ServerWatch breaks down the Internet servers we review into 14 categories. For more information about a category, click on the server type for a comprehensive overview and a list of servers reviewed on the site.
At its core, a Web server serves static content to a Web browser by loading a file from a disk and serving it across the network to a user's Web browser. This entire exchange is mediated by the browser and server talking to each other using Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP).
Almost as ubiquitous and crucial as Web servers, mail servers move and store mail over private networks and across the Internet.
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Real-Time Communication Servers Our real-time communication server category consists of chat servers, instant messaging servers, instant messaging gateway servers, and IRC servers.
Sometimes referred to as a type of middleware, application servers occupy a large chunk of computing territory between database servers and the end user, and they often connect the two.
File Transfer Protocol makes it possible to move files from one computer to another via the Internet. Although one of the oldest Internet services, FTP servers have kept pace with the times.
Today's FTP servers feature user authentication, file transfer policies, and detailed activity logging as well as deliver virtualization and automation capabilities.
In the general sense, a proxy is a stand in. In network architecture, it's an entity that sits between corporate client machines and the Internet. A forward proxy stands in the way of the Internet and receives data from client machines bound for the Internet and forwards it on on their behalf. A reverse proxy stands in the way of servers within the corporate network and receives data bound for them, and distributes it on.
Collaboration Servers In many ways, groupware is the clearest way to show the true power of the World Wide Web
List Servers List servers offer a way to better manage mailing lists, whether they be interactive discussions open to the public or one-way lists that deliver announcements, newsletters, or advertising.
Telnet Servers A telnet server enables users to log on to a host computer and perform tasks as if they're working on the remote computer itself.
Operating System Servers A term often used synonymously with 'operating system,' a platform is the underlying hardware or software for a system and is thus the engine that drives the server.
Server Attic Servers In the fast-paced world of IT, servers come and go. This section is for those servers that are no longer sold or supported but that an organization, for whatever reason, may be interested in learning more about.
News Rackable Rolls Out Data Center on Wheels [December 22, 2008]
The MobiRack packs a powerful punch. Although it is about the size of a TV, it can hold 12 dense servers and be wheeled anywhere you need it to go.
Reviews A RADIUS Server That Comes 'Round for SMBs [December 1, 2008]
RADIUS servers aren't just for large enterprises. Elektron RADIUS Server from Periodik Labs brings 'Wireless Without Worry,' to SMBs.
