A server is a computer that shares information with other computers. Servers are capable of sharing information with many different kinds of computers. Java applets, such as the one used in The Networked Puzzle , which are mini-applications or programs that reside on the server but which are downloaded to the client computer for the period when they are being used.
Servers are generally very powerful computers containing lots of memory and storage space.
They are typically found in corporations, universities, museums and other large institutions, although many small computer-related businesses also maintain servers. One server can connect to many clients. It obtains these resources whenever it communicates with the server. For example, when you surf the Web from your home or office computer, your computer becomes a client on the Internet network. Communication involves both hardware and software.