Basic Server Types Cheatsheet
Comprehensive reference for basic server types covering web servers, email servers, database servers, DNS servers, file servers, FTP servers, web proxy servers, and DHCP servers with detailed explanations of each type.
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Understanding Server Types
Servers are specialized computers or software applications designed to provide specific services, resources, or functionality to other computers (clients) over a network. Each server type serves a distinct purpose in modern IT infrastructure. When choosing a VPS provider, consider which server types you'll need and compare performance benchmarks for optimal results.
Table of Contents
Web Server
A web server hosts and serves web pages and web applications to clients over HTTP/HTTPS protocols. It handles incoming requests from web browsers and delivers HTML content, images, scripts, and other resources. Choose the right hosting provider for optimal web server performance.
Key Features
- • Hosts and serves web pages and web applications to clients
- • Handles HTTP requests from web browsers and delivers HTML content
- • Supports various technologies such as PHP, ASP.NET, or Node.js
- • Provides security measures like SSL certificates for encrypted communication. Verify SSL configurations with our SSL Checker tool.
Common Examples
-
Apache HTTP Server -
Nginx -
Microsoft IIS -
LiteSpeed
eMail Server
An email server facilitates the sending, receiving, and storage of email messages. It manages email transfers between clients and stores messages in user mailboxes for retrieval.
Key Features
- • Facilitates the sending, receiving, and storage of email messages
- • Uses protocols like SMTP, POP3, or IMAP to handle email transfers
- • Stores emails in user mailboxes and allows access through email clients or web interfaces
- • Implements spam filtering with blacklist monitoring, virus scanning, and SPF/DMARC authentication mechanisms for email security. Use our Email Warmup Schedule tool for new servers.
Common Examples
-
Microsoft Exchange -
Postfix -
Sendmail -
Dovecot
Database Server
A database server manages and stores structured data, enabling efficient data retrieval and manipulation. It handles queries from applications and ensures data integrity and consistency. Compare database performance benchmarks across different VPS providers.
Key Features
- • Manages and stores structured data, enabling efficient data retrieval and manipulation
- • Supports query languages like SQL for managing and retrieving data
- • Provides features such as data integrity, transaction management, and backup capabilities
- • Offers scalability options to handle large amounts of data and concurrent connections
Common Examples
-
MySQL- Calculate MySQL resources -
PostgreSQL -
Microsoft SQL Server -
MongoDB
DNS Server
A DNS (Domain Name System) server translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses. It enables users to access websites using memorable domain names instead of numeric IP addresses. Learn more in our DNS cheatsheet and how DNS works guide.
Key Features
- • Translates domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.1)
- • Resolves queries from clients, directing them to the appropriate IP address. Test DNS resolution with our DNS Lookup tool or check domain info with WHOIS.
- • Implements caching to improve query response times and reduce network traffic
- • Supports zone transfers between DNS servers to synchronize and distribute domain records
Common Examples
-
BIND -
Microsoft DNS -
PowerDNS -
Unbound
File Server
A file server provides centralized storage and management of files for client devices on a network. It allows users to access shared files and folders over the network connection.
Key Features
- • Centralized storage and management of files for client devices on a network
- • Allows clients to access shared files and folders over a network connection
- • Implements access controls to restrict file permissions and maintain security. See also Linux filesystem management.
- • Supports features like file locking, versioning, and backup to ensure data integrity
Common Examples
-
Windows File Server -
Samba -
NFS (Network File System)- Autofs guide -
FreeNAS
FTP Server
An FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server enables file transfer between a client and a server using the FTP protocol. It provides a standardized way to upload and download files across networks. Learn file transfer commands in our curl cheatsheet. For secure setups, see Linux hardening.
Key Features
- • Enables file transfer between a client and a server using the File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
- • Provides user authentication and access control for secure file transfers
- • Supports uploading, downloading, and managing files and directories
- • Can be used for public file distribution or as a private file repository
Common Examples
-
vsftpd -
ProFTPD -
FileZilla Server -
Pure-FTPd
Web Proxy Server
A web proxy server acts as an intermediary between client devices and web servers. It forwards client requests to web servers and returns responses, providing caching, security, and access control features.
Key Features
- • Acts as an intermediary between client devices and web servers
- • Caches frequently requested web content, improving performance and reducing bandwidth usage
- • Provides anonymity and security by masking client IP addresses and filtering web traffic. Check IP reputation or use What is my IP tool.
- • Controls access to specific websites, enforcing content filtering or firewall rules
Common Examples
-
Squid -
HAProxy -
Nginx (as proxy) -
Apache Traffic Server
DHCP Server
A DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server dynamically assigns IP addresses and network configuration parameters to client devices. It automates network configuration management. Learn more in our DHCP cheatsheet and IP command guide.
Key Features
- • Dynamically assigns IP addresses and network configuration parameters to client devices
- • Provides essential network information such as subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server addresses
- • Manages IP address pools and lease durations for efficient address allocation
- • Simplifies network administration by automating IP configuration
Common Examples
-
ISC DHCP Server -
Microsoft DHCP -
Dnsmasq -
Kea DHCP
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