A server is a type of machine that accepts requests from clients (typically home computers) and "serves" them data corresponding to their requests. The server-client model serves as the heart of the internet and an integral part of making sure that connections and data across the globe are able to run smoothly. For example, whenever you type in google.com, you are sending a request to a domain name system (DNS) server that is looking up what IP address google.com is connected to and sending the IP address back to you, allowing you to connect to google! The client-server model coexists with the P2P, or Peer-to-Peer model. The P2P model relies on two computers communicating directly with each other to gain and send data instead of relying on a central server. It should be noted, however, that it is significantly easier to transfer viruses and malware using the P2P model, and it becomes even more of a danger once you start introducing more devices into the P2P network. 

The client-server model has several differences when compared to the P2P model. First of all, the client-server model is centralized. Servers are typically stored in large data centers in central locations equidistant from the clients they are servicing whereas in P2P connections, each computer is typically independent of the other computers save sending/receiving data from those computers. Because it is centralized, this model allows for easier oversight and administration of services while also being easier to form backups of data. One of the downsides, however, is that if the server goes down, the connection between clients that use the server as a central point of communication to exchange data also goes down. In contrast, the P2P model allows for a computer, or peer, to go down, but the network itself will continue operating for the other peers. Additionally, in the P2P model, each computer can be seen as both a server and a client; there is no one computer in the network that performs services, and there is no one computer in the network that is a dedicated client. 

Shells™ are essentially desktops that are always on, being supported in datacenters with solid infrastructure, security, and networking so you can be sure that they'll always be up and secure. This makes our Shells™ well suited to being run as dedicated servers. Because our Shells are stored in data centers and are overseen 24/7, you don't have to do any of the administration and maintenance of the desktop that you might have to do with a P2P network!