A server is used to store data and programs shared by individuals in a network. Simply put, a server is just a box that houses important things for your life. There are various applications for servers. Whatever the application may be, you can always build your own server.
Reasons Why
You can control 
every aspect of the server, including the data stored on it. By creating your own server, your data remains yours. If you use programs like Dropbox, your data is essentially theirs because it’s on their servers. You can also build whatever services you may need. You can create an email server, a music server, or whatever you may need. By building your own server, you won’t have any surprises or hidden features. You will be putting every detail into it, so you will know your server like the back of your hand. If your needs change, you can reconfigure your server. Most importantly, it’ll save you money. The only real cost will be the electricity needed to run it and any additions you may want.
Building Your Server
If you have an old PC lying around, you can easily turn it into a server. Remember to save your old files to a hard drive first! You’ll also need the basics: high-speed internet and a router. Using your old PC, you’ll need to convert it to Ubuntu (a Linux derived open source operating system). If you prefer, you can choose Windows Home Server 2011 or FreeNAS. Installing the server software next is a piece of cake; we recommend XAMPP for Linux because 
it comes equipped with perks like Apache, MySQL, PHP, and Perl. Don’t forget to install a motherboard as well, so you’re not just building a glorified PC. Start it up, and you’re good to go!
Things to Keep in Mind
- Avoid static electricity
- Have all your components gathered before you start
- Be familiar with the equipment you’re working with
- Make sure you have the proper editions of your OS and server software
- Check your power supply, network, and internet connection
- Don’t choose cheap when buying your case and power supply
When building your server, remember that it is about what you want; configure it to fit your exact needs without having hidden features. Let us know what kind of server you’re building in the comments below!
