A server is a computer that stores and delivers information to other computers over the internet.
Every time you visit a website, check your emails, or download a file, a server is working behind the scenes to make it happen.
What does a server do?
Think of a server like a library. The library holds all the books (your website’s files and data), and when someone comes in looking for something, the librarian fetches it and hands it over. When you type a web address into your browser, the server receives that request and delivers the right content back to you — almost instantly.
Servers are what make websites, apps, and online services available 24/7. They store all the files, images, and data that make up a website, and they deliver that content to anyone who visits.
They help power:
✓ Websites and web pages
✓ Email services
✓ Online shops and apps
✓ File storage and downloads
Without servers, nothing on the internet would load.
Why do servers matter for your website?
If you want a website, you need somewhere to host it — and that’s exactly what a server provides.
When you sign up for a hosting plan, you’re essentially renting space on a server. Your website’s files live there, and the server makes sure your site is available whenever someone visits.
The type of server you use can also affect how fast your website loads and how reliable it is, which matters both for your visitors and for search engines like Google.
What are the different types of servers?
Not all servers are the same. Here are the most common types you’re likely to come across:
Shared hosting servers
Your website shares a server with other websites. It’s the most affordable option and a great starting point for most small websites and blogs.
Virtual Private Servers (VPS)
A step up from shared hosting. You still share a physical server, but your space is partitioned off, giving you more power and control.
Dedicated servers
The entire server is yours. This gives you maximum performance and control, and is best suited to large websites with high traffic.
Cloud servers
Instead of one physical machine, your website runs across a network of servers. This makes it flexible, scalable, and reliable.
Servers and web hosting
When most people talk about servers in the context of websites, they’re really talking about web hosting. Hosting is simply the service that gives your website space on a server.
At 123 Reg, we offer a range of hosting plans depending on what your website needs:
Web Hosting is our entry-level option, ideal for straightforward websites and those just starting out. It’s simple to set up and takes care of the technical side for you.
Premium Hosting gives you more power and resources, making it a great fit for growing websites that need a bit more behind them.
VPS Hosting is for websites that need serious performance and control. With a Virtual Private Server, your resources are dedicated to you, so your website isn’t affected by other sites sharing the same machine.
Not sure which one’s right for you? As a general rule, start with Web Hosting and upgrade as your website grows.
Don’t want to think about servers at all?
If you’re building a website with 123 Reg Website Builder, you don’t need to worry about any of this. Hosting and servers are all taken care of as part of the package, so you can focus on building your site rather than the technical details.
How does a server connect to your domain?
Your domain name (like yourbusiness.co.uk) and your server are two separate things. Your domain is your web address; your server is where your website actually lives.
To connect the two, you point your domain’s nameservers to your hosting provider. Once that’s done, visitors who type in your domain will be directed straight to your server and your website will load.
If you want to understand more about how that connection works, take a look at: Nameservers: What are Nameservers and How Do They Work?
Getting started with hosting
Now that you know what a server is, the next step is choosing the right hosting plan for your website.
123 Reg makes it easy to get started, with plans designed to suit everyone from first-time website owners to fast-growing businesses.
