What is the difference between a local server and a web server?
a local web server can be accessed from any computer on your LAN at (generally) port 8080 a web server can be accessed from any computer in the world (WAN) at port 80.
Is it possible/safe to run your database/web server on your client’s computers? (I basically want to avoid paying for the hardware)?
If this is a database/web server for the client or for you? If it’s for you, then don’t do it because it would be highly unethical. If it’s for them, I’d advise a hosted solution. There are plenty of excellent companies that will manage all the hardware (including secure server rooms, special fire-proofing, generators, redundant air conditioning, redundant Internet connections, and all the stuff you should have for a server that costs more than the server itself). Different companies offer different packages, but generally you can get Apache with MySQL or Windows with SQL Server; if you want something else, you can probably find it. For a very reasonable monthly fee, you get what you need, pre-installed and pre-configured. There may be some limitations on what you can do with your rented server, such as what applications you can add, or how deeply you can modify settings and security permissions. This is good (helps to keep the machines they host safe), and bad, in case you need total control to do something odd.If you need total control, then Amazon, Google, and Microsoft all have Virtual Server offerings. Again, much safer and cheaper than trying to run your own hardware.So if it’s for you, do *not* use your client’s equipment. If it’s for the client you will save them money, keep their data more securely, and be scaleable if you use a simple hosting solution or a Virtual Server.
What would happen if website servers were physically destroyed?
The information for websites like Facebook or Gmail are stored across many servers world-wide. This serves two purposes. First, data redundancy. If one server has a catastrophic system failure, the data is still there. Second, let's say you live in Connecticut. If the Facebook server is way over in California, it's going to take a lot longer for the data to get to you than if the server were in, say, New York. The farther away a server is from the client, the longer it takes data to travel.
Shared Drive vs. Server Computer?
I agree with most of the comments so far... to a point. But a small business server would give you several advantages. 1. Volume shadow copy. Twice a day (or more), the server takes a snapshot of every file on the drive. If one is accidentally moved, edited or deleted, a couple of mouse clicks will restore the latest "good" version. A lifesaver for our clients more than once. 2. Folder redirection. Users "my documents" folders are redirected to the server automatically. Thus, documents they save are automatically routed back to the server, where they can be backed up, accessed and/or "shadow copied". 3. Host your own e-mail, web site, remote access, remote e-mail... lots of bonuses you're paying extra for right now. 4. Group policy to guarantee all the computers have current updates, current antivirus, security policies, etc. You can also limit users rights to download and/or install programs. Keep their workstations for work, not play. 5. Perhaps the most important. If you spend the $ to buy a server, you'll probably actually try to use it well. You'll get server-based software (quickbooks, for example). The changeover to the server will give you the perfect opportunity to retrain your users. Any investment in hardware or software has to be coupled with an investment in the time and effort to use it correctly.
Give two examples of server-side activities on the web?
The client side can run applications on the actual web page without contacting the server, like a calculator or amortization table. Server side; Anything that requires information from a database, such as the number of people their address and lots more information which were saved in data format, a lot of analytical information.