A look at what exactly web hosting is and why you need it.

1. What Is Web Hosting?
To run a web site you need it on a server running web server software
and connected to the internet. You can actually run a web server yourself
but there are logistical, security and contractual problems which you must
resolve, even if you have the technical expertise. For most people the best
option is to use the services of a web hosting company.
What is Web Hosting
Web hosting involves installing or copying your site or multiple sites on to
a web server maintained by a third party which is connected 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. You don’t
have to worry about internet connectivity, security and maintenance of
the server (although you may choose to do so if using a dedicated
server).
You usually have choice between Linux Hosting and 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. The majority of the web is powered by Linux and the best advice
is to go for Linux unless you have a specific reason why you need
Windows.
Kinds of Web Hosting
• 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.
• VPS 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 Hosting - In this case the user does have a physical
server to themselves. There is therefore total separation from other
users and you can take control of the server. Of course this option
implies you know what you are doing.
• 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

2. is responsible for supporting their customers. If buying from a
reseller it is the support aspect you need to be watch. A cheap price
might not look such a good deal if your site does down and you find
that you can only get support during local business hours Monday -
Friday.
• e-Commerce 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. This service allows sites to be
hosted on separate IP addresses.
Web Hosting companies vary in the services they offer. Some such as
Bluehost offer just one shared linux package. Offers such as HostGator
provide a range of Linux and Windows hosting options which offer a future
upgrade path.
When choosing web hosting don't forget to look at the host's reputation
for support, this often is the critical factor for users.
Please visit our site Website Hosting Plans where you will find articles
covering all of the above in detail.