What is Web Hosting?
If you’re new to the world of website building, it’s easy to get your domain names confused with your web hosting. What does it all mean?
Domain Name – Think of it as similar to your home address, the place where your site lives. Instead of using names and postcodes, it uses words or numbers and the hosting involves a hard disk and memory instead of bricks and mortar.
Web Hosting – This is like the space your home occupies and where you put your furniture
Having a domain name gives you ownership and rights to the site name, but that is not enough on its own. You need somewhere for your site to sit so it can be accessed on the internet. Web hosting refers to a server which stores a huge amount of data files. Companies who provide web hosting will rent out web servers and a connection to the network. For a WordPress Web Design London company to help you with hosting, visit https://happy2host.com
Most of the time the hosting company will be the ones who deal with server maintenance, backup, recovery and configuration etc. Some hosting requires that the user needs to do this maintenance for themselves.
The Different Types of Web Hosting
Shared Hosting – With shared hosting, your website is placed onto the same server with many other websites, sometimes thousands. Because of this, the cost to host is relatively low and this set-up is ideal for sites with medium levels of traffic. Maintenance issues are covered by the hosting company, so this method is great for entry level sites as minimal technical knowledge is required. Disadvantages include a reduced ability to handle heavy traffic and performance can be slowed down by other sites on the same server.
Virtual Private Server – This is a service where a server is divided into virtual servers and each website is hosted on its own dedicated server even though it’s still being shared by several other users. There is root access, a more secured environment and higher control. There is still the possibility of poor performance during spikes in traffic and a chance of impact from other sites on the server.
Dedicated Server – This represents the maximum amount of control you can have over the server that stores your website. It involves the exclusive use of a whole server, with your site being the only one on it. Obviously, this is the most expensive option mostly chosen by sites that need high levels of control and top-quality performance.
Hosting Via the Cloud – This is the form of hosting that offers the absolute unlimited ability to cope with traffic peaks, spikes and high traffic volume. A collection of servers, known as a cloud participate together in hosting a number of websites. The advantage is that multiple computers can collaborate to handle traffic spikes and performance for any website. Disadvantages include no root access and an increased cost.