What Is a Web Server and How Does It Work?

What is a web server?

The word web server means two things. It can mean the computer that stores websites. It can also mean the program on that computer that answers visitors. Both work together.

Think of a waiter in a restaurant. You ask for a dish. The waiter goes to the kitchen and brings it back. A web server does the same with web pages.

How does it work?

You type a website address in your browser. A browser is the app you use to view websites, like Chrome.
Your browser sends a request. A request is a message that asks for a page.
The request travels to the web server.
The server finds the right files. If the page is built by code, it runs the code first.
The server sends a response. This is the page coming back.
Your browser shows the page.

The language of this chat is called HTTP. Its safe version is HTTPS.

Static and dynamic pages

A static page is a fixed file. Everyone sees the same thing. A dynamic page is made fresh each time. A shop page that shows your cart is an example. The server may ask a database for the data. A database is where a site keeps its information.

Popular web server programs

Apache: very common and works with cPanel.
Nginx: known for being fast with many visitors.
LiteSpeed: a fast option used on some hosts.
IIS: the web server from Microsoft for Windows.

Ask Hostvento support which one your plan uses.

Why it matters to you

When you buy hosting, the host runs the web server for you. You do not need to set it up. You only upload your website files.

Tip: A page that loads slowly is not always the server's fault. Large pictures and too many plugins can slow it down as well.

Quick recap

A web server stores sites and sends pages to visitors.
Your browser asks, and the server answers.
Apache, Nginx, LiteSpeed and IIS are common programs.
Your host manages the web server for you.