The definition of a server depends on context and the specific server being referred to. In general, we can say that servers exchange information. This is for the most part large amounts of information to one or more users (clients). A server can have different purposes.

A server is usually configured and optimized to provide a high level of stability, security and performance, and can provide a variety of services to all the clients connected to it.

In the Greenbox data center we have thousands of servers that are operated by Greenbox or customers themselves. This includes everything from application servers, streaming, gaming and other hosting servers.

A server can be used as/for:

• Database server
• Application server, where a variety of different programs and systems are installed and can be used by many clients/users at the same time
• Game server that enables several computers, mobile phones and other devices to play games together
• Media server that shares digital files such as video and/or audio over a network. Examples of services that use this type of servers are Netflix and Spotify
• Web server of which the entire internet is built up of. Websites that can be accessed with an address are made available here, e.g. www.greenhorizon.no

What components make a server?

In a server you’ll usually find the same components that you would find in a computer. Such as fans, processor, memory, video card, motherboard, network port and hard drive to name a few. Most servers in operation worldwide are located in a data center so that the servers can be operated as optimally and efficiently as possible.

What is a DNS server?

DNS stands for “Domain Name System”. A DNS server is responsible for translating domain names to IP addresses on the internet.

When a user types a website’s domain name into a browser, the computer will send a request to a DNS server to find the corresponding IP address for the website. The DNS server then checks its local database to find the entry for the domain name and then translates it to the corresponding IP address.

In other words, DNS servers act as a kind of “phone book” on the internet. It makes it easier for users to access websites by entering a simple and memorable URL, instead of a long IP address.

What is a proxy server?

A proxy server acts as an intermediary between a client, for example a computer, and other servers on the network.

Proxy servers can be used, among other things, to control and monitor internet use by blocking access to certain websites or services. Proxy servers can also be used to make services that would otherwise not be available, available. For example by bypassing geographic restrictions set by providers such as Netflix.

In addition to this, proxy servers can increase the security of the network by hiding the actual IP address of the client, thereby protecting against cyber attacks and surveillance.