How does website hosting work?
Have you ever wondered how a website makes its way online? Whenever you access a website, a host will provide the storage and enable the site to be visible online. Here is a closer look at how web hosting works.
What is web hosting?
Web hosting is essentially a storage and maintenance service whereby a hosting provider rents out storage space for the website and ‘hosts’ it online. Once it is on a server, other internet users can access it from any online computer by typing the domain name (or URL) into the web browser. Their computer will connect to the server on which your website is hosted, which sends the data stored there to the user’s browser.
Choosing a hosting package
There are numerous website hosting packages and providers, such as https://www.names.co.uk/web-hosting, for all types of sites and businesses. How do you know what to go for? This really depends on the specifics of your website, such as the storage and security required, the anticipated traffic and long-term growth, the bandwidth needed and your budget. Many hosts will offer 12-month packages, but discounts are sometimes offered for longer durations.
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Key things to look for
In addition to matching your specific requirements, there are a few general questions to keep in mind:
– How much experience does the company have in the industry?
– Can it guarantee a 99 percent minimum uptime?
– Does it offer 24/7 support?
– Does it have a mobile-friendly site?
– Does it have good reviews?
– What security and back-up does it offer?
Ways to host
A website can be hosted in several ways:
1. WordPress
WordPress hosting packages are specifically for WordPress sites and blogs.
2. Shared hosting
Shared hosting is convenient, with server space shared with other websites. This is usually a cheaper option, although overload or slowing is possible and you won’t have much server control.
3. VPS hosting
You will share the server with others, but you will get your own resources. This is mid-way between shared and dedicated hosting.
4. Reseller hosting
With this option, you could resell or rent out the hosting services the parent host provides and upsell all other web services it offers.
5. Dedicated hosting
You will get total root access and full control of the server, allowing you to install whatever software you desire.
