If you have just made a website, and are new to this world, then you probably do not know much about web hosting and what it actually is. This article is for you so you can understand the basics of what web hosting is and how it works.
What is Web Hosting?
Web hosting is a place where all your websites are stored. It is just like our normal day to day life, where we have to store our documents on our computers, except in web hosting, we have to save the websites instead of documents. Because the web pages are supposed to be accessed by the general public, the web pages are needed to be stored on computers with higher specifications.
These computers are connected to the internet by a powerful link so it can provide everyone with the websites. These computers, where the web pages are stored, are called web servers. The computers have to make the websites available to all the users who request them, and that is why the whole process is called web hosting.
Most of the times, the term web hosting refers to the company that lends out its services to the website owners, so that the web pages are accessible to the users.
Why Should You Choose a Web Host?
If you run an online business, then a web host is a must for you. A web host does more than just provide security to your website. A web host makes sure that your website loads faster and there are no downtimes and due to which, your website will reach more and more people because of its high ranking.
Of course, you need to take into account the quality of services being provided by the web host. If you’ve never used or heard of a web hosting service before, you are going to be a little confused when you go looking for your first provider. You will run into a number of terms that you might not know. Without having the proper knowledge, it can be hard to choose the plan that fits your needs.
What makes a good web host?
If you have never used a web host before, then it is normal to wonder what a good web host is and what it is supposed to do. When you are choosing a web host, there are many factors to consider.
For example, your web hosting company needs to provide excellent server performance, customer support, and the price they are offering their hosting plan for should be reasonable.
Most of all, you need to choose according to your budget. But, do not compromise on the quality or services just because of money, because, this is an investment that will benefit you in the long run.
Types of web hosts
There are four types of web hosts: Shared hosting, Virtual Private Server (VPS), Dedicated hosting, and Cloud Hosting.
These web hosts differ from each other on the bases of storage space, speed, reliability, and performance. People choose the web hosts based on their needs.
1. Shared Hosting
Shared hosting is best for the people who have just started their website, and their business is small, because compared to other web hosts, shared hosting is cheaper. It is also suitable for starters because website owners do not need to be professionals to handle the technicalities as it is all straightforward.
In shared hosting, your website is stored on a single server along with many other websites. Where the option is attractive because of its low price, your website is also more prone to attacks by other bad sites that you are sharing your server with.
2. Dedicated Server Hosting
For people whose business is large, dedicated server hosting serves the purpose. The cost of this web hosting is expensive because you can have your personal server where only your web site will be hosted.
However, you will have maximum control over your website, and the server performance is better than shared hosting.
3. Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting
In Virtual Private Server Hosting, the server is divided into many virtual servers where you will have your own dedicated server, except maybe sharing the server with a few more site.
The hosting environment is secure, and people who cannot afford a dedicated server can go for this web hosting because it provides you with same services.
4. Cloud Hosting
In cloud hosting, there is an unlimited ability to handle high traffic. A team of servers host a group of websites by working together.
In this way, if there is high traffic, the multiple computers work together and handle the traffic for any site. In cloud hosting, you only have to spend the money according to your usage.
If you are confused whether you should go for web hosting, you need to be assured that a web host will help your business grow. But for that, you need to make the right decision and choose the right host that best fits your needs and requirements.
I hope the article helps you out. Have a great day!
Related:
- 5 Reasons You Should Opt for a Canadian Web-Hosting Company
- 10 Key Features of Web-Hosting Services for Small Business
Author Bio
Barbara Morgan is a how-to’s technology writer for more than a decade, hardware tester, Linux power user based in New Hampshire. She regularly posts her how-to articles at the managed hosting Europe provider – Hostiserver.com
