Web hosting is a
service that allows individuals and organizations to store their website files
on a server and make them accessible on the internet. When you create a
website, it consists of files like HTML, images, and videos. Web hosting
provides the technology and space to keep these files online so that users can
view your website by typing its URL into a browser.
How Web Hosting
Works
·
Website
Files: You create and upload your website files to a hosting server.
·
Hosting
Server: A web hosting company provides a server with storage and internet
connectivity.
·
Domain
Name: The domain (e.g., www.example.com) is linked to the server, making your
site accessible.
·
Access:
Users can access your website 24/7 through their browsers.
Types of Web
Hosting:
·
Shared
Hosting
o
Multiple
websites share the same server and resources.
o
Cost-effective,
suitable for small websites or beginners.
·
VPS
(Virtual Private Server) Hosting
o
A server
is divided into virtual sections, giving users dedicated resources.
o
More
powerful and flexible than shared hosting.
·
Dedicated
Hosting
o
A single
server is rented for one website or organization.
o
High
performance and complete control, ideal for large websites.
·
Cloud
Hosting
o
Websites
are hosted on a network of servers.
o
Scalable
and reliable, as resources can be adjusted based on traffic.
·
Managed
Hosting
o
The
hosting provider manages technical tasks like server maintenance and security.
o
Suitable
for businesses that want hands-off server management.
·
Free
Hosting
o
Limited
hosting provided without charge, often with ads or restrictions.
o
Best for
personal or experimental projects.
Why is Web Hosting
Important?
Without web hosting,
your website cannot be accessible on the internet. It provides the
infrastructure and support needed to keep your site live and running smoothly.