The hosting system is a mechanism that allows the web-based applications or websites to be presented from the servers connected in the networks.
It can basically provide space, bandwidth, and resources for thousands of internet users.
In other words, it serves as a platform where you can easily access files on your computer through a network connection.
The hosting system can be said as a connection between the Internet and the computers in your home, offices and schools.
So basically, hosting is the facilities that are offered to provide free or paid services and space in order to host your website.
For instance, if you want a great-looking blog or any kind of personal site with your own content then you will need web server where you can store all the contents, database, email account etc.
The hosting is a way for you to access all the contents stored in the server.
Therefore, hosting service providers are always there with their servers waiting for someone to visit, read or update any information that they have on their website.
This is why having your own blog and webpages has become easier because you just need to find a reliable hosting service provider and then the hosting service will handle everything on its own.
Publishing your website in a web server is like putting your products or services inside a mall and waiting for customers to come.
The connection between the Internet and the computer user is already accomplished with the help of hosting system.
The internet access you have is basically enabled by the hosting system that connects your computer to other computers around the globe.
Therefore, hosting supports thousands of users’ needs in an effective way.
What are the types of Hosting?
Shared Hosting
It is the most popular type of web hosting because it provides shared access to server’s resources like disk space, bandwidth, processing power and other features.
The users will share these things with others so in order to make sure you get what you need it will depend a lot on how many people use the same hosting service provider.
Advantages of Shared Hosting
It is cost-effective. If you will compare it with other hosting where the shared host can offer the same features as a dedicated server but at relatively low prices.
It provides great flexibility in terms of domains and traffic allocation.
With these, you can easily upgrade your package if needed without spending much compared to what you web have share of resource.
It is suitable only for small and medium scale businesses.
Disadvantages of Shared Hosting
One downside to shared hosting is that you may be competing for server resources with the other users on your server.
If your site is receiving more visits, so this means that it might affect other sites hosted on same server or worse still, there can be instances wherein you experience a major slowdown which can lead to huge loss in revenue and reputation.
If you have a non-popular site and does not get a lot of visitors then shared hosting is perfect and safe for you, but when your site begins to gain more traffic than what it was originally designed for, then shared hosting may no longer be sufficient.
Shared Hosting Providers with Plans
| Hosting Company | Basic Plan | Storage Capacity | Website | Backup | SSL | Uptime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluehost | $2.75 | 50 GB | 1 | Yes | Yes | 99.99% |
| Hostinger | $1.39 | 30 GB | 1 | Yes | No | 99.90% |
| Dreamhost | $2.59 | Unspecified | 1 | Yes | Yes | 99.95% |
| Hostgator | $2.75 | Unspecified | 1 | Unspecified | Yes | 99.99% |
| Greengeeks | $2.49 | 50 GB | 1 | Yes | Yes | 99.98% |
| A2hosting | $2.99 | 100 GB | 1 | Yes | Yes | 99.95% |
| Hostpapa | $3.95 | 100GB | 2 | Yes | Yes | 99.99% |
| Ipage | $1.99 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Yes | Yes | 98.00% |
| Inmotionhosting | $ 2.49 | 10 GB | 1 | Yes | Yes | 99.99% |
Virtual Private Servers Hosting or VPS Hosting
It is a type of server that is similar to shared hosting but with a difference. It provides more security and less interference from the other sites or users hosted on same server.
There are three features that can be included in the VPS package – web space, memory, and processing power.
You can have full control over your virtual server as well as dedicated hardware setup depending on your needs.
VPS with Linux is much cheaper than Windows-based virtual servers, but you need to know how to manage and operate it on your own, so you have full and complete access for the configurations.
Advantages of Virtual Private Servers Hosting (VPS) Hosting
Here are the pros of VPS over shared hosting
It is more flexible than shared hosting.
You will be able to make full use of your allocated resources without worrying about the other sites or users you share the same server with.
It helps in building credibility to your business because it offers reliability and security.
Your site will load faster, and it will have less problem in terms of downtime.
Disadvantages of Virtual Private Servers Hosting (VPS) Hosting
Here are the cons of VPS over shared hosting
It is costlier than shared hosting.
Limited hardware resource. For instance, disk space may be limited but with VPS, you can still expand it with the help of another hard drive.
Virtual Private Servers or VPS Hosting Providers with Plans
| Hosting Company | Basic Plan | Storage Capacity | Processer | Ram Speed | Bandwidth | IP Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluehost | $18.99 | 30 GB | 2 Core | 2 GB | 1 TB | 1 |
| Liquidweb | $15.00 | 40 GB | 2 Core | 2 GB | 10 TB | 1 |
| Scalahosting | $9.95 | 50 GB | 1 Core | 2 GB | Unlimited | 1 |
| Hostgator | $19.95 | 120 GB | 2 Core | 2 GB | Unlimited | 1 |
| Greengeeks | $2.49 | 40 GB | 2 Core | 4 GB | 2 TB | 1 |
| A2hosting | $39.99 | 150 GB | 2 Core | 2 GB | 10 TB | 1 |
| Hostinger | $15.95 | 80 GB | 1 Core | 1 GB | 1 TB | 1 |
| Ipage | $19.99 | 40 GB | 1 Core | 1 GB | 1 TB | 1 |
| Inmotionhosting | $ 17.99 | 45 GB | 2 Core | 2 GB | 4 TB | 1 |
VPS Hosting can be customized as per your requirement and above are basic plan please study your requirement and update and it can be upgraded in feature as you business grows.
Dedicated Hosting
It is a server meant for single user or company use only. It offers full control over hardware and software settings but at higher price compared to shared hosting and VPS Hosting.
If you are looking for something more in terms of power and stability for your website, then you need to look into dedicated hosting.
Advantages of Dedicated Hosting
You have complete control over the server because all available resources are allocated exclusively to one user or company.
You can choose the operating system and other features of the server that will be suitable to your needs.
It offers faster response time and great reliability in terms of performance resulting to less downtime.
There is no interference from other site or users.
It is more secure because it is for your exclusive use.
Disadvantages of Dedicated Hosting
The cost of hosting may be high, due to the fact that you are using your whole system for its capacity.
You will need to hire a web developer or technical expert if you want to host a website or server. (If you are not expert in hosting technical knowledge)
Dedicated Hosting Provider with Plans
| Hosting Company | Basic Plan | Storage Capacity | CPU | Ram Speed | Bandwidth | IP Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluehost | $79.99 | 2 X 500 GB | 4 Core | 4 GB | 5 TB | 3 |
| Liquidweb | $169.00 | 2 X 240 GB | 4 Core | 16 GB | 5 TB | 1 |
| Hostgator | $89.98 | 1 TB | 4 Core | 8 GB | Unlimited | 1 |
| Greengeeks | $169.00 | 1 X 500 GB | 2 Core | 2 GB | 10 TB | 5 |
| A2hosting | $179.99 | 2 X 1 Tb | 4 Core | 16 GB | 10 TB | 1 |
| Ipage | $199.99 | 500 GB | 2 Core | 4 GB | 5 TB | 3 |
| Inmotionhosting | $ 139.99 | 1 TB | 4 Core | 16 GB | 15 TB | 5 |
Selecting dedicated hosting is like perching your own server so I have typed to give you update as per basic plan it would update very frequently so please so you comparison before procession with any of the plans.
Cloud Hosting
It is another option for people that can be used in terms of web hosting. It was originally designed to host applications but now it is more popular for those who want a reliable and scalable solution for their websites as well.
Cloud hosting provides on-demand capacity, high scalability and great flexibility making it an attractive option for companies with growing demand for hosting services.
Cloud hosting is not only designed for individuals and small companies but also for those business giants that have a great demand for web hosting.
Advantages of Cloud Hosting
Cloud-based services help you to eliminate additional costs such as purchasing hardware, upgrading systems and software.
The data are well secured because cloud hosting facilities do not offer physical access to the servers.
Cloud hosting is scalable, which means you can change the amount of resources you need according to your business needs.
You have much faster provisioning for additional capacity and better response time.
There are no fixed contracts because with cloud computing, you will only pay for what you use.
Disadvantages of Cloud Hosting
If you use a public cloud, there is no control over your data.
You also need to be very careful if purchasing service from a provider.
If the hosting company is not reputable, then your data and information may be at risk because they can access it without the need for any authorization.
There and when you must move on from a web hosting company, then there will be some downtime as well.
One disadvantage of cloud computing is that your data may not be protected if the service provider has poor security features.
You also need to pay for extra charges whenever you want additional features.
Conclusion
Hosting is not easy job, but you need to understand it well before deciding on which hosting is right for your needs.
It may also depend on the type of business or the kind of website that you have and your budget, so think carefully before choosing shared, dedicated hosting or VPS hosting service.
You can always ask experts in regard to this kind of matter, Do reaserch on the internet and read articles on it.
For new blog or small business, shared hosting may be sufficient but for large enterprises or e-commerce site, VPS will be better option.
You can always use Cloud Hosting where you only pay for what you really use. This is the same thing with Dedicated Server, but it is not limited to one user or company only.
Hope this article is very detailed so you will have great understanding on what is hosting technically.
