Strictly, a private server is any
machine
A machine is a physical system using power to apply forces and control movement to perform an action. The term is commonly applied to artificial devices, such as those employing engines or motors, but also to natural biological macromolecul ...
or
virtual machine
In computing, a virtual machine (VM) is the virtualization/ emulation of a computer system. Virtual machines are based on computer architectures and provide functionality of a physical computer. Their implementations may involve specialized h ...
used as a
server
Server may refer to:
Computing
*Server (computing), a computer program or a device that provides functionality for other programs or devices, called clients
Role
* Waiting staff, those who work at a restaurant or a bar attending customers and su ...
that is privately administrated. Colloquially the term is nearly-exclusively used to refer to independently operated, unofficial servers for video games.
Private Servers (Broadly Defined)
As servers need adequate internet connection, power and can be noisy, they are often located in a
colocation center. Servers are available on the market the same way as laptops or desktops are available and can be purchased by individual already pre-configured. Ordinary desktop computers are not suitable to house in colocation centers as servers have specific form factor that allows them to fit many into a standard rack. This group also includes custom-designed experimental servers, made by hobbyists
Custom designed server
design to maximize performance per watt. Virtual server also offer high degree of freedom, superuser
In computing, the superuser is a special user account used for system administration. Depending on the operating system (OS), the actual name of this account might be root, administrator, admin or supervisor. In some cases, the actual name of t ...
access and low-cost service.
Private Servers for Video Games
A private server is a reimplementation in online game servers, typically as clones of