A web server is software or hardware that delivers website content to users over the internet. When you type a URL into your browser, the web server is what responds to that request by sending the web page back to your device. It can host anything from a single-page website to a massive platform with thousands of pages.

Think of it as the waiter of the internet—when someone asks for a dish (your website), the web server brings it to their table (the browser). The server’s job is to make sure your content shows up correctly, securely, and quickly.

How web servers work

Web servers operate by listening for incoming requests, usually through HTTP or HTTPS, and then serving the requested files (like HTML, CSS, images, or scripts) to the browser. These requests are made by users clicking links or entering URLs. The server finds the right content, wraps it in the appropriate headers, and sends it back to the browser to display.

Most web servers run continuously, 24/7, ensuring your site is always available. Popular software options include Apache, NGINX, and Microsoft IIS. Whether you’re running a small blog or an e-commerce store, web servers are the backbone of getting your content seen.

Web server hardware vs. software

The term “web server” can refer to two things: the physical machine or the software running on that machine. The hardware version is a dedicated computer that stores website files and handles internet traffic. It’s designed for speed, uptime, and processing lots of requests.

The software, on the other hand, is the program installed on that machine. Apache and NGINX are examples, managing how requests are received and how content is delivered. Often, hosting providers offer both as part of their plans—meaning you don’t need to worry about the distinction unless you’re managing your own infrastructure.

Why web servers matter for SEO and site performance

A fast, reliable web server is key to good SEO. Search engines prioritize websites that load quickly and stay online consistently. If your server crashes often or loads pages slowly, your search rankings might suffer.
Security is another big factor—servers using HTTPS protect user data, which search engines favor. Plus, server configuration can affect things like URL structure, redirects, and how easily your content is crawled. If you're serious about visibility online, choosing a good web server setup is essential.

Choosing a web server for your needs

If you're using a platform like a website builder, your web server is already taken care of behind the scenes. But if you’re self-hosting, you’ll need to choose one based on traffic size, type of content, and budget.

For small personal sites or blogging, shared hosting with Apache may be enough. Larger businesses may prefer VPS or dedicated servers with NGINX for more control and performance. Make sure your choice supports SSL, has strong uptime records, and scales as you grow.

FAQs about web servers

What’s the difference between a web server and a database?

A web server handles delivering content, like HTML pages or images, to the user’s browser. A database, like MySQL or PostgreSQL, stores structured data such as user profiles or blog posts. Most websites use both: the server delivers the page, and the database provides the content on it.

Can I run a web server from my home computer?

Technically, yes—you can install software like Apache or NGINX on your personal computer. But home networks often lack the security, speed, and uptime needed for public websites. It’s fine for testing or learning, but not recommended for production use.

Are all web servers open-source?

Not all of them. Apache and NGINX are open-source and widely used. Others, like Microsoft’s IIS, are proprietary. Your hosting provider will typically let you know which one they use, and each has pros and cons depending on your goals and technical skill.

Do I need to understand web servers to build a site?

Not really—tools like B12's website builder take care of the server-side stuff for you. But having a basic understanding helps when troubleshooting slow load times or configuring SEO settings.

How much does a web server cost?

If you’re using a website builder or shared hosting, the cost is usually bundled into your plan. Dedicated servers or cloud-based options can range from a few dollars a month to hundreds, depending on traffic and features like backups and security.

Build your website on a reliable foundation

You don’t have to stress about web servers when you use a platform that takes care of the technical side for you. B12’s website builder includes high-performance hosting, fast load times, and built-in security—so your site works around the clock without any fuss.
Whether you're launching a small business or revamping your brand online, we’ve got the tools to make it happen. Sign up today and let B12 handle the heavy lifting behind the scenes.