FAQ 5a
Updated: 1/12/00

>>>>>> What is a Server?
========================

The term 'server' gets used a lot, and it often has a different meaning 
depending on context.  In general, a server is something that serves 
or provides service.  When you consider online games, the term 'server' 
applies to a number of things.

'Web Servers' are applications that take HTTP requests, and responds 
by sending HTML pages and other web-page resources.

'FTP Servers' are applications that take FTP requests and respond by 
transmitting files designated for download.

'Mail Servers' handle internet mail.  They can send messages, recieve 
messages, and hold messages for local network retrieval.

'Database Server's and 'SQL Server's will maintain databases (a whole 
bunch of related records).  These servers respond to database requests
by adding records, removing records, and creating reports from records.

'Game Servers' are applications that support a network game.  They take 
requests from 'Game Clients', and respond with information describing 
the game state.

When a computer is dedicated to operating one or more of the software 
services listed above, then that machine is also called a 'Server'.  
For the sake of clarity, please refer to these machines as 'Server Systems'. 


LINUX/UNIX got smart on this issue.  On unix machines, software servers 
are called 'Daemon's.  That way whenever you use the term 'Server' people 
know that you are talking about the machine.