How to Set Up a Server

Whether you are running a small or big business, setting up a server is of utmost importance. It helps all the users in the network to share resources and also provides security to all the computers in the network. This article has thus been directed to answer the question, how to set up a server.

 Before starting off with solving the query 'how to set up a server', we should know, what is a computer server? The basic purpose of a computer server can be made out from its name. A server is meant to serve the different users in the network. All the resources that the users need to access, are stored in the server and all the users can directly access those resources, without storing anything in their own systems. It is also used for providing security to the system. For example, putting a firewall to the server, to provide facilities like anti spamming and protection against phishing, secures the entire network from the same. With these aspects of the importance of the server in mind, let us try to understand, how to set up a server based network.

Servers are nothing but computers with high configurations. They have large memory capacities and high processor speeds, to handle the request of all the computers connected in the network. Let us try to deal with the set up of different servers, one by one.

How to Set Up a Web Server?
First of all, try to get all the basic requirements of a web server. A web server should have a high speed Internet connection and a large bandwidth. The next important requirement is that you need to choose the right operating system for your server. Linux and Unix are the most appreciated operating systems for a computer server machine. FreeBSD, an open source, Unix based operating system is one of the best options, that you can install in your computer server. The next step after installing the operating system in the web server, is installing an http server. Apache is one of the Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP) servers, that normally come along with the Free BSD operating system. However, you will need to install it. You can run the Apache server using the 'http' command. But, before doing so, you will have to configure the 'httpd.conf' file in your operating system. Here, you mention the settings for your http server, as well as the name of the website you are going to run. In most of the machines, you will find the 'httpd.conf' file located in the '/usr/local/etc/apache22/'. Now type the IP address of the machine at the web browser. Type http, followed by the IP address. If you can access the web pages stored in your system, that means you have successfully installed the web server and the http server.

How to Set Up a DNS Server?
The next step is to set up a DNS server. DNS is the abbreviation of Domain Name Server. You can learn a few domain name server (DNS) basics first. A domain name server is one that will convert the web address name into the IP address of the machine where the web pages are stored. Suppose if you type the url of buzzle on your machine, your web server will check if the entry of buzzle is there in its database tables, where the web address and the IP addresses of the machines are stored. If it is there, then it will transfer the web address to a web server with a larger database. So much for the importance and working of a DNS server. Now, let's get down to the installation of a DNS server. You will find the file 'namedb.conf' file in the '/etc/namedb' folder in your machine with Free BSD operating system installed. Once, you open the file, make the necessary changes. The file can be easily understood, provided you have some expertise in Unix and Linux based operating systems. All that you need to do is enter the name of the website in that file.

How to Set Up an FTP Server?
For uploading files into your computer server, what you will need is an FTP server. FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. FTP can be used in any network that uses TCP/IP model. You can get a lot of FTP servers, if you browse over the Internet. For example, File Zilla software can be used for setting up an FTP server on any machine running on Windows. In FreeBSD you will find FTP servers, with the names, 'ftpd' or 'in.ftpd' in the '/sbin' or '/usr/sbin' directory. It is a single executable file. Once, it is installed, the FTP server will allow all the users added into your systems, to upload, download and access files. These users have to simply type in their user names and passwords on the remote machines.

How to Set Up a File Server?
Setting up a file server in FreeBSD is not a very tedious task. You just need to download the Samba server setup. Setting up a file server in your network will allow the machines with Windows operating system logged into your network, to access the resources on the server. You need to install samba in the '/usr/ports/net/samba' folder. You can use the command make install to install it, once you are in that folder. Then you will have to make the necessary changes in the configuration files in the '/usr/local/etc/smb.conf' file. For initializing samba at the boot time, you just need to change the line 'samba_enable:=NO' to 'samba_enable:=YES' in the file 'rc.conf' located in the '/etc' folder.

By following the simple procedures mentioned above, you can simply learn how to set up a server network. However, it is better that before dealing with the configuration files, you ask a person with expertise in Linux, to proceed with modifying the files.

Types of Servers

The word server refers to a specialized computer or hardware on which the server software works and provides services to other computers or clients. This article throws light on different types of servers available in the market these days.

 A server has many functions, and they come in different types to facilitate different uses. Before knowing about the different types of servers, let's have a brief idea on what is a server.

What is a Server?
A server is a device with a particular set of programs or protocols that provide various services, which other machines or clients request, to perform certain tasks. Together, a server and its clients form a client/server network which provides routing systems and centralized access to information, resources, stored data, etc. At the most ground level, one can consider it as a technology solution that serves files, data, print, fax resources and multiple computers. The advanced server versions, like Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 enable the user to handle the accounts and passwords, allow or limit the access to shared resources, automatically support the data and access the business information remotely. For example, a file server is a machine that maintains files and allows clients or users to upload and download files from it. Similarly, a web server hosts websites and allows users to access these websites. Clients mainly include computers, printers, faxes or other devices that can be connected to the server. By using a server, one can securely share files and resources like fax machines and printers. Hence, with a server network, employees can access the Internet or company e-mail simultaneously.

Different Types of Servers
The multiple types of servers or types of network servers are as follows:

    * Server Platform: Server platform is the fundamental hardware or software for a system which acts as an engine that drives the server. It is often used synonymously with an operating system.
    * Application Server: Also known as a type of middleware, it occupies a substantial amount of computing region between database servers and the end user, and is commonly used to connect the two.
    * Audio/Video Server: It provides multimedia capabilities to websites by helping the user to broadcast streaming multimedia content.
    * Chat Server: It serves the users to exchange data in an environment similar to Internet newsgroup which provides real time discussion capabilities.
    * Fax Server: It is one of the best option for organizations seeking for minimum incoming and outgoing telephone resources, but require to fax actual documents.
    * FTP Server: It works on one of the oldest of the Internet services, the file transfer protocol. It provides a secure file transfer between computers while ensuring file security and transfer control.
    * Groupware Server: It is a software designed that enables the users to work together, irrespective of the location, through the Internet or a corporate intranet and to function together in a virtual atmosphere.
    * IRC Server: It is an ideal option for those looking for real-time discussion capabilities. Internet Relay Chat comprises different network servers that enable the users to connect to each other through an IRC network.
    * List Server: It provides a better way of managing mailing lists. The server can be either open interactive discussion for the people or a one-way list that provide announcements, newsletters or advertising.
    * Mail Server: It transfers and stores mails over corporate networks through LANs, WANs and across the Internet.
    * News Server: It serves as a distribution and delivery source for many public news groups, approachable over the USENET news network.
    * Proxy Server: It acts as a mediator between a client program and an external server to filter requests, improve performance and share connections.
    * Telnet Server: It enables the users to log on to a host computer and execute tasks as if they are working on a remote computer.
    * Web Server: It provides static content to a web browser by loading a file from a disk and transferring it across the network to the user's web browser. This exchange is intermediated by the browser and the server, communicating using HTTP.

These were the different types of servers which can be categorized according to their applications. Servers along with managing network resources are also dedicated, i.e. they perform no other task other than their server tasks.

DNS Error - Cannot Find Server

All of us, who have used the Internet have come across DNS error 'cannot find server'. Why is it, that we get this error? Let's get an answer


I had just logged onto the Internet, but I was not able to reach the page I was looking for, as I kept getting the DNS error - cannot find server. I tried again and again, but in vain. That is when a friend suggested, I talk to my Internet service provider. They were also not able to help me. That is when I decided to take the issue in my hand. And I found out, that DNS error - cannot find server is, more often than not, your computer's inability to make a two-way connection to the Internet. If you have had an interrupted connection to the Internet, then the issue lies with your personal computer itself. All said and done this error will restrict you from using Internet technology to the fullest.

How to Fix DNS Error - Server Cannot be Found

The first step is to refresh the page, which failed to load. If the page reloads, then this was just a momentary lapse in service, which happens even to the best Internet service provider. If the problem is not resolved, you will need to follow the following steps.

    * Check the page address you have typed into the address bar. There is a chance, that you may have misspelled the address. In most cases, an error in the URL address gives rise to this error message.
    * Try to refresh the page, you will now be able to view the web page, you are looking for.
    * If the above mentioned step, is not able to solve the problem, you will have to go to connection settings. You will have to ensure, that the settings, match with those of the Internet service provider or that of the local area network.
    * To do this you will have to click on the tools menu on the tool-bar, then click on Internet options. There you will come across the Connections tab, under which you will notice Settings.
    * Now you can try to refresh the page and check, if you are able go to the web page you have been looking for.
    * If this option does not work either, then click on the link 'Detect Network Settings' on the Internet Explorer page, which accompanies the error message to let Windows try to find an optimum connection to the Internet.
    * Now again refresh the page.
    * You can download DNS server error software off the Internet, if all the above options do not work.
    * These software are free on some of the websites, and they would be able to identify the problem. A PS3 DNS error problem can also be corrected by downloading this software.

In case you persistently face the problem DNS error server cannot be found, you may have to put in a request for a new IIS Certificate. Depending on the situation you may have to renew the existing license. The certificate will be issued to you or you will be asked to check back within 10 days. In case the policy module has been set to automatically issue the request, you will not have to put in a request yourself. Apart from all these steps for DNS error cannot find server, you may want to check the modem or router for any sort of irregularities. In case there are some lights flashing or some of them are not seen at all, which ideally should be on, then the server error is most probably not correctable on your computer. You will have to get in touch with your Internet service provider to rectify the problem.

DNS Server Error

If you are looking for some hints on how to fix a DNS server error, this article offers you some help in that matter. Read and get to know what a DNS server error means and how can it be fixed effectively.

What is DNS?

DNS stands for 'Domain Name System', which is a technique developed to assign IP (Internet Protocol) addresses to domain names. It is like the phone book of the Internet, which assigns numbers to domain names of sites. Every computer connected to the Internet has a unique IP address which is a series of numbers separated by dots. Every web site is hosted on a web server and it has a unique IP address assigned to it. You can open a site by directly typing in the IP address after 'http://'.

However, it is difficult to remember IP addresses for all websites and simpler to remember and recall domain names or host names of sites. That is why the hierarchical domain name system was developed. This system converts the domain names of sites that you type in the browser address bar into IP addresses. Then the web server, hosting that website, is located and the page is served on your computer, once a connection has been established to it through your ISP (Internet Service Provider) using the 'Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP)'. A local DNS server, implements this 'IP address' lookup system for every ISP. Read more on

    * Domain Name Server (DNS) Basics
    * How to Determine a DNS Server Address

What is DNS Server Error?

A DNS server error occurs when the server cannot resolve IP address corresponding to the domain name you typed in the web browser. There can be many reasons why you might get a DNS server error. The error may be local or remote. By local, I mean the problem may have arisen due to internet connectivity problem on your side. The problem may be remote in the sense that the web server hosting that website may have some problems like lack of authentication, which might be giving you the error.

How can you check to see if the DNS server error is local or remote? Try opening other websites and if they all open, except one, which is giving you the DNS server error, then the problem may be remote. If none of the web pages are getting displayed, then you may have an internet connectivity issue. XBOX 360 DNS server error or PS3 DNS error may occur due to faulty Internet connection settings in the connected wireless router. In the next section, I share some tips on how to fix DNS server errors. Read more on dns error.

How to Fix DNS Server Error?

There are many problems that may cause a DNS server error. Here are some of the basic things that you could do to fix a DNS server error.

Change Firewall Settings
The incoming and outgoing Internet data traffic to and from your personal computer is controlled by a firewall. Certain software programs may be banned from accessing the Internet through firewall settings. Your browser itself may have gotten blocked by the firewall. To resolve the problem, go to the 'Control Panel' and open the windows firewall settings. Under 'Exceptions' tab, if your browser isn't added, click on 'Add Program' and click on your browser in the list of programs that open. Click on 'OK'. Open the 'Add Port' option and enter the name 'HTTP' for name and the number 80 for port number. With that, your browser will be released from the firewall ban and your DNS server error may be resolved.

Clear DNS Cache
Every time a site is opened in a browser, a request is sent to the DNS server for IP address translation. The retrieval of the IP address information is stored on your computer in the 'DNS cache'. Next time, when you enter the request for the same web site again, the DNS information is retrieved from the cache itself, to save time and provide a faster browsing experience. The contents of the DNS cache can be looked up by the command- 'ipconfig / displaydns' entered in the command prompt.

However, if there was an earlier unsuccessful attempt at retrieving IP address, that negative attempt information gets stored in the cache too. So, subsequent attempts at opening the site may fail, as the information may be retrieved from the cache which has no information. That's why, to resolve the issue, you need to clear your DNS cache by typing in the command - 'ipconfig /flushdns' in the command prompt. This may get rid of the DNS server error message and the site may get loaded.

Clear Cookies & Browsing History
Also, clear the cookies and browsing history on your browser that may be causing a problem in displaying the page. This may help in resolving the DNS server error. Read more on how to delete search history.

Check DNS Settings
Check the DNS settings for your internet connection. Get information from your ISP about the right DNS settings and see to it that those are entered correctly or match with your DNS settings. Entering the right DNS settings might solve your problem.

Hope these tips for fixing DNS server errors are helpful. A local error is bound to get fixed with any of the above suggested fixes. If none of this works, contact your ISP for a resolution of the problem, as there may even be a problem from their side,which is causing the error.

What is a Computer Server

Most of us are very well acquainted with the word computer server. We know that in all organizations, schools and colleges there is a computer server, to which all the computers are connected. But many of us will give absurd answers, if asked the question, what is a computer server? Thus, in this article, I will be explaining to you, the answer to the question, what is a computer server?


So, you want to know what is a computer server. Computer servers are among the most important infrastructure in any organization. The basic answer to the question 'what is a computer server', lies in the name of the term. It is a computer that serves all the computers or terminals, that are connected to it. Applications are stored in this computer and the other computer terminals connected to it, can access it.

Tasks Performed by a Computer Server
Well, the tasks performed by a computer server depend on the use of the computer server. We will come to this process of classification of the server, at a later stage. For now I have listed down some of the generalized tasks performed by a computer server.

    * Stores applications and databases required by the computers connected to it.
    * Provides computer security features. It protects all the computers connected to it using a firewall.
    * Provides an IP address to the machines connected to it. An IP address is a unique number in the format x.x.x.x, where x can be any 1 to 3 digit number, which is assigned to every computer in the network.

Features of a Server
The server that you choose for your organization, should satisfy certain conditions. It needs to have a memory size or RAM, large enough to hold the number of queries that are executed by the computers connected to it. It may have to provide services to a large number of computers and hence it will require a primary memory of that capability. The next aspect that you need to take care of, is the processor speed. The processor speed is usually measured in Giga Hertz and it needs to be sufficient to execute all the commands requested by the machines. It is very necessary that your server should have an optimum processor speed, because it needs to provide multitasking facility. The hard drive storage capacity of the computer server, needs to be large enough to be able to store all the data that the host machines will require. In a network, computer users generally store the information, that they intend to share on the computer server.

Types of Server
The different types of computer servers can be categorized in two main categories.

Dedicated Server
This type of a server performs a particular function, like hosting a website. There are various web hosting services, which use dedicated servers for hosting websites. On the payment of a certain amount of money, you can upload your webpages on their computer servers. They will perform the task of hosting your websites. Certain companies also have dedicated computer servers to hold their own websites. These type of servers require to be very powerful because they need to handle the web traffic, that tries to access the webpages contained in them.

Shared Server
A shared computer server is an ordinary server, that is used in a network, for multiple users. Large number of applications, databases etc. are stored in them. Different users connected to the server, access the server depending on their requirements. These server do not require to be customized like the dedicated servers. The most common example for this type of server, is an application server. An application server stores all the information required by the people in a network. In many organizations, the employees are often given dummy terminals. It means that, they have a computer keyboard and a computer monitor, but the entire processing and storage is done at the computer server. These terminals do not have individual hard disks, instead, they store data on the computer server's hard disk.

Hope this article has helped you in solving the query, what is a computer server? This article was meant, not only to answer your question, what is a computer server, but also to acquaint you with the different aspects related to it.