A server hosts your website files and sends them to users when they visit your site.
Server Explained
Why Server Matters
Without servers, websites cannot be accessed online.
Where You'll Come Across It
Hosting environments.
Practical Example
Your hosting provider runs servers that store your site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own server?
Almost certainly not. Most small to medium businesses use shared or managed hosting, which means your website lives on a server maintained by a hosting provider. Dedicated servers are only needed for very high-traffic or resource-intensive sites.
Where should my server be located?
Ideally close to your target audience. For a UK business targeting UK customers, a UK-based server gives the best performance. If you serve international visitors, a CDN can compensate for distance.
What happens if my server goes down?
Your website becomes unavailable until the issue is resolved. Good hosting providers have redundancy and monitoring to minimise downtime. A maintenance plan ensures someone is alerted and can respond quickly if problems occur.