What Is Web Hosting And How Does It Work

Web Hosting

Web hosting is a service that provides space on the internet to store web pages. Different organizations provide the facility of web hosting. Some websites also provide this facility free of cost. A website must be hosted on a Web server to be accessible all over the world.

Web Hosting Services

A good website hosting company will provide at least the following services.

• Technical Support

• FTP access to update website

• A number of email accounts

• Online control panel for managing website

• A database management system such as MySQL or MS SQL

• Specialized server applications such as ColdFusion, SQL Server or PHP (if required)

Types of Web Hosting

Different types of Web Hosting are as follows:

1: Shared Hosting

Shared hosting is type of hosting in which website is hosted on a server with many other websites. However, the website is configured as a separate website on the server with its own domain name etc. The benefit of shared hosting is that it is cost effective.

2: Dedicated Servers

A dedicated server hosts one or more websites of only one user. It gives more control over a website. It can also ensure that other websites do not impact on the website. However, the dedicated servers are much more expensive than shared hosting. It should only be used if the website receives very heavy traffic or the user requires extra security etc. The user can login to a dedicated server like a personal computer.

3: Virtual Dedicated Server

Virtual dedicated servers are low cost alternative to dedicated servers. The web host can put many virtual servers on each machine to reduce cost. It appears to be dedicated server when the user login to a virtual server.

4: Managed Hosting

A managed hosting means that user has a dedicated server and the website hosting provider manages the server for the user. Typically, the hosting provider is responsible for the hardware, operating system and virus protection etc. However, the user has total control over the machine and website content.

Web Hosting Technologies

Different web hosting technologies are as follow:

Windows Hosting

Windows hosting is the hosting of web services running on windows operating system. It should be used if the user wants to use ASP (Active Server Pages) as server scripting or a database like Microsoft Access or Microsoft SQL Server. Windows hosting is also the best to develop website using Microsoft Front Page.

Unix Hosting

Unix Hosting is the hosting of services running on Unix operating system. Unix was first web server operating system. It is known for reliability and stability. It is also less expensive that windows.

Linux Hosting

Linux Hosting is the hosting of services running on Linux operating system.