Recently we have had a lot of small business, and large business owners ask us the difference between a website domain name and website hosting. People think they are the same thing and get confused on why they should have to pay monthly. There’s a big difference, and in this blog, we will explain what is web hosting?

Web hosting definition

A website is hosted when a hosting company allocates room on a web server for a website’s files to be stored. Web hosting makes the files that make up a website (code, pictures, and so on) accessible online. A server hosts every website you’ve ever visited.

The quantity of space allotted to a website on a server is determined by the type of hosting. Shared, dedicated, VPS, and reseller hosting are the most common types of hosting. They are distinguished by the type of server technology used, the level of management provided, and the additional services available.

In a summary, web hosting is the process of renting or purchasing space on the Internet to house a website. To be seen online, website material such as HTML, CSS, and images must be stored on a server.

What is the definition of a server? A server is a computer that connects other online users from all around the world to your website. Web hosting service providers, as the name implies, provide the servers, connection, and related services needed to host websites. They span the spectrum of hosting needs, from small blogs to huge companies, by offering a choice of hosting plans.

If you want to build an online presence, you’ll need reliable web hosting. Today, there are literally thousands of web hosts offering thousands of different web hosting services. Plans range from free with few features to pricey business-focused web hosting services. The plan you select will be based on how you intend to use your website and how much money you have set up for hosting.

Choosing the correct hosting package will provide you access to the resources you need to keep your website loading swiftly and consistently for your visitors. Consider how many businesses nowadays operate primarily online, generating revenue and business leads through their websites. Potential clients will not wait if they arrive at a website that has a problem – it takes too long to load or does not display at all. They’ll leave that site in search of one that operates properly and reliably delivers what they’re looking for.

Web hosting image by Times Square Chronicles.

How does website hosting work?

When the files that make up a website are uploaded from a local computer to a web server, it is known as web hosting. The resources of the server (RAM, hard drive space, and bandwidth) are divided among the websites that use it.

Depending on the hosting plan selected, the server resources are divided differently. To choose the best hosting package, you must first understand the differences between the various options. It doesn’t have to be difficult. Let’s use a basic analogy for non-technical readers: It’s similar to looking for office space when it comes to choosing web hosting:

What criteria do you use to determine which type of office space is best for your needs? Is a workstation in an open co-working environment sufficient, or is an office within a business centre the next best thing? Do you plan to expand quickly, or do you anticipate a lot of people coming and going? Would renting a complete building appeal to you, or would it be more appealing to build your own space?

Aside from the type of office you utilise, there are a few additional things to think about. The ease with which the rooms may be accessed, the features they provide (such as a whiteboard, high-speed internet, and other amenities), and where they are located, as well as the overall cost. These factors will help you identify your needs and which sort of workplace is best for you. Let’s relate this decision-making process to finding the right web hosting.

• Renting a workstation in a crowded, noisy open plan office or co-working environment is akin to shared hosting. You have all of the contemporary comforts, such as a workstation, internet access, and some stationary, but you share the space with other coworkers, who also have access to the kitchen, printer, and lavatory. You are unable to make any changes to the room, such as placing whiteboards. This is a popular choice for small-scale commercial projects, but it is not suitable for large-scale commercial projects.
• A virtual private server (VPS) is an excellent alternative to shared hosting. Renting an office in a business park will assist a medium-sized company. Users on a VPS are separated from one another. You have neighbours, but you are less reliant on them, and you can do whatever makeovers (customizations) you want to your workstation and organise it yourself.

What’s the Difference Between Domain Name and Web Hosting?

Although domain names and web hosting are two separate entities, they are inextricably linked. To make a website, you’ll need a domain name and a web hosting account. This means you won’t be able to create a website without at least one of them.

You might begin by selecting a domain name and registering it with a domain registrar. A domain name can be registered for a minimum of one year with most domain firms. To keep using your domain, you must renew it before it expires.

After that, you can purchase a hosting package and connect it to your domain name. Following that, you can install website software (such as WordPress), tools and plugins, and content to your website.

Still, struggling with web hosting? Feel free to get in touch with us and we can help you.