In computing language, the terminology server that signifies to either computer software or hardware that offers functionality or other devices or programs by acknowledging the requests presented by the network.
In short, a server refers to a specific computer system that obtains requests from the web and sends the information that is requested to clients.
Web servers are the core of the concept of web hosting. A web server remains connected to the internet and every connected served has a specific unique address.
Because of the web servers, the hosting providers are capable to handle various domains on a single server.
Related: Difference Between Web Hosting and Domain
Various types of web servers are accessible in the market for the developers to pick, depending on their choices. We will be discussing few most famous types of Web Servers accessible in the market.
Few Types of Web Servers
APACHE HTTP WEB SERVER
Apache HTTP Web Server, developed by the Apache Software Foundation is one of the most popular types of web servers.
The free and open-source cross-platform web server ‘Apache’ was released under terms of Apache License 2.0
The prime advantage of the Apache HTTP Web Server is that it serves to be compatible with nearly all kinds of operating systems such as Windows, Linux, Mac OS, Unix, FreeBSD, etc.
Due to this roughly about 60% of machines are operated on the Apache HTTP Web Server.
What stands out Apache from others is it allows for a particular degree of customization simply.
Other notable features of Apache server are:
- Simple to install on several platforms
- From all types of web servers available, the Apache HTTP servers are much more steadfast and simpler in terms of functionality, particularly the latest released versions which are able of managing a distinguishingly higher amount of client requests as compared to the other versions.
INTERNET INFORMATION SERVICES WEB SERVER (IIS)
The IIS web server by Microsoft was created with the Windows NT family. Due to this, it works with every Windows OS platform.
The Internet Information Services Web Server supports the HTTP, HTTP/2, HTTPS, FTP, SMTP, and NNTP. However, unlike Apache, it is not open-source.
This makes customizations little difficult.
Also Read: Change your Host’s File on Linux, Mac, or Windows
LIGHTTPD WEB SERVER
Lighttpd is just another open-source web server. Being flexible and secure, it is particularly designed and optimized for high performance and speed-crucial conditions.
Lighttpd got its name from ‘light’ and ‘httpd’. It defines itself in terms of speed, security, compliance, and flexibility.
A unique feature of Lighttpd Web Server is the effectiveness provided in the case of a server undergoing load problems.
LITESPEED WEB SERVER
In a short period, LiteSpeed became one of the most popular types of web server. LiteSpeed Webserver was released in 2003.
LiteSpeed Server is quite compatible with the characteristics of the Apache Web servers as they utilize comparable configurations.
Because of this feature, the LiteSpeed Web Servers are proficient in straight loading Apache config files and can replace all Apache functions.
Additionally at 10GB Hosting, you can opt for Windows Hosting plans that come with the IIS server.