What exactly is the server used for?

The server is a high-performance computer. As a node of the network, it stores and processes 80% of the data and information on the network. The server has a wide range of functions. Online games, websites, and some software need to be stored on the server. , and some companies will provide servers.

Server characteristics

1. Scalability

The server must have certain "Scalability" because enterprise networks cannot remain unchanged for a long time, especially in today's information age. If the server does not have certain scalability and becomes incompetent as the number of users increases, a server worth tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands will be eliminated in a short period of time, which is something no enterprise can afford. In order to maintain scalability, it is usually necessary to have a certain amount of scalable space and redundant parts on the server (such as disk array racks, PCI and memory slots, etc.).

Scalability is specifically reflected in whether the hard disk can be expanded, whether the CPU can be upgraded or expanded, and whether the system supports multiple optional mainstream operating systems such as Windows NT, Linux or UNIX. Only in this way can the initial investment be maintained. Make full use of it later.

2. Ease of use

The functions of a server are much more complex than those of a PC, not only referring to its hardware configuration, but also to its software system configuration. For a server to implement so many functions, it is unimaginable without comprehensive software support. However, if there are too many software systems, it may cause the performance of the server to decline, making it impossible for managers to effectively control it. Therefore, when designing servers, many server manufacturers must not only fully consider the availability and stability of the server, but also put great effort into the ease of use of the server.

The ease of use of the server is mainly reflected in whether the server is easy to operate, whether the user navigation system is complete, whether the chassis design is user-friendly, whether there are key recovery functions, whether there is an operating system backup, and whether there is sufficient training support, etc.

3. Availability

For a server, a very important aspect is its "availability", that is, the selected server can meet the requirements of long-term stable work and cannot cause problems frequently. . In fact, it is equivalent to the reliability proposed by Sun.

Because the server faces the users of the entire network, rather than a single user, in large and medium-sized enterprises, the server is usually required to never be interrupted. In some special application fields, even if no users are using it, some servers have to work uninterrupted, because they must continue to provide connection services to users, regardless of whether they are at work or after get off work, whether it is a working day, a break, or a holiday. . This is the fundamental reason why servers must have extremely high stability.

Generally speaking, specialized servers have to work 24/7, especially for some large network servers, such as servers used by large companies, website servers, and iqdeWEB servers that provide public services. For these servers, there may only be one actual working start-up time, and that is the time when they are fully installed and configured and put into official use. After that, they work continuously until they are completely scrapped. If something goes wrong at every turn, the network won't be able to function normally for long. In order to ensure that the server has high "availability", in addition to requiring the quality of each accessory, necessary technical and configuration measures can also be taken, such as hardware redundancy, online diagnosis, etc.

4. Ease of management

Among the main features of the server, there is another important feature, which is the "ease of management" of the server. Although we say that servers need to continue to work without interruption, no matter how good the product is, it is possible for it to malfunction. To put it in a common saying, it is not that we don’t know that it may break, but that we don’t know when it will break. Although the server has sufficient guarantees in terms of stability, it should also take necessary measures to avoid errors, detect problems in a timely manner, and receive timely maintenance if a fault occurs. This not only reduces the chance of server errors, but also greatly improves the efficiency of server maintenance. In fact, it is the serviceability proposed by Sun.

The ease of management of the server is also reflected in whether the server has an intelligent management system, whether it has an automatic alarm function, whether it has an independent and systematic management system, whether it has an LCD monitor, etc. Only in this way can administrators manage easily and work efficiently.

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Article source: https://juejin.im/post/5f0de4d06fb9a07e8a19a641

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