A web host is a server computer where a website lives or is stored. This server is available on the internet 24/7.
Websites are accessed through a server (computer) that stores a website’s files. When you request a website URL the browser will perform a DNS lookup to find where the website lives (hosted). Once it finds the server (host) it then sends the requested URL’s data.
Web hosting providers provide web hosting facilities. They also offer domain registration.
What’s A Server
A server is a computer that outputs and sends data to other computers (devices) typically through a network. Some software needs to be installed for a computer to function as a web server. Common server software are:
Types of web hosting
Local Hosting
Local hosting refers to hosting a site on your own computer. The server is typically not connected to the internet.
Local Hosting is primarily for development purposes not production. This is where website code is created and tested.
There are free software that enable you to localhost – Xamp & Wamp servers are the most popular. They come with the standard Apache, PHP, and MYSQL databases among other features
Shared hosting
Shared hosting means one server hosts many different websites. This is the most common type of hosting.
You manage your site with your own control dashboard and won’t see other website’s data.
Shared hosting is affordable and suits most websites.
You can check out Nivacity, Hostinger, GoDaddy, Dreamhost, A2 Hosting, Inmotion Hosting.
Dedicated hosting
When your website grows and needs to handle more traffic you may want to switch to a dedicated server. Dedicated hosting means one site has full access and control of a server. There are no other websites sharing the same resources.
With dedicated hosting you can adjust storage space, RAM, CPU resources and much more to suit your needs.
Dedicated hosting can be expensive. You’ll typically need someone to manage the server around the clock to avoid downtimes. Some web hosting providers may manage the server for you at a fee.
Virtual hosting
Cloud hosting
Cloud hosting refers to hosting on multiple and interconnected web servers around the globe. If one server fails there’s another that will still deliver your website. You can scale easily as per your needs. Examples of cloud hosting are Amazon AWS and Google cloud hosting
Cloud hosting may also include specific asset hosting like video hosting, file hosting, image hosting, emails etc.
What do web hosts have
Control panel
Most web hosting services come with a control panel (web Interface) where you manage your website’s files, emails, databases, domains and many other features.
Popular control panels among shared hosting are Cpanel, Direct Admin, and Plesk. Some web hosts have their custom control panels.
Programming Languages & Software
Web hosting services have different backend server languages and software you can use. These languages allow you to send and receive data from the client, and do some data logic and operations. PHP is one common language among most web hosting services. Others may include NodeJS and Python.
Databases
Most web hosts include databases for data storage. MYSQL is the most common database with Microsoft SQL, Reddis, Postgres, Mongo DB etc in other servers.
In addition, most web hosts come with PHPMyAdmin for MYSQL database management.
Emails
Shared hosting typically includes email hosting as well. These emails are custom emails tied to your domain name, e.g john@mysite.com, sales@mysite.com.
When you purchase a hosting package you’ll be given a number of email accounts you can create.
What To Look for In Web Hosting Providers
Uptime
You need a web host that does not have frequent downtimes and crashes. This ensures you don’t lose traffic (visitors) to your website.
In addition, server downtimes can negatively impact your search rankings. If your site is down for a considerable amount of time Google may drop your site to other pages.
Security & Protection
Security is critical for securing your website’s data. Your web host should have Firewalls and bot detection facilities in place so that your website is not easily hacked or breached.
In addition, your web host should be able to detect malware and viruses before your website is corrupted.
Service Support
Help and Support are critical to any service. You need a reliable service that will be able to assist you fast if problems arise.
Hidden Fees & Costs
You need to understand the pricing of a particular web hosting company so you don’t get hit by unexpected charges.
For example, some web hosting providers may lower monthly hosting prices if paying annually. If you’re paying monthly the price will be higher.
Others may reduce the hosting price if you pay in advance for one, two, or three years then regular prices will be charged afterwards. Others may give a free domain for the first year and then pay afterwards.
