A server is a computer that provides services to other devices over the internet or a local network, and runs 24/7. When you open a website, your browser connects to a server, and the page, images and data are sent to you from that server.
The devices that connect to a server are called “clients”. Your phone, your computer or an app is the client; the server is the side that answers the request.
What does a server do?
One server can take on many jobs at once. The most common uses are:
- Web server: delivers websites and online stores to visitors.
- Mail server: receives, sends and stores business email.
- Database server: holds data such as customers, orders and stock; MySQL, PostgreSQL and MSSQL are examples.
- Application server: lets your team use accounting, ERP or CRM software from anywhere.
- File and backup server: stores files in one central place and keeps regular backups.
- Game server: brings players together in the same world in multiplayer games.
Server vs a normal computer
Technically any computer can act as a server. But servers are built to deliver uninterrupted, secure service:
| Server | Normal computer | |
|---|---|---|
| Uptime | 24/7, for years without interruption | Daily use, switched on and off |
| Hardware | Server CPU (e.g. Xeon), ECC RAM, redundant disks and power supplies | Desktop CPU and standard RAM |
| Connectivity | Data centre uplink, static IP, DDoS protection | Home or office internet, usually a changing IP |
| Environment | Cooled, generator-backed, secured data centre | Home or office |
| Management | Remote: control panel, SSH or Remote Desktop | Screen, keyboard and mouse |
Types of server
There are several ways to use a server. The difference is how many resources you have and who manages the server.
- Shared hosting: many websites are hosted on one server. You only use a panel such as cPanel, and the hosting company manages the server. It is the most economical option for websites and email.
- VPS (virtual private server): a physical server is split through virtualisation, and you get an independent virtual server with root access.
- VDS: similar to a VPS, but the CPU cores are guaranteed to you; built for heavy workloads. Read What is a VDS? for details.
- Cloud server: a virtual server on cloud infrastructure with 100% dedicated resources. Read What is a cloud server? for details.
- Dedicated (physical) server: the whole machine is yours. It is chosen when you need special hardware or software licensed per physical machine.
- Colocation: you place your own server in a data centre, which provides power, cooling and connectivity.
| Shared hosting | VPS | VDS / Cloud | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server management | The hosting company | You | You |
| Root / admin access | No | Yes | Yes |
| Resources | Shared with other accounts | vCPU and RAM reserved for you | Guaranteed or 100% dedicated cores |
| Technical knowledge | Using a panel is enough | Basic server administration | Basic server administration |
| Best for | Business sites, blogs, small stores | Custom software, testing, small apps | High traffic, databases, business applications |
| Starting price | 0.99 $/mo (annual) | 5.49 $/mo | 8.99 $/mo (VDS) |
Prices are for Plus Datacenter plans; the hosting price is for annual billing, VPS and VDS prices for monthly billing. See our server comparison page to compare the types side by side.
Which server do I need?
- For a business website, a blog or a WordPress store: shared hosting is enough, and you never have to manage a server.
- To install your own software or run Docker or a custom service: start with a VPS.
- For high traffic or a database-heavy application: choose a VDS or a cloud server.
- If you already own hardware: place it in a data centre with colocation.
If you are not sure, start small: with virtual servers you can move to a larger plan as you grow.
What to check when choosing a server
- Processor generation: the age of the CPU matters as much as the core count. An old processor falls behind a current Xeon Gold.
- Storage type: NVMe SSD is many times faster than a classic SATA SSD.
- Traffic and port speed: check for monthly traffic caps and overage charges.
- DDoS protection: during an attack, traffic should be filtered rather than your server being taken offline.
- Location: if your users are in Türkiye, the Middle East or south-eastern Europe, a server in Istanbul keeps latency low.
- Backups: ask how often backups are taken and where they are stored.
- Support: find out how quickly, and through which channels, you will get help when something goes wrong.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to rent or buy a server?
For most projects renting makes more sense: you do not pay for hardware, power, cooling or connectivity, you never deal with hardware failures, and you can upgrade easily as you grow.
Can I run a server at home?
You can, but we do not recommend it. Home internet rarely offers a static IP, upload speeds are low, and a power cut or hardware fault takes your service offline. For a serious project, a server in a data centre is far more reliable.
How do I connect to a server?
Linux servers are accessed with SSH and Windows servers with Remote Desktop (RDP). On shared hosting you use a control panel such as cPanel, DirectAdmin or Plesk.
What is the difference between a server and hosting?
Hosting is the share of a server’s resources set aside for your site, and the hosting company manages the server. When you rent a server, you manage everything, including the operating system.
Why does the server location matter?
The closer the server is to your users, the faster your pages load. Some organisations also need their data to be stored in a particular country.
VPS servers from 5.49 $/mo
Root access, NVMe SSD, unlimited traffic and free migration, in our Istanbul data centre.