So what is web hosting? Web hosting is basically storage for a code that supports text and images. When you write a URL (facebook.com) in your browser you are using your browser to call to the web hosting provider of that domain/website. The server responds by sending back the appropriate files (the website). In order to publish anything on the web you will need to either buy a server or rent one.
So what are the types of web hosting packages are available and why would you ever need one? If you’re reading this article you are probably planning on launching your own website. If you want to launch a website, you’ll have to purchase some type of hosting package. Listed below are the types of hosting that you will see available across the net.
- Shared Hosting
Share hosting is usually a large computer (server) that is broken down into “blocks”. Each block is reserved with a certain amount of space and that space is what you are purchasing. Normally shared hosting is a single server with a specific amount of RAM and Hard-drive space. Shared hosting will normally have around 1 – 100 websites on the server. This varies from company to company and if they “oversell” or not. Overselling basically means they are selling more space then they should actually be selling.
It’s best to make sure that the company is reputable and knows what they are doing. You don’t want to be on a lagging server that will take minutes to upload your page to a browser. The faster the time the happier your viewer will be.
- Dedicated Hosting
Dedicated hosting is a huge step up from shared hosting. The main reason anyone or any company uses a dedicated hosting are due to the size and traffic of their websites. A dedicated hosting package will allow you to rent a single server that is dedicated to just your and your websites. You can choose to put as many websites on their, control bandwidth, and make configurations as you see fit. A dedicated hosting package is only for people that actually have a ton of websites or very popular ones.
- Reseller Hosting
Reseller hosting is basically buying more storage at a discount. The reason for the discount is due to the “reseller” status. As a reseller hosting account you have the ability to sell some of the space that you have purchased. There isn’t much of a difference in reseller hosting from shared hosting accept that you can create as many admin panels as you need. However you do get a discount and receive a decent amount of storage most of the time. If you don’t need a dedicated server, but can’t go with a shared hosting package then reseller hosting packages are your next pick.
These are the basic 3 hosting packages that are available to the public. If you get beyond them, then you’ll have to look further for more information, but this should get you started and on the right track.
