Think of server load as the workload or tasks assigned to a server computer, which is like the engine powering a website or online service. It's a way to measure how busy or active the server is at a given time. When lots of users visit a website, send requests, or interact with online applications, the server has to work harder to handle all those tasks. This increased workload affects resources like the server's CPU (the brain), memory (the workspace), and network (the communication channels). Server load is a crucial metric because it helps administrators monitor and manage server performance. It ensures that the server can handle all incoming requests efficiently, preventing slowdowns or crashes, and providing a smooth user experience.