Web Hosting Explained


types-of-web-hosting Web Hosting Explained

Your website is your real estate on the Internet, and it is important that it resides on a strong foundation.  A reliable web hosting service is that foundation.

What is Web Hosting?

Web hosting comprises of storing files of a website on web servers connected to a (preferably fast) network. When a user types your web address (example: flyingcowdesign.com), the Internet connects to the server hosting flyingcowdesign.com’s files and then transfers the site’s information back to the user’s device. The user can then view and surf the pages of the site.

Types of Web Hosting

Here are some of the popular types of hosting:

  • Shared Web Hosting
  • Virtual Private Server
  • Dedicated Web Hosting
  • Cloud Hosting

Shared Web Hosting

This is the most widely used type of web hosting. Shared hosting is a service where one server is shared among several customers. It is similar to living in an apartment building which has several amenities (WordPress, web builder, email plans, etc.) but these amenities have to be shared with many neighbors in the apartment block.

It is simple to use since it is pre-configured with popular options and the company hosting your website will take care of maintenance and security updates for you. Shared hosting is also cost-effective.

However, since you share the server with neighbors, the slowdown of one site may affect the performance of other sites on that server. Another limitation of sharing the server is that you cannot modify core components of your site.

Virtual Private Server (VPS)

If you want more control of your web hosting, a fully managed Virtual Private Server (VPS) can meet your needs.

A VPS lets you host sites and applications with ease. It also allows you to install an SSL certificate and any kind of software, without taking the responsibility of a dedicated, physical server.

The main difference between shared hosting and VPS is that while a VPS shares infrastructure (physical resources) with other containers, its virtual resources are dedicated to you, allowing multiple applications to be isolated from one another within the same container.

VPS is virtually like a townhome/villa compared to an apartment block – it is bigger, has fewer residents on the property and gives you more freedom and flexibility when compared to shared hosting.

Dedicated Web Hosting

Dedicated web hosting is like owning your own home.

A dedicated server is ideal for high-traffic websites and larger businesses. It allows for maximum customization, installation, configuration and flexibility when compared to shared hosting or Virtual Private Servers.

With a dedicated server, you can buy several resource updates if you have the budget. You can also host several parties if your Internet Service Provider (ISP) has the bandwidth for it.

Dedicated servers are most often housed in data centers and offer the benefits of control, high performance, and security. Due to high pricing, dedicated hosting is mostly used by websites which receive a large volume of traffic (example: an e-commerce website like Amazon).

Cloud Hosting

Several years ago, computers used to work as standalone workstation– inside a home or an enterprise. With the advent of the Internet and technology, we can now use the power of the computers at a completely different location – in the cloud.

The cloud is a cluster of virtual servers that accommodate all aspects of hosting your website. The advantage of cloud hosting is that these servers can be accessed at any time, from any device, using the Internet. With all your website files safely backed up in the cloud, the hardware resources are available virtually; security is ensured, and the overall load is balanced without dependency on a physical server.

If you need help with choosing which hosting solution is optimal for you or if you are looking to change/transfer your hosting service, you have arrived at the right place.

At Flying Cow Design, we provide premium Linux and Windows hosting services for your website. Check our web hosting plans and contact us to provide you with the hosting package that is best suited for your business needs.

fb50c5bf790872a8ecad33a6bd15d358?s=100&d=mm&r=g Web Hosting Explained

CEO, Flying Cow Design
Attended University of Auckland
Lives in San Francisco Bay Area

December 26th, 2016


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