What is Web Hosting


Web Hosting

Do you know what web hosting is? Do you even know how to use it? Users won’t be able to see your website if you’re not using a web hosting service. A web hosting service allows you to store files and enable users to see them. We will discuss what it is how it works, types of hosting and what are the best hosting service options available. 


What is it?

Web hosting is a service that allows companies and individuals to store website files on their servers where they can be accessed online. You can simply rent storage space from a hosting service and you will be allowed to store all your website files. Such as HTML, CSS, javascript, media, documents, etc. 

Web hosting
Photo by Taylor Vick on Unsplash

How Does Web Hosting Work?

Websites are accessible using servers that are connected to the internet. When someone types in your URL they will be directed to the server where your site is stored. Then the server will send the user the files that are needed to make the site. Some hosting companies offer you a platform where you can edit your website, databases, and email services. 


Types of Hosting

There are 6 types of hosting. Shared, VPS, dedicated, cloud, managed, and colocation hosting. 

Shared Hosting

Shared hosting is the best beginner hosting service. This is where your CPU and RAM usage is shared with the server which makes the monthly costs low. 

VPS Hosting

VPS hosting has the best of both worlds of shared and dedicated hosting. It gives website owners more control over their website and the server. This gives you a section of the server. This server is not the best for handling high traffic and spikes. Also, this provides the cost benefits of shared hosting. 

Dedicated Hosting

Dedicated hosting gives users the most control over the server. This gives you an entire rented server all to yourself. You have complete control over security and admin controls. This can handle high traffic and spikes too. Unfortunately, this is the most expensive server as it provides these great benefits. 

Cloud Hosting

Cloud hosting is somewhat like shared hosting but instead of the server and your computer sharing CPU and RAM usage. You are sharing usages with a whole bunch of computers. 

Managed Hosting

Managed hosting where a hosting service will manage everything for you. They will provide hardware and software, technical support, updating, and monitoring. Your provider will look every day and manage everything for you.

Colocation

Colocation hosting is like a house for your server. Your hosting provider will give you a server, cooling systems, power, Addresses, and everything the server needs. They will put it in a building where you can access it at any time. They offer higher bandwidth than a normal office building. But with all these benefits you’re expected to provide your hardware and software. 


Best Hosting Providers

IONOS: Best for startups

HostGator: Best perks

Bluehost: Best for new websites

DreamHost: Best for WordPress beginners

InMotion Hosting: Best for reliability

MochaHost: Best for lifetime SSL certificates

GoDaddy: Best for easy site setup

Hostwinds: Best for content-heavy sites

InterServer: Best for website security

TMDHosting: Best for fast-growing businesses


Sources

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/software/best-web-hosting-services/

https://www.techradar.com/news/what-is-web-hosting-and-why-do-you-need-it

https://www.techradar.com/web-hosting/what-are-the-different-types-of-web-hosting