• Servers and computers are similar, but different.public computers image by araraadt from Fotolia.com
  
  Available from a variety of manufacturers, servers and computers are the backbone of the Internet, companies and digital information processing. Both devices require an operating system in order to process and store data; need programs to complete tasks; and output data to a printer or display. Servers and computers can access other servers and computers, but computers can work without being connected to other computers or servers.
  
  

Servers

• A server is a high-end computer, coupled with networking software, that links one or more standalone computers to a network that provides services including the Internet, email, software installation, data access and printing. Serves run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can't be shut down without affecting other computers connected to the computer network.
  
  

Computers

• A computer is a standalone device that operates with or without being connected to a network. Computers do not allow multiple users to access data or programs stored on the device. You can turn off a computer, and no other computer is affected because computers are not managing other users or data transmissions.
  
  

Server Storage Devices

• Servers contain large amounts of data and require more than one storage device (hard drive) to hold the data. The devices also perform daily data backups as well as backups of any programs loaded onto the devices.
  
  

Computer Storage Devices

• Computers contain one primary storage device, and you manage the device's backup procedure. If you don't want to back up your computer, you don't have to. Data storage on a computer is limited to the size of the computer's primary storage device, but additional storage devices can be added.
  
  

Server Memory

• Servers require and contain an extra amount of memory for processing data, user and network requests and overall system hardware management.
  
  

Computer Memory

• Computers have a limit on the amount of memory they can contain, since they are not managing multiple data and network requests. Computers also only process requests from a single user instead of multiple users.
  
  

Server Operating Systems

• Servers contain a special operating system that includes built-in controls for system stability, database sharing or management, user control data and security. Servers processing Internet requests contain components that manage the multiple domain names, protocols and related Internet elements.
  
  

Computer Operating Systems

• Computers contain a similar operating system, but the operating system depends on additional programs to manage requests including accessing the Internet, managing database sharing and processing additional security controls.