A web hosting service is the organization that provides a space to store a website. The web host manages the servers and gives website owners access to those servers. The web host also provides bandwidth, or data traffic, to the website.
Bandwidth is used every time a visitor loads content from the website. The amount of bandwidth consumed per page view is similar to the amount of data traffic used on a cell phone plan. Web hosts also offer PHP servers, which allows PHP code to be run on a website. Many complex websites use databases to store information.
Shared web hosting
Shared web hosting plans provide you with a space on a shared server. You are responsible for setting up your site and using the server’s resources, but the hosting provider is responsible for maintaining the server’s hardware and software. They can also restrict the customizations you can make. You’ll want to read the contract to see how many restrictions you have before signing up for a shared web hosting plan.
For people with a lower budget, shared hosting is an economical solution. However, security can be an issue. Shared hosting is not the best choice if you plan on running a business, or you have a website that will be used by many people. Generally, you’ll find better security in a paid hosting service.
Dedicated web hosting
Dedicated web hosting is a highly secure and flexible alternative to shared web hosting. It allows you to have total control over your website. However, it requires technical knowledge and time. Dedicated web hosting providers usually provide around the clock technical support. These experts will be able to resolve any problem you may have. They will also maintain your website and make upgrades and installations as needed.
Dedicated web hosting is a great option for larger websites with high resource needs. Unlike shared or virtual private servers, dedicated web hosting provides your website with its own server, so you can control what resources it has access to. You can also choose an operating system and configure the server to meet your needs.
Cloud hosting
Cloud hosting is a great choice for websites that have high traffic volumes and need reliable resources. This type of hosting doesn’t rely on one single server, so if one fails, a new one is quickly and easily available. Furthermore, cloud hosting can be a good solution for websites with high resource requirements and slow loading times.
Cloud web hosting is less expensive than dedicated hardware, and offers more flexibility. It also allows you to scale up and down as necessary. Because you can pay for what you use, it can easily keep pace with your business. With traditional web hosting, you may have to switch to a new provider or upgrade your plan if you reach your limit, but with cloud hosting, you can simply increase or decrease the resources that you need.
Managed hosting
Managed hosting is one type of Internet hosting. This service is a dedicated server that is used to host websites. Dedicated servers are generally more expensive than shared hosting, but can still be a good option for small websites. Managed hosting offers many benefits, including the ability to choose your own host and a high level of service.
Managed hosting has a higher up-front cost, but as the service scales up, costs will drop dramatically. This type of hosting is a good complement to standard hosting. Typically, a hosting provider will provide a control panel and other tools so that the owner can manage the site. In some cases, the provider will provide support, but the majority of maintenance is still the responsibility of the site owner.