A server is a computer designed to process requests and deliver data to another computer over the Internet or a local area network. A common type of server is a web server where web pages can be accessed over the Internet through a client such as a web browser. However, there are different types of servers, including local servers such as file servers that store data within an intranet network.

Although any computer with the necessary software can function as a server, the word usually refers to the huge, powerful machines that retrieve and send data from the Internet.

Most computer networks support one or more servers that handle specialized tasks. In general, the larger the network in terms of clients connecting to it or the amount of data it moves, the more likely it is that multiple servers will play a role, each dedicated to a specific purpose.

The server is the software that handles a specific task. However, the powerful hardware that supports this software is also called a server. This is because the server software that coordinates a network of hundreds or thousands of clients requires hardware that is more robust than consumer computers.