What is Web Hosting?
Web hosting is a service that allows you to publish your website on the internet. It's like renting space on a powerful computer (server) that's connected to the internet 24/7, making your website accessible to visitors around the world.
Types of Web Hosting
1. Shared Hosting
The most popular and economical option where multiple websites share resources on the same server.
- Perfect for small to medium websites
- Cost-effective solution
- Managed server maintenance
- Suitable for up to 50,000 monthly visitors
2. VPS (Virtual Private Server) Hosting
A virtual server that mimics a dedicated server within a shared hosting environment.
- Dedicated resources
- Better performance and reliability
- Root access for custom configurations
- Suitable for growing websites
3. Dedicated Server Hosting
An entire physical server exclusively for your website.
- Maximum performance and control
- Full server resources
- Complete customization options
- Ideal for high-traffic websites
Key Hosting Features to Consider
- Storage Space: Amount of space for your files
- Bandwidth: Data transfer allowance
- CPU and RAM: Processing power and memory
- Email Hosting: Professional email services
- SSL Certificates: Security for data encryption
- Database Support: For dynamic content
Understanding Web Hosting Terms
- cPanel
- Control panel for managing your hosting account
- Domain Name
- Your website's address (e.g., www.yoursite.com)
- DNS
- Domain Name System that connects domains to hosting servers
- FTP
- File Transfer Protocol for uploading files to your server
Pro Tip
Start with shared hosting if you're new to web hosting. You can always upgrade to VPS or dedicated hosting as your website grows and requires more resources.