What is Web Hosting ?

"Web Hosting is the heart of a Website, which should be running 24x7"

In my previous blog titled What is a Domain Name, I have explained the first step in making your own Website. And in this Blog, I'm going to explain the second step, called What is Web Hosting.

What is Web Hosting?

Web Hosting is a service that allows you to post your Website or Web page on the Internet. Like any other service, Web Hosting is also provided by a Web Host or Web Hosting Service Provider. The service provided by them curtails technology and services needed for your website to be viewed on the internet by others.

If you remember from my previous blog, I had talked about a Web Server, wherein your Website is stored/hosted. When a user types in your website domain name, their computer will connect to your Web Server and your website will be shown to them.

How does Web Hosting work?

Just like how you have registered and are paying an annual fee for your Domain Name, you now need to do the same for hosting your Website on the Internet.

Your website is actually a bunch of files, like HTML files, CSS files, images, text, etc. And all these files need to be in a folder and on a Web Server that is connected to the internet.

Your Website will be hosted by a Web Hosting Provider. These providers will let you rent space on their Web Servers for your website. They will be responsible for the proper and daily functioning of it and its protection. Once this is done, a user can then access your website by typing in your Domain name in their web browser.

How to choose the right Web Hosting Provider?

A few of the Domain Name Providers also provide Web Hosting services for their customers. You will need to check the best one fulfilling your website needs.

There are numerous companies providing Web Hosting Services, the major player are BlueHost, SiteGround, DreamHost, InterServer, HostGator, etc.

While deciding which one to pick, you will need to tick a few boxes first. Namely:

1 Storage Space:

Storage Space refers to the amount of space you are allowed to store on the Web Server. Space directly correlates to the size of your Website. The bigger your Website, the more space you require on the Web Server.

2 Bandwidth:

Bandwidth is the amount of data that you can transfer to and from your Web Server per month. This transfer is all-inclusive of everything. Your Bandwidth also depends on the size of your web page and on the number of people visiting your site.

3 Control & Features:

While deciding on your Web Hosting provider, you need to see how much access is given to you with regards to your Website. Some providers allow access for users to change and modify their websites without needing prior approval. And some don't. Make sure to read the fine print and see how much in control of your website you actually are.

With high demand, Web Hosting has also become a highly competitive area. And therefore, like in any other business, these providers have started to come up with various offers and features. Some providers offer Free Domain Name for a year or A Custom Website Builder or Daily Backups or Money Back Guarantee Schemes, etc. You will have to see the various schemes offered by the Providers to judge which one is best suited for your needs.

4 Cost Factor

Obviously you will try to get the best deal for hosting your website, and there's nothing wrong with it. Since you'll be paying annual rent for Domain name and Web Hosting, it becomes important to get the most at the best rate possible. Many of the Providers do give substantial discount coupons and my suggestion is to make sure you utilize them.

Between all the various Web Hosting Provider, my personal recommendation from experience would be BlueHost. With a lot of new and improved features, BlueHost is just what you need.

Web Hosting Options

There are various ways to host your website on the internet.

1 Shared Hosting

If your planning for a Blog or even a small business, then Shared Hosting is a perfect option to start with. Economically, it is the most affordable option as your Web Server space will be shared by other websites, making the annual fees low. It's simple and easy to use, however, due to the sharing of space and resources with other websites, a malfunction of any one website will affect the working of other websites.

For example, an overload of data or users on one website will slow down your website. And you also have very minimal control over the Web Server.

65% OFF on BlueHost

2 WordPress Hosting

If your plan is to have a Blog or a simple Website on WordPress, then I recommend purchasing a WordPress Hosting package. This package is specifically designed to cater to your WordPress website needs.

3 Dedicated Hosting

As the name suggests Dedicated Hosting is a Web Server that is dedicated to your website alone and thus gives you complete and total control of your Web Server and full root access.

And as such, you can choose to upgrade, install or delete any software as per your needs.

4 VPS Hosting

A VPS or Virtual Private Server Hosting is basically an upgraded form of the Shared Hosting. Even though you're sharing a Web Server with other websites, you are entitled to resources that are not shared with other properties.

Second, to Dedicated Hosting (which is an expensive buy) the VPS hosting is the next best option.

With this the two main initial steps in creating your Website covered, you are now on your way to making your own Website.

I hope that my blog has been helpful, in understanding what is Web Hosting and how to go about it. As there are a few sites that provide both, Domain Name and Web Hosting options, I would suggest you go through them and see what best suits your website needs.

As always, I would love to get your feedback and questions/comments regarding this Blog on Web Hosting.

You are also welcome to share your ideas here as well

Also, keep sharing our Blogs with others as well, so that they too can benefit from it.