What is a Web Server?
In simple terms, a web server is a computer (similar to the one you are using right now) that stores and delivers webpages. These webpages are displayed by your Web Browser upon request.
For example, when I type in www.babywebmaster.com in my address bar, I am simply asking my Web Browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari etc.) to display the webpages that are stored on babywebmaster.com’s web server.
How do Web Servers communicate with one another?
- Each web server has a unique Internet Protocol Address, or IP address.
- IP addresses contain 4 numbers, each ranging from 0-255, separated by a period. (Example: 23.187.55.9)
- This IP address tells other computers connected to the internet where to find any particular web server.
- This IP address points to a more human friendly domain name, such as babywebmaster.com.
Every Web Server has an IP Address
For example, if you put 98.137.149.56 in your Web Browser’s address bar (or click the link), it will take you to yahoo.com. This is because yahoo.com’s server IP address is 98.137.149.56
What’s the difference between a home computer and a computer being used as a web server?
A typical home computer has been optimized for home use (i.e. internet browsing, processing documents and all the other fun stuff you do on your home computer). So it’s not surprising that a computer being used as a web server has been optimized for it’s main function, which is storing and displaying webpages.
The main difference between a home computer and a web server is the operating system that is managing and running the hardware and software installed on the computer.
You still with me? Good, let’s move onto the next Chapter where we discuss the role an Operating System plays in more detail.
