web hosting

                                        Web Hosting

A web hosting service is a type of Internet hosting service that allows individuals and organizations to make their website accessible via the World Wide Web. Web hosts are companies that provide space on a server owned or leased for use by clients, as well as providing Internet connectivity, typically in a data center.

Web hosting is a place where individuals or organizations place their websites.

Normally when we talk about a web hosting, it means a company that provides space on a computer (server) to *host* the files for your website, as well as providing Internet connectivity so that other computers can access to the files on your website.

Normally when we talk about web hosting, the term “web hosting” refers to the server that host your website or the hosting company that rent that server space to you; when we talk about data center, we mean the facility that is used to house the servers.

A data center could be a room, a house, or a very large building equipped with redundant or backup power supplies, redundant data communications connections, environmental controls (e.g., air conditioning, fire suppression) and security devices

                          Types of web hosting

Generally, there are four different types of web hosting: Shared, Virtual Private Server (VPS), Dedicated, and Cloud Hosting. While all types of hosting servers will act as a storage centre for your website, they differ in the amount of storage capacity, control, technical knowledge requirement, server speed, and reliability. Let’s dig in and look at the main differences between a shared, VPS, dedicated, and cloud hosting.

Shared Server Hosting

Introduction

In shared hosting, one’s web site is placed on the same server as many other sites, ranging from a few to hundreds or thousands. Typically, all domains may share a common pool of server resources, such as RAM and the CPU. As cost is extremely low, most websites with moderate traffic levels running standard software are hosted on this type of server. Shared hosting is also widely accepted as the entry level option as it requires minimum technical knowledge.

Disadvantages

No root access, limited ability to handle high traffic levels or spikes, site performance can be affected by other sites on the same server.

 Recommended shared hosting services: iPage, WebHostingHub, A2 Hosting, and Hostgator.

Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting

Introduction

A virtual private server hosting divides a server into virtual servers, where each websites is like hosted on their own dedicated server, but they’re actually sharing a server with a few different other users. The users may have root access to their own virtual space and better secured hosting environment with this type of hosting. Websites that need greater control at the server level, but don’t want to invest in a dedicated server.

Disadvantages

Limited ability to handle high traffic levels or spikes, your site performance can still be somewhat affected by other sites on the server.

 Recommended VPS hosting services: InMotion Hosting, Rose Hosting, and A2 Hosting.

Dedicated Server Hosting

Introduction

A dedicated server offers the maximum control over the web server your website is stored on – You exclusively rent an entire server. Your website(s) is the only website stored on the server.

Disadvantages

With great power comes… well, greater cost. Dedicated servers are very expensive and it’s only recommended to those who need the maximum control and better server performance.

 Recommended dedicated hosting services: InMotion Hosting, Rose Hosting, A2 Hosting, and Hostgator.

Cloud Hosting

Introduction

Cloud hosting offers unlimited ability to handle high traffic or traffic spikes. Here’s how it works: A team of servers (called a cloud) work together to host a group of websites. This allows multiple computers to work together to handle high traffic levels or spikes for any particular website.

Disadvantages

Many cloud hosting setup do not offers root access (required to change server settings and install some software), higher cost.

What Is A Domain Name?

Before you can run a website, you will need a domain name.

A domain is the name of your website. A domain name is not something physical that you can touch or see; it is merely a string of characters that give your website an identity (yes, a name, like human and businesses).

Now, here are some quick examples: Google.com is a domain name; so are Alexa.com, Linux.org, WebRevenue.co,  eLearningEuropa.info, as well as Yahoo.co.uk.

To have your own domain, you will need to register your domain with a domain registrar.

The difference between web hosting and domain name

It is very common for newbies to get confused between a domain name with a web hosting. However, it is very important to be crystal clear on the differences between the two before you move on to your first website.

To simplify: A domain name, is like the address of your home; web hosting on the other hand, is the space of your house where you place your furniture.

Instead of street name and area code, set of words or/and numbers are used for the website’s naming’. The same goes with hosting, computer hard disk and computer memory are used instead of instead of wood and steel for storing and processing data files. The idea is presented clearer with the diagram below.

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