A combination of hardware and software which is used to provide services to clients is called server. However this definition of server can only be applied in the context of computing. If the term is used alone, it can mean a device that is mainly used to run a server operating system.

The most common meaning of server can be understood in the context of information technology. In the said field, it refers to an automated process that enables data to be shared to clients. Since this process can be embedded in any device, any toll which is capable of this process is called a server. Personal computers which are normally not called server can be called as such because they can perform the function of a server. Similar to hardware, software that can deliver the same function is also termed as servers. The use of severs became popular only at the turn of 21st century. The net today contains numerous servers as it is a host to thousands of web sites.