Most computer networks support one or more servers that handle specialized tasks.

The server is the software that handles a specific task.

Illustration of a server cluster

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However, the powerful hardware that supports this software is also called a server.

Peer networks offer a greater degree of privacy because communication between computers is narrowly targeted.

However, due in part tobandwidthlimitations, most implementations ofpeer-to-peer networkingaren’t robust enough to support large traffic spikes.

An illustration of servers in a home network.

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These servers function as a cluster conceptually.

However, not all home computers and internet connections are suitable for lots of traffic.

Most home operating systems are also void of server-related features.

Servers might also go down unintentionally during something like aDDoS attack.

Do an internet search for free proxy servers to find dozens of options.

DNS serversstore databases of public IP addresses.

DHCP servers are responsible for assigning IP addresses using theDynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).

Discordis a tool for text, voice, and video chat that is geared toward gaming communities.

You join ormake a Discord serverto communicate with people from all over the world with similar interests.

Discord servers can be public or private.