Knowledge Base

1. What is Web Hosting? Web hosting is the service that allows a website or web application to be accessible on the internet. Simply put, it is a computer (server) that stores your website files (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images, videos, etc.) and makes them available to users. These servers are managed and rented out by web hosting companies. In this comprehensive guide, we explain what web hosting is, its types, how it works, and how to choose the right hosting solution for your website.

1.1. Basic Concepts

• Server: A computer that stores and delivers your website files.

• Domain Name: The address of your website on the internet (e.g., example.com).

• Data Center: A physical facility housing secure servers with fast internet connectivity.

• Bandwidth: The amount of data transferred within a certain timeframe.

• Disk Space: The space on the server allocated for your website files.

1.2. Importance of Web Hosting A good web hosting service ensures that your website is fast, reliable, and secure, while also providing technical support and additional services.

2. Types of Web Hosting

2.1. Shared Hosting Multiple websites share the same server and its resources.

• Advantages:

  • Affordable

  • User-friendly control panels (cPanel, Plesk)

  • No server maintenance required

• Disadvantages:

  • Limited resources

  • Security risks from other websites

  • Limited customization options

2.2. VPS (Virtual Private Server) Hosting A physical server is divided into virtual servers.

• Advantages:

  • More resources

  • Better performance

  • Greater customization freedom

• Disadvantages:

  • Higher cost

  • Requires technical knowledge

2.3. Dedicated Hosting The entire server is dedicated to a single website or application.

• Advantages:

  • Maximum performance

  • Full security

  • Total control and customization

• Disadvantages:

  • Very expensive

  • Requires expertise

2.4. Cloud Hosting Files are distributed across multiple servers.

• Advantages:

  • High scalability

  • High reliability

  • Flexible cost structure

• Disadvantages:

  • Complex setup

  • Challenging cost control

2.5. WordPress Hosting Specialized hosting optimized for WordPress websites.

• Advantages:

  • Optimized for WordPress

  • Easy installation

  • Expert WordPress support

• Disadvantages:

  • Only suitable for WordPress sites

  • Slightly more expensive

3. How Does Web Hosting Work?

• Domain and DNS: The domain name is translated into the server’s IP address via DNS.

• Server and Web Server Software: The server stores files, and software like Apache or Nginx handles requests.

• Database: For dynamic content, databases like MySQL are used.

• Request Flow: Enter domain > DNS lookup > Get IP address > Send request to server > Server responds > Website displayed.

4. Criteria for Choosing Web Hosting

• Analyze Needs: Type, size, and expected traffic of your website.

• Reliability and Uptime: Minimum 99.9% uptime.

• Performance and Speed: SSDs, CDN, caching technologies.

• Security: Firewall, malware scans, DDoS protection, SSL.

• Technical Support: 24/7 support via phone, email, or chat.

• Price and Features: Compare features.

• Scalability: Check for growth options.

5. Web Hosting Control Panels

• cPanel: Very popular, many features.

• Plesk: Suitable for Linux and Windows.

• DirectAdmin: Lightweight and resource-efficient.

6. Web Hosting and SEO

• Server Location: Proximity to target audience.

• Loading Speed: Important for Google ranking.

• Uptime: Impacts SEO ranking.

• SSL Certificate: Essential for security and higher ranking.

7. Practical Examples

• Blog Growth: Start with shared hosting, upgrade to VPS for better performance.

• E-commerce Success: Move from shared to dedicated hosting for better security and performance.

8. Visual Explanations

• Web Hosting Diagram: User > Domain > DNS > IP address > Web server > Files/DB > Response

• Hosting Comparison: Chart comparing price, performance, security, scalability

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Do I need web hosting? Yes, to publish a website online.

• Which hosting type? Depends on website type and traffic.

• Difference between domain and hosting? Domain = address, Hosting = storage.

• How to switch hosting providers? Transfer files, update DNS settings.

• How to upgrade hosting? Contact provider for higher plans.

10. Conclusion and Summary Web hosting is essential for any online presence. By choosing based on needs, performance, and support, a website can be operated securely, quickly, and successfully.

Key Points:

• Web hosting = storage and delivery of websites.

• Different types with specific pros and cons.

• Factors like reliability, performance, and security are critical.

• Hosting impacts SEO success.

Hosting Types Comparison Table

Web Hosting Features Summary Table

Example of .htaccess Redirect

RewriteEngine On
RewriteRule ^old-page\.html$ new-page\.html [R=301,L]

Related Links

• Web Hosting Services