Web Server

A Web Server is a system that stores, processes, and delivers web pages to users over the internet or an intranet. When a user’s browser requests a web page, the Web Server retrieves the requested content and sends it to the browser, enabling users to view websites and interact with online applications.

Web Servers handle HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) requests from clients, typically browsers, and respond by serving the requested files, such as HTML documents, images, or scripts. They are responsible for hosting websites, managing resources, and ensuring users can access content seamlessly. Web Servers can be configured to serve static content or generate dynamic content by interfacing with applications or databases.

The purpose of a Web Server is to make websites and online applications accessible to users. By delivering content reliably and securely, Web Servers form the backbone of the internet, enabling digital communication and online services. Web Servers also offer logging, security configurations, and performance optimisation to support robust website functionality.

Web Servers function by listening for incoming HTTP requests on specified ports, usually port 80 for HTTP and port 443 for HTTPS (secure HTTP). Upon receiving a request, the server processes it, retrieves the relevant resources, and returns the data to the client. Popular Web Server software includes Apache, Nginx, and Microsoft IIS, each offering unique features and customisation options to meet various hosting requirements.

Examples of Web Server applications include Apache, which is known for its flexibility and open-source community, and Nginx, popular for handling high loads and optimising performance. Microsoft IIS (Internet Information Services) is another example, widely used in Windows server environments to host web applications and websites.

Web Servers are vulnerable to threats like DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks, Data Breaches, and vulnerabilities in server software. To protect against these risks, organisations implement security measures such as Firewalls, regular software updates, and secure configurations, as well as monitoring and logging to detect anomalies.