What Is Web Hosting?

To run a web site you need it on a server running web server software and connected to the internet. Whilst it is possible to do this yourself there are a number of issues that you need to overcome. For most people the best option is to use the services of a web hosting company.

What does Web Hosting entail?Web hosting simply means putting your website (or websites) on a server which has a connection (preferably a high speed connection) to the internet. You are able to use an FTP client to connect to the web server and upload files and undertake any maintenance of your site. The service supplier takes care of matters like the connection to the internet, security and server maintenance. They may also provide backups but you need to check the terms and conditions in this regard. Some hosts only offer Linux hosting but many also offer Windows hosting. This relates to the OS running on the server and the supporting software, such as the web server itself. It does not relate in any way to your PC operating system. Linux powers most of the internet and is the best choice unless you need Windows hosting (usually this would be because you have had a site built for you and the developers have specified windows hosting). Varieties of Webhosting

• Shared Web Hosting - The most common form of hosting in which many users (and their sites) are run on each server. There are disadvantages to this but it does mean that hosting can be offered at a remarkably low price. You will frequently see shared hosting sold with "Unlimited" resources such as storage, domains, bandwidth and databases. This keeps it simple, as when limits are stated most users get nowhere near them, but bear in mind that “Unlimited” is actually impossible and the Terms and Conditions will always include some restriction.

• Virtual Private Server Hosting - VPS (Virtual Private Server) Hosting is where software is used to create a series of virtual servers on a physical server. Users see these as separate servers with their own resources. This service provides much greater separation from other users and hence better security.

• Dedicated Server Hosting - In this case the user does have a physical server to themselves. Apart from having greater resources available and there being no chance of being affected by other users, you can have an unmanaged service where you are in total control. This does though require significant technical expertise.

• Cloud Hosting - Here a site is hosted on a network of computers rather than on an actual server. Resources can be added as required so it is good if requirements are expected to grow. However this flexibility has to be balanced against the lack of control involved.

• Reseller Hosting - There are many people selling web hosting who are simply reselling the services of another company. In most cases the reseller can set their

price levels and deals with payments and is responsible for supporting their customers. It is this later aspect you need to be careful if you buy from a reseller. A cheap price might not look like such a good deal if your site does down and you find that you can only get support during local business hours Monday - Friday.

• Ecommerce Web Hosting - Provides additional support for sites which are selling goods or services such as a shopping cart.

• SEO Hosting - This is aimed at site owners who want to get more than one site ranking with the search engines. A key element in search engine ranking is backlinks but backlinks from sites with the same IP address are not counted. SEO hosting enables multiple sites to be hosted on multiple IP addresses.

Hosting suppliers offer a range of different packages and services. Some, like Bluehost, keep it simple and have just one linux hosting plan. Offers such as HostGator offer a range of services which provides an upgrade path if your site becomes busy. If you look through user comments about web hosts you will see that the majority of complaints are support related. A good reputation for support is the key element to look for.

Please visit our site Website Hosting Plans where you will find articles covering all of the above in detail.