8 Core Servers Every IT Pro Should Know

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Whether you’re setting up infrastructure or troubleshooting systems, mastering these server roles is essential for IT professionals. Below is a detailed breakdown of each server type, along with practical commands and configurations.

🌐 Web Server

Delivers websites and APIs over HTTP/HTTPS, supporting SSL/TLS for secure communication.

You Should Know:

  • Apache HTTP Server (Linux):
    sudo apt install apache2 
sudo systemctl start apache2 
sudo ufw allow 'Apache Full'
  • Nginx (Linux):
    sudo apt install nginx 
sudo systemctl enable nginx
  • IIS (Windows):
    Install-WindowsFeature -Name Web-Server -IncludeManagementTools

📧 Email Server

Handles sending, receiving, filtering, and archiving emails securely.

You Should Know:

  • Postfix (SMTP Server):
    sudo apt install postfix 
sudo nano /etc/postfix/main.cf  Configure mail server
  • Dovecot (IMAP/POP3):
    sudo apt install dovecot-imapd 
sudo systemctl restart dovecot

🗃️ Database Server

Manages structured datasets using SQL, ensuring ACID compliance.

You Should Know:

  • MySQL:
    sudo apt install mysql-server 
sudo mysql_secure_installation
  • PostgreSQL:
    sudo apt install postgresql postgresql-contrib 
sudo -u postgres psql

🌍 DNS Server

Resolves domain names into IP addresses.

You Should Know:

  • Bind9 (Linux):
    sudo apt install bind9 
sudo nano /etc/bind/named.conf.local
  • Windows DNS Server:
    Add-WindowsFeature DNS -IncludeManagementTools

📁 File Server

Centralizes storage with permission controls.

You Should Know:

  • Samba (Linux/Windows):
    sudo apt install samba 
sudo smbpasswd -a username
  • NFS (Linux):
    sudo apt install nfs-kernel-server 
sudo exportfs -a

📤 FTP Server

Enables secure file transfers via FTP/SFTP.

You Should Know:

  • vsftpd (Linux):
    sudo apt install vsftpd 
sudo systemctl start vsftpd

🛡️ Web Proxy Server

Filters traffic and enhances security.

You Should Know:

  • Squid Proxy:
    sudo apt install squid 
sudo systemctl restart squid

📡 DHCP Server

Automates IP assignment in networks.

You Should Know:

  • ISC DHCP Server (Linux):
    sudo apt install isc-dhcp-server 
sudo nano /etc/dhcp/dhcpd.conf

What Undercode Say

Mastering these 8 core servers is critical for IT infrastructure management. From web hosting to network automation, each server plays a vital role in modern computing.

Expected Output:

  • A fully configured web server accessible via browser.
  • A secure email server handling SMTP/IMAP.
  • A database server executing SQL queries.
  • A DNS server resolving domains correctly.
  • A file server with proper permissions.
  • An FTP server allowing secure file transfers.
  • A proxy server filtering malicious traffic.
  • A DHCP server assigning IPs automatically.

Prediction

As cloud computing evolves, hybrid server setups (on-prem + cloud) will dominate enterprise IT, requiring deeper automation and security hardening.

URLs (if needed):

References:

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