What Is Web Hosting?

A simple definition of web hosting is a service that provides storage space on a server and bandwidth which allows the data stored on this server to be transferred to anyone viewing the data.

A more down-to-earth definition is that web hosting is a service that provides your website with a connection to the to the Internet via a web server and high speed internet connection. Using space on a web server is much like renting an apartment. The monthly fee provides you with space on a web server but the up-keep of the server is the responsibility of the owner of that server's owner.

Web hosts exist to provide all services that make publishing on the Internet possible. Web hosts combine many services logically into a single package at a reasonable price. These services typically include:
* Storage space: The physical disk space on a server where your website data is stored
* Bandwidth: The Internet traffic and the networking infrastructure needed to deliver the traffic to users of your website
* E-mail accounts: E-mail boxes where you can send and receive e-mail. Often many other e-mail service variations are provided as well
* Technical support: A staff of support technicians to help you with general service usage issues and other problems as they arise
* Scripting support: The ability to run scripts on the server
* Backup services: A service that makes a copy of your website data in case of accidental deletion or other emergency situation

The above list covers most of the basic features that can be expected from most web hosting providers, however many offer a wide array of services to provide the best user experience possible.

Types of Web Hosting

There are several general types of web hosting plans to choose from depending on the size and needs of your website. Below is a brief description of each hosting plan type.
* Shared Web Hosting allows many clients to share the resources of a single server. This makes these plans economical, and perfect for the small to medium sized website, or those just starting out.
* Reseller Web Hosting plans are very similar to shared hosting plans, with the exception that a reseller plans allows you to sell hosting space yourself, making it a good choice for businesses interested in offering web hosting services to their clients, without the overhead of a running the actual servers.
* Virtual Private Servers allow one server to host multiple "virtual servers" - allowing clients the access and power of a dedicated server, at a far lower price.
* Dedicated Servers. This is essentially renting an entire web server solely for your own use. This option allows for the greatest flexibility and power, and is best suited to large and/or specialized sites.
* Clustered Servers. By using multiple servers to handle a single site, clustered servers can service the most popular and high-traffic websites.
* Co-Location. With a co-location plan, a client can take advantage of our state of the art hosting facility while using their own hardware, for optimum flexibility.