HTTP/HTTPS | You visit any website |
| Email server | Sends, receives and stores email | You send or check your mail |
| File server | Stores and shares files across a network | Your team works from shared folders |
| Database server | Stores and manages structured data | A site looks up products or accounts |
| Application server | Runs software that multiple users access | You use a cloud-based business app |
| DNS server | Translates domain names into IP addresses | You type a domain instead of an IP |
| Proxy server | Sits between client and server to cache or filter | Traffic is filtered or sped up |
| Print server | Manages shared printers on a network | An office shares one printer |
| Game server | Hosts multiplayer games in real time | You play online with others |
In practice these work together. Loading an online store might involve a DNS server finding the address, a web server delivering the page, a database server supplying the product details, and a mail server sending your receipt.
Why do servers matter?
For businesses, servers make it possible to store and process data, run online services, and reach customers anywhere in the world. For individuals, they’re quietly behind almost everything: cloud storage keeps your photos on a server, and streaming services deliver video from servers close to you.
Put simply, if something happens online, a server is doing the work.
Do I actually need my own server?
This is the question most people should ask first and for the majority, the honest answer is no.
If you’re running a small business website, a blog or an online store, you don’t need to buy or manage a server. You need web hosting, which is space on a server that someone else runs, maintains and secures for you. It’s dramatically cheaper and requires no technical expertise.
| Your situation | What you probably need |
| A small business site, blog or portfolio | Shared web hosting |
| A WordPress site you want running fast | Managed WordPress hosting |
| Professional email at your domain | Email hosting |
| A busy site or custom application outgrowing shared hosting | A VPS or cloud server |
| Strict compliance, custom infrastructure or your own hardware | A dedicated server or colocation |
Our Web Hosting 101 guide explains the differences between hosting types in more detail.
How do I get a server?
If you’ve worked through the table above and you genuinely need your own server, that’s where our sister company Fluccs comes in. Based in Brisbane with more than 20 years in Australian hosting, Fluccs specialises in managed cloud computing and infrastructure, from small business through to government. They offer:
- Cloud Servers: scalable resources that grow with demand
- VPS Hosting: your own virtual server with guaranteed resources
- Dedicated Servers: an entire physical machine for your workload
- Colocation: space, power and cooling for hardware you already own
Have a look at their options, and their sales team can put together a detailed quote for your requirements.
For everything else, websites, domains, email and hosting for small and growing businesses, Domain Central has you covered.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between a server and web hosting? A server is the machine; web hosting is renting space on one that someone else maintains for you.
Do I need my own server for a small business website? Almost never. Shared or WordPress hosting is cheaper, simpler and more than capable for most sites.
What happens if a server goes down? Well-designed setups use redundancy, so another server takes over automatically and visitors don’t notice.
Not sure what you need?
Working out whether you need hosting or a full server can be confusing. Get in touch or submit a support ticket from your Client Area, and our friendly Australian team will point you in the right direction.
