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Server

In common parlance, the word "server" has two meanings.

Software (or hardware)​

A server is software or device that provides a service to another software or device, also known as the client.

In the context of the Fediverse, a server is a running instance, that will hold one or more Fediverse accounts.

Example​

  • the software that you use to read emails is the client, and the server is where you will be retrieving all received emails from
  • A Mastodon instance is a server; provides to you access to the website

Computer​

A server is a physical or virtual computer that is used to host software.

The computer is almost similar to a desktop or laptop computer, but can be optimized for running Internet software.