What is a Web Server and Can’t I Just Keep My Website On My Desktop?

A web server is a way of storing information about a website and transmitting the data (pictures, graphics, and functions) to a visitor’s computer. Most web servers use specialized processors that increase the speed that the website is displayed on the visitor’s computer and most desktop computers will cause the website to display very slowly. Another problem with using your desktop computer is that most internet service providers (ISPs) do not allow web servers and is one of the reasons that the ISP will assign dynamic IP addresses (a constantly changing IP address).

Web hosting companies and web designers usually have access and control of a web server. Most web servers use the Linux™ Operating system and are open source except any additional software components that are purchased to enhance the Linux OS performance.