web server
37 ResultsDictionary
Web server
A computer that runs a Web site. Using the HTTP protocol, the Web server delivers Web pages to browsers as well as other data files to Web-based applications. The Web server includes the...
Dictionary
Definition: Web server
A computer that runs a Web site. Using the HTTP protocol, the Web server delivers Web pages to browsers as well as other data files to Web-based applications. The Web server includes the hardware, operating system, Web server software, TCP/IP protocols and site content (Web pages, images and other files). If the Web server is used internally and is not exposed to the public, it is an "intranet server" (see intranet). Contrast with Web client.
HTTP Server
The term "Web server" often refers only to the HTTP server software in the machine, which provides the Web site functionality. HTTP is the protocol of the Web, and HTTP server software, such as Microsoft's IIS and the open source Apache server, accepts requests from the user's browser and responds by sending back HTML documents (Web pages) and files. It also executes scripts that reside in the server (CGI scripts, JSPs, ASPs, etc.), which perform functions such as database searching and credit card authorization. See IIS and Apache.
One Computer or Hundreds
For a very small company, a single computer can contain the HTTP server along with an FTP server for file downloads, an SMTP server for e-mail and other Internet-related functions. In a large company, each service would be run in one or more dedicated servers, and a huge Web site may require hundreds of servers. See Web hosting and cloud computing.
Built Into Hardware Too
Web servers are not only on the Web. HTTP server software is commonly built into hardware to provide a control panel for configuring the device from any Web browser. Most network devices such as routers, access points and print servers actually contain a mini Web site for this purpose (see embedded Web server).
Web Server Fundamentals
Web browsers communicate with Web servers via the TCP/IP protocol. The browser sends HTTP requests to the server, which responds with HTML pages and possibly additional programs in the form of ActiveX controls or Java applets.
Web Server Environment
This shows the server-side processes that can take place in a Web server (HTTP server) and application server. Since both can perform similar tasks, there is some overlap. The Web server and application server can be in the same machine or in separate computers. See application server.
THIS DEFINITION IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY
All other reproduction is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.
© 1981-2010 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved.
Sponsored White Papers, Webcasts & Resources
-
Introducing the New VMware Management Solution Portfolio
Check out this webcast to learn more about the New VMware Management Solution Portfolio.
-
Is Apache overextending itself as rivals devour its core web server share?
Has the Apache Software Foundation overextended itself by taking open source projects like OpenOffice and Cloudstack off the hands of proprietary giants while its famed HTTP web server continues...
-
Zscaler tool can find unprotected embedded web servers
The web-based tool can scan IP ranges to find multi-function printers and photocopiers, VOIP devices and video-conferencing systems that are currently available over the internet.
-
Apache releases first major new version of popular Web server in six years
The first new version of Apache, the world's most popular Web server, has just been released after six years with new cloud-friendly features
-
Commercial Support now available for the open-source NGINX Web server
The new number two Web server in the world, open-source NGINX, is now offering commercial support.
-
Winners and Losers in Business Open-Source Software
OpenLogic has released its annual report on what's hot and what's not in business open-source programs.
-
-
NGINX takes 2nd place in Web Servers from Microsoft IIS
Apache remains the top Web server, but open-source NGINX has just taken second place from Microsoft's Internet Information Services.
-
GlobalSign: Breach confirmed, SSL certificates not compromised
GlobalSign admitted that though its public-facing website was hacked, leading to its own SSL certificates being revoked, its secure certificate infrastructure remained unharmed.
-
Apache and IIS' Web server rival NGINX is growing fast
When it comes to Web servers, the big two are Apache and Internet Information Server, but their faster, more nimble rival, NGINX is catching up with them.
-
Strangeloop offers the first Google SPDY Web-site acceleration product
Want a really fast Web-site? Consider adding Google's new SPDY protocol to your site with Strangeloop's Site Optimizer.
-
Microsoft readies new Express version of its IIS Web server
Microsoft is readying a first public beta of a new Web server, known as IIS Express, which combines the use of the Microsoft ASP.Net Web Server with the full power of IIS, according to a Microsoft...
-
New DoS attack uses Web servers as zombies
Researchers have uncovered a botnet that uses compromised Web servers instead of the usual personal computers to launch denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.
-
The EduPlug - Go for it, Tonido!
I've been working with Codelathe's TonidoPlug for a couple weeks now and remain completely impressed. I hit a few technical difficulties (hardware issues on my end with a crappy drive) installing...
-
Tornado: The real-time web server from Facebook
Facebook is known for creating evolutionary software to keep up with its ever-growing userbase, and then giving away the recipe for developers to play with. Their latest is called Tornado. It's...
-
The Linux botweb story that wasn't ...
Late last Friday a story appeared on my radar that seemed interesting - it was about a botweb (a botnet made up of web servers) utilizing Linux web servers. Was Linux cracked? Would Linux fans...
-
Plugins compromised in SquirrelMail's web server hack
According to a recently posted update by SquirrelMail's Jonathan Angliss, the source code of three plugins was backdoored during the web server compromise of the popular web-based email...
-
Research: 76% of phishing sites hosted on compromised servers
In a newly released paper entitled "Evil Searching: Compromise and Recompromise of Internet Hosts for Phishing" Tyler Moore and Richard Clayton provide empirical evidence according to which 75.8%...
-
Turn your iPhone into a Web server
A new iPhone app called "ServersMan@iPhone" turns the iPhone into a full-blown Web server. The name is said to be a tribute to Sony's "WalkMan." Once the app is installed, PCs on the internet can...
-
Network storage wars: MvixUSA ups the ante with 3TB MvixBox
Another day, another network-attached-storage (NAS) device. This time, it's MvixUSA joining the fray, offering the new MvixBox unit with two bays that each handle up to a 1.5TB drive. You can get...
-
A question about web server volume failures
It's a shocking confession - I mean, I know how to use google - but I haven't found anything that really describes the nature and order of failures when a web server collapses under heavy load.
-
Reviewing an IRS web services report
If you want to know just how bad things get when both the auditors and the people trying to end run them are utterly clueless - then you should read this IRS internal IT review report.
The best of ZDNet, delivered
ZDNet Newsletters
Get the best of ZDNet delivered straight to your inbox
Vendor Showcase
Facebook Activity
