Often, IP-based software is available for free with some restrictions attached, such as different payment provisions if the software is used for commercial gain. Regardless of the source of the software, a direct connection to the Internet, and a relatively modern computer is all that is needed to efficiently run IP-based communications software. Client software is the type that you run if you just want to use a service as an ordinary user. Server software is the type that you run if you want to provide a service to other people on the network. Other pieces of client software allow you to retrieve things from information servers located all around the world.
More sophisticated users can use server software to set up information servers of various types.
An information server is simply a piece of software that is run on a computer to provide information-related services to someone else. For example, it is possible for someone to set up a Gopher server or a WorldWide Web server. It is also possible to set up a mail server, which manages the sending and receiving of mail for multiple users on the Internet. All of these functions are made possible by having a direct connection to the Internet, one that allows the passing of IP-addressed information. Commercial services and some community-based services also allow Internet access in one form or another.