A server is where the actual data files are, that you see when you call up a web site. The server is a computer or a few computers working together using "server" software. Apache (on UNIX), NT Server (on Microsoft Windows), or WebSTAR (on Macintosh) are the most common web server software packages.

How does a web site page get to your computer from the server?

It isn't directly! Normally, for this page to get from the computer we have the actual page sitting on, to you, takes a trip through at least ten (yep, that is 10) other servers. And the "Getting" is only as fast as the slowest connection.

What actually happens when I type in www.GreatConcepts.com (an URL)?

First thing that happens is your browser goes to another computer that is it's designated "name server." The name server keeps records on what names (www.GreatConcepts.com) belong to what actual Internet Protocal (IP) addresses on the Internet (like 204.210.20.250). If it can't find it there then it had to go to the main Internet Regestries to see if it can find it! (These are mantained by Network Solutions, Inc. for ".com, .net, .org, .edu")

Once it finds it, it goes to the address (like 204.210.20.250) and asks the name server there "Which way do I go? Oo Oo Which way do I go?" That name server then directs the inquiry to the appropriate web or email server location.

Then, if you are after a web page, the web server says, "here, have this page!" That is if it isn't a restricted page. And sends the page back to you. Mind you, the sending of the page back to you, and the request, both go through over 10 other computers every time!

It is a wonder that it works at all, and works so fast!

What about domains?

Domains are simply the easier to remember name (like GreatConcepts.com) for an IP address (like204.210.20.250).

Now, just to make things interesting, the creators of the Web did the following:

With an Internet Protocal address (an IP Address), the top level starts on the left. In "204.210.20.250" the "204" is the top level. BUT! With domain names, it is the reverse! In "www.GreatConcepts.com" the top level domain is ".com" and all ".com" main information is served by Network Solutions computers. They refer to the registered name servers who tell inquiring minds (okay, browsers) what the "www" and "GreatConcepts" part of "www.GreatConcepts.com" where to go.

Other areas of the Internet include: e-mail, newsgroups, lists, streaming audio/video, instant messeging which all require their own server software and sometimes separate servers.