A World Wide Web server is comprised of Web server software running on a multi-user computer that is directly connected to the Internet. When a Web server receives a request, it sends hypertext documents, executes scripts that create new documents, or acts as a gateway to other information resources.
Many operating systems require that Web server software run on a standalone computer.
Standalone Web servers can handle simultaneous requests for services and should be used for high traffic Web sites. If you are using a UNIX operating system, you have the option of running Web server software under the Internet services daemon, inetd , which allows a computer to run more than one type of server software. Your computer's operating system determines the type of Web server software you can use. Both free and commercial server software programs are available. Next, you will need to configure the software.