Dedicated_Server

<p>Most MMOs run on a <strong>dedicated server.</strong></p>
<p>A dedicated server is a computer used for the sole purpose of running a server for that game. All popular games have a dedicated server, which players connect to. The game client sends data to this server, which is relayed to the other players. The server keeps track of everything going on in a game. Some games have multiple servers, which can be choosen by the players. These servers are usually connected by a Lobby Server, which players use to see what servers are running, and which ones they can login to.</p>
<p>Some games allow the players to run a server, such as Tremulous. They are given admin tools allowing them to control player access and game settings. These can also be run on a normal computer that is not dedicated, if very fast internet speed and computer speed is not required. These servers can usually be run either by a seperate program in the background, or from the game client.</p>

 

minor capitalization edit.

<p>Most MMOs run on a <strong>dedicated server.</strong></p>
<p>A dedicated server is a computer used for the sole purpose of running a server for that game. All popular games have a dedicated server, which players connect to. The game client sends data to this server, which is relayed to the other players. The server keeps track of everything going on in a game. Some games have multiple servers, which can be choosen by the players. These servers are usually connected by a Lobby Server, which players use to see what servers are running, and which ones they can login to.</p>
<p><strong>Virtual Server</strong></p>
<p>Some games allow the players to run a server, such as Tremulous. They are given admin tools allowing them to control player access and game settings. In cases such as these, the dedicated servers are often subdivided to host several smaller games, or&nbsp;sites&nbsp;to contain forums and such. This is usually called a virtual server.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Virtual Hosting</strong></p>
<p>Dedicated servers can further be subdivided and space ad server bandwidth can be rented out for a fee. In the latter case this is called virtual hosting.</p>
<p><strong>Home Server/Personal Server</strong></p>
<p>These games and admin tools can also be run on a normal computer that is not dedicated, if very fast internet speed and computer speed is not required. These servers can usually be run either by a seperate program in the background, or from the game client.&nbsp;An example of such a seperate program is PWS (Personal Web Server) on the Win95, Win98, Win98SE and&nbsp;Win NT 4.0. editions.&nbsp;Later windows editions have a program called IIS (Internet Information Services). Linux and Unix system have their own seperate programs. In fact most dedicated servers have Linux as their dedicated hosting service.</p>