What is web hosting?

What exactly is web hosting?

A website consists of files: pages, images, style sheets and sometimes a database. Those files have to sit somewhere on a computer that is always on and permanently connected to the internet. Such a computer is called a server, and renting space on it is what we call web hosting. When someone types in your address, the browser requests the files from that server and shows them on screen.

Hosting and domain name are two different things

These two are often confused. The domain name is your address (for example yourcompany.nl); the hosting is the building where your website lives. You can own a domain name without hosting, and the other way round. They are linked to each other through DNS settings, which we explain in domain name and DNS explained.

What types of hosting are there?

• Shared hostingYou share a server with other customers. Affordable and more than sufficient for most websites.
• VPSA partitioned part of a server with its own capacity. More control and performance, suitable for heavier applications.
• Dedicated serverAn entire machine just for you. For large or specialised applications.
• Managed hostingHosting where the provider takes care of the technical management, the updates and the monitoring.

What should you look for when choosing?

Not every package is the same, even if the prices look similar. Pay particular attention to these points:

• SpeedModern hardware and up-to-date software make for short loading times, which also counts towards your search visibility.
• BackupsAre copies made automatically, and can you have them restored?
• SecurityA valid SSL certificate, firewalls and server software that is updated promptly.
• LocationDutch hosting means short distances and clarity about privacy legislation.
• SupportWill you get a human being on the line if something goes wrong?
• The right sizeA static website needs far less than a heavy webshop.

What does your website need?

If your site runs on a CMS, you need hosting with PHP and a database. If the site consists of ready-made pages, a light and cheaper package without those components is enough. So it pays to know how your site is built before you choose a package.

Management through a control panel

Almost every hosting package comes with a control panel in which you arrange things such as email addresses, backups and certificates. We work with Plesk; you can read how to log in to it in logging in to Plesk. You will find more about our packages at web hosting and a Plesk web hosting in the Netherlands.