What is a Server? (And Why Should You Care)?

In this article, we’ll answer the question ‘what is a server?’, what a “rack” has to do with it, and how server rooms and data centres power the internet you use every day.

Contents

• What is a server?
• What is a rack?
• Where do servers live?
• Why servers are important
• Who works with servers?

What is a server?

A server is essentially a powerful computer — its job is to store, manage, and deliver data to other computers. That could mean sending your Instagram feed to your phone, loading your next YouTube video, or saving your online game progress. The word “server” comes from exactly what it does — it serves data. They’re built to serve thousands or even millions of users all at once. 

In depth definition

What is a rack?

If servers are the brains behind the internet, racks are the shelves that keep them organised. A server rack is a metal frame — kind of like a heavy-duty bookcase — designed to hold multiple servers in one neat, stacked row. You’ll find them in server rooms and data centres, helping keep all the tech tidy, cool, and easy to manage. Without racks, the setup would be a chaotic mess of wires and machines. Think of them as the skeleton that holds the digital world together.

Where do servers live?

Servers are kept in server rooms or data centres. Server rooms are small and local, while data centres are large-scale and global. 

What is a server room?

A server room is usually a small space within a building — like an office or school — where a handful of servers are kept to handle local tasks like file storage, email, or internal systems. It’s often just one room, cooled and secured, but on a smaller scale. 

What is a data centre?

A data centre is a dedicated facility designed to hold hundreds or thousands of servers. Data centres have advanced cooling systems, strict security, backup power, and teams of engineers keeping everything running smoothly 24/7. 

Why servers are important

Servers are the backbone of everything we do online. Every time you scroll through Instagram, stream a film on Netflix, send a message on WhatsApp, or play an online game — you’re relying on a server. They store your photos, deliver websites to your screen, handle multiplayer game data, and even keep your cloud files safe.  

Without servers, the internet simply wouldn’t work. They’re constantly working in the background to connect people, power apps, and move data around the world in seconds — making modern life as fast, convenient, and connected as it is. 

Who works with servers?

A large number of people and roles are involved in keeping servers up and running. At the hands-on level, there are Data Centre Technicians (Data Centre Engineers) who physically install, maintain, and replace servers and cables. Then there are Network Engineers, who set up how servers talk to each other and to the internet — they’re like the architects of online traffic. You’ll also find Facilities Engineers making sure the environment stays cool and safe (since servers hate getting hot), and IT Support Teams monitoring performance, fixing problems, and keeping things secure. 

While some of these data centre jobs require degrees, many don’t, and these jobs can grow into seriously well-paid, future-proof careers. If you’re curious about tech, working with servers could be your way into the industry.

We’ve got a fortnightly newsletter, the DC Digest, designed to keep our subscribers up to date on everything happening in the data centre industry. If you want jargon-free insights about data centres and digital careers, sign up here.