subject: What Is A Server Host? [print this page] The very mention of the word Server would mean that it is some sort of a master computer that controls the functioning of all the other computers and hardwares connected to it. Well, server host is something similar to that in the sense that it is also a master service provider where it is designed in such a manner to provide utilities and services to the clients. To be more precise about the definition, anything that shares its resources to other clients is called a server host.
The best example for a server host is obviously a reseller hosting service wherein a client buys a server from a provider. The client then divides the server into many divisions and sells this particular server to other clients who are in need of one. In this way, the client who bought the server at the first place becomes a service provider for all those clients who rents the server (server divisions) from this client. He is the service provider i.e. he shares the resources with others in need and hence he is the server host for all those under him.
Now that the definition understood clearly, it would be better if we learn some of the other aspects of server host which include server hardware, server operating systems etc. Since servers are resources, it is obvious that it will be used by clients all over the world every second i.e. 24X7. So Server hardwares are normally run without any break. Hence it is very important that the hardwares are durable.
The next obvious thing about server hosting is the server operating system. The operating system of a server is slightly different from the normal operating system known to the readers. Some of the important features of the operating system of a servicing host are mentioned here. Obviously there is no Graphical User Interface as the resources are transferred to other clients. However, GUI has been incorporated (Optional) into some of the master servers these days in order to have better control over the master servers if something goes wrong. The best feature is invariably its ability to update the software. In addition to this it also reconfigures the hardware components attached to it. This invariably reduces the need of a reboot.
The backup facilities are advanced, much advanced than that you would have ever experienced in any of your personal computers. Since it is the server host, it is very important that it stores and backups all the valuable online data so that it can be retrieved with ease during any online calamity like virus attacks or botnets. Other features include high level security for the information stored in the server, ability to store huge data; flexible and transparent transfer of data, automation capabilities etc.
