Web hosting for non-technical people

How Does Web Hosting Work?

Once you decide to publish your brand newly created website, you need to sign up for a hosting account in order to get the server space you need and the domain name if you dont have it already. When you sign up for a web hosting service, your web hosting provider becomes responsible for running and maintaining the server on which your website will be hosted. When somebody types your domain name into their browser, the web host transfers all the files needed and your web page is displayed. That’s why it is important to find a trustworthy provider and choose a hosting plan that suits your needs.

Web Hosting types

Most web hosting providers offers many hosting options that fit different client needs. Whether you have a big company or just wish to start a simple blog, you’ll need help choosing web hosting services, so let’s see your options. Choosing the hosting type depends on few aspects, including the type of site you intend to throw on your server, your budget, and your level of technical ability. These are the most 5 popular options:

1. Shared Hosting: As mentioned in this article, shared hosting allows multiple users to share server resources. It’s a great choice for beginners and those on a tight budget. With shared hosting, you benefit from cost-effectiveness as server maintenance costs are divided among the users. Additionally, web hosting providers handle basic server management tasks, reducing your technical responsibilities. However, shared hosting can have its limitations. Since resources are shared, high traffic or resource usage on other websites sharing the same server can impact your site’s performance.
2. Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting: VPS hosting combines the affordability of shared hosting with the flexibility of dedicated hosting. In this setup, a physical server is divided into multiple virtual servers, each with its dedicated resources. Unlike shared hosting, VPS hosting offers greater control, scalability, and customization options. You have root access to your virtual server, allowing you to install custom software and configure the server environment. With VPS hosting, you don’t have to worry about performance issues caused by neighboring websites, as each virtual server operates independently. However, managing a VPS requires more technical expertise compared to shared hosting.
3. Dedicated Hosting: Dedicated hosting provides you with an entire physical server dedicated solely to your website. It offers the highest level of control, performance, and security. With a dedicated server, you have exclusive access to all server resources, ensuring optimal performance for your website, even during high traffic periods. Dedicated hosting is ideal for websites with intensive resource requirements, such as e-commerce sites or large corporate websites. However, dedicated hosting tends to be more expensive than shared or VPS hosting, and it requires advanced technical knowledge or the option to opt for managed dedicated hosting, where the hosting provider handles server management tasks on your behalf.
4. Cloud Hosting: Cloud hosting utilizes a network of interconnected servers to host your website. This distributed infrastructure offers scalability and flexibility, allowing you to easily allocate resources based on your needs. With cloud hosting, you pay for what you use, making it a cost-effective option for websites with fluctuating traffic. Additionally, cloud hosting provides high uptime and redundancy, as your website can seamlessly switch between servers if one server fails. However, managing a cloud hosting environment can be complex, and it may require technical expertise or the assistance of a managed cloud hosting service.
5. WordPress Hosting: WordPress hosting is specifically optimized for websites built on the WordPress content management system (CMS). It offers features such as one-click WordPress installation, automatic updates, and specialized WordPress support. WordPress hosting can be shared, VPS, or dedicated, tailored to meet the specific requirements of WordPress websites. This type of hosting is ideal for individuals and businesses using WordPress as their website platform, as it simplifies the setup and management of WordPress sites.

When choosing a web hosting type, consider factors such as your website’s traffic, resource requirements, budget, technical expertise, and scalability needs. Each hosting option has its pros and cons, so it’s essential to weigh them against your specific requirements to find the best fit for your website.