Servers are like the heavy lifters of the internet. Every time you click a link, watch a video, or buy something online, a server is working behind the scenes to make it happen. These powerful computers store data and respond to requests — whether it's loading your homepage or processing a login.

There are different types of servers: web servers, email servers, game servers, and more. For websites, web servers like Apache or Nginx are the most common. They serve your HTML, CSS, images, and scripts to users all over the world.

Speed and performance depend a lot on server quality. A cheap server can crash under heavy traffic, while a high-end one can handle thousands of users smoothly. That’s why many big websites use content delivery networks (CDNs) — networks of servers placed around the world to reduce load time.

Managing your own server requires technical skill. That’s why most people go through hosting providers who manage the hardware and software for you. You still get control, but without the headache of maintenance.

As your site grows, you might want to move from a shared server to a VPS or cloud setup. cheap web hosting offers helpful insights on when and how to upgrade your server so your site can keep up with your visitors.