Hardware

The actual machine on which this all resides can essentially be viewed as a large PC. However, in reality, it will be specialized hardware with many built-in fail-safe features. Major vendors of servers include Sun Microsystems, Dell, HP and Compaq.

There are also special dedicated web hosting machines, known as server appliances, such as the Sun Microsystems Cobalt, which are designed to perform their specific tasks through a closer relationship between the software and the hardware. They usually come pre-configured with the web server software, mail server, domain name system, operating system and support for certain applications. They will also have remote administration capabilities with a web interface allowing you to support the unit by configuring it and making changes.