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Types of Web Hosting, Web Hosting Provider, Web Hosting Article

What is hosting?

Hosting is a service which involves the storing of data on a central computer, called a server or a host, to make the information available simultaneously to multiple users. There are various kinds of hosting. A common service is web hosting, used to serve websites and other content to the internet. For a website to be accessible online, the data files and software necessary to run the website must be transferred to an internet server. An internet server is a high-powered computer that is constantly connected to the Internet. Any data on the server can by seen online by internet users virtually anytime.

Types of Web Hosting

Free Web Hosting: For small file web hosting, there are many hosting options available at little or no cost hosting cost. Free web hosting is ideal for personal web page owners, whose needs do not require the extra features that come with paid hosting, such as database, scripting, or shopping carts. Free hosting providers are often paid for by advertisers, who then post banners, popup ads, and flash ads on free sites. There are a few drawbacks, such as limited storage space and file size and content restrictions. Free hosting usually offers sub-domains, and custom domain names are available. Due to their lack of professional appearance, free sites are not recommended for businesses or any users aspiring to making a credible impression. Ultimately, free web hosting is an excellent for users who do not have the budget or the need for complex hosting options

Shared Web Hosting: Shared or virtual web hosting is the most frequent hosting option. Several clients share all of the virtual resources of a single physical server, including memory storage capacity, CPU time, and bandwidth. Bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be transferred in a fixed amount of time. Maintaining several clients on a single server allows hosting companies to offer hosting at the most affordable costs, making shared hosting an ideal solution for many small businesses. The setbacks involved with shared hosting involve the lack of control over the activity of other clients sharing the server. Though monitored by the hosting company, other clients can slow connection by hogging resources, and present risks of down time if a problem occurs, making shared hosting a risky option for users who require guaranteed, continual up time. Shared hosting is also a poor choice for sites which require very high bandwidth or a large amount of RAM, since the site would leave very few resources for other clients.

Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting: Also called Virtual Dedicated Server (VDS), Virtual Private Hosting is a lower cost dedicated server solution. Like with shared web hosting, clients share virtual resources such as CPU and RAM. However, unlike shared hosting, a percentage of resources such as memory and bandwidth are allocated to each user, meaning a user is not affected by the activity of other clients. Each client has their own file system, which keeps other clients safe if a hacker breaks into one system. Virtual private servers are excellent for clients interested in more reliable consistency but do not really need a dedicated server.

Dedicated Web Hosting: Dedicated Web Hosting is a service which leases out an entire server and full access to all of its resources for a single client to host one or more websites. The hosting company is responsible for the maintenance of the hardware, and the client is responsible for maintaining all software and for system administration via remote access. Dedicated hosting may be an optimal solution for large websites that run custom web based applications or require high bandwidth but this solution is more expensive than shared hosting options.

Managed Web Hosting: Managed web hosting is one step up from dedicated hosting. Managed hosting offers all of the benefits of dedicated hosting. System support generally includes features such as software installation, system administration, security, setup, and updates. Managed web hosting is more expensive than dedicated hosting, but the benefits include server maintenance and monitoring provided by the hosting company. Service in this manner means it is not critical that a client have detailed system administration knowledge or experience. When selecting a managed hosting provider, it is important to look for providers with specialists on staff, as well as 24 hour available support.

Server Co-Location: Server Co-Location involves the client purchasing their own custom server from an outside vendor, and bringing it to a hosting company who then attaches it to the network and houses it in the data center. What the hosting company provides depends on the complexity of the contract. Generally, the provider offers basic maintenance and the client performs system management via remote access. Many co-location service providers house the servers in individual cages for extra security. Co-Location provides the highest degree of customizable hosting, and is also the most expensive option.

Choosing a Hosting Provider

With any hosting decision, knowing the company policies and services before deciding on a provider is important. A few imperative factors to look over are terms of service, the security of the data center location, their bandwidth providers, and backup and power systems.