Comment on What really separates a PC from a server? Mainly the hardware, but I guess software too.
Honytawk@lemmy.zip 5 days ago
A PC (also known as a client) always is the first one to send a request over a network. They are the initiator of every data exchange. They don’t receive anything otherwise. And they therefore always know who they are conversing with.
A server is setup to listen continuously on a network. They need to be able to respond to new request from unknown sources. They never know when the next new request will be, or who it is from until they do their data handshake.
Feathercrown@lemmy.world 5 days ago
Well, a server has to be running software that, you know, serves stuff. Listens and responds to network requests. They do usually also have different hardware-- no need for an integrated screen or keyboard!
Honytawk@lemmy.zip 5 days ago
You can run a media server on your phone. Like running Octoprint to manage 3D printers for example.
Hardware doesn’t have anything to do with the distinction.
It is just that people enjoy servers that are reliable. So they buy better or specified hardware for it.
Feathercrown@lemmy.world 4 days ago
Right. Any hardware can be a server, but people choose to make servers out of certain hardware that they find convenient for the task.
WolfLink@sh.itjust.works 5 days ago
Server hardware is usually designed with quick swapping of parts in mind, and also will often support more CPUs, RAM, and drives than a desktop.
Feathercrown@lemmy.world 5 days ago
Yup. Plus rack mounts!
Unless you’re using a server as your laptop. But surely nobody would do that… *quickly hides server laptop behind my back*