Website Hosting Explained

Website hosting is a process that allows you to store your website and all the information it includes on a server that acts as a "web host." It also is known as "web hosting" and simply "hosting" for short.

Features

A website hosting server must include storage space and data transfer. Storage space is the allotted amount of file space you have available on your server, where photos, music, documents and text are stored for your website. Data transfer is used when someone accesses your website, downloads your pictures or views your videos.

Types

The two primary types of website hosts are Linux- and Windows-based. This simply is the difference in the operating system used, and most consumers will never notice whether they are hosting via Windows or Linux.

Price

Free and paid website hosting services are available. Free web hosts normally promote banner advertisements on your website to make money from the services they provide. Paid web hosts usually charge a monthly or yearly fee and are advertisement-free. Paid webs hosts often will include extra features as well, such as email, website design and advertisement services.

Benefits

The biggest benefit gained through website hosting is online visibility. Once you obtain website hosting and create a website, that website is viewable instantly to potential clients, friends, coworkers and family.