Is the truth about hosting revealed?

What is Hosting For?

No website on the internet can function properly without hosting. But many people don't know what it is and wonder: «what is hosting for?».

In this article, we will definitely answer this question, as well as tell you about the types of hosting and recommend a suitable choice.

What is Hosting?

Hosting – is a service for storing all the data on a website. Hosting is provided by hosting providers or hosters – companies that provide data storage services on a powerful computer - a server. 

As a rule, servers are located in a separate room – a data center. Hosting providers carefully monitor to ensure that there is round-the-clock access to the network and uninterrupted power supply. Great emphasis is placed on data protection in order to minimize the risk of intentional destructive influence on the operation of websites.

In addition to hosting providers, there are also hosts – devices from which users connect to the network and visit various websites. 

What is Hosting For?

Nowadays, it is used to:

• Host a website and provide access to it at any time of the day;
• Store databases and necessary files;
• Ensure uninterrupted access to all sections of the website and fast processing of requests.

This service relieves website owners of the need to purchase expensive components,  incur electricity and internet costs. You just need to find a hoster who will keep your website online for a certain amount of money.

Of course, a regular computer can also be used for hosting, by providing it with a constant internet connection and uninterrupted power supply. But most likely, such a computer will not have enough power to withstand more than a thousand visitors to the site. That's why the most rational solution is to turn to a hosting provider, who will not only ensure round-the-clock availability of the site, but also create the necessary conditions to protect data from destructive actions by hackers. 

The hoster provides services for a certain amount of money, which depends on the tariff.

What Types of Hosting Are There?

The following types of hosting are commonly distinguished:

• Dedicated hosting (dedicated server): this type implies renting an entire computer, which you can manage as you like: install any software, select components and much more. 
  Of course, dedicated hosting has many advantages, such as good performance and the ability to select components yourself. But there are also disadvantages, including high price and the need to incur additional costs for attracting qualified specialists.
• Virtual hosting (shared hosting): this means renting a server to a group of people. Sometimes the number of tenants can reach several hundred. But, as a rule, due to the software, the distribution of power between tenants is carried out evenly.
  Virtual hosting is characterized by a low price and ease of use. At the same time, you will not be able to change anything in the software or independently select components. Also, some tenants complain of minor performance issues and complications associated with shared IP addresses.
• Virtual Server: in this case, independent processes are launched on the server, each of which emulates the operation of a separate computer. Virtual server users can make the necessary changes, for example, install other software.
  A virtual server costs less than a dedicated one and has high performance, but it is still more expensive than a virtual hosting and also requires a high level of qualification to provide support.
• Cloud: this type implies the use of interconnected servers, which makes it possible to increase performance and scale each one depending on the customer's needs. And if certain resources are not needed, the client can simply turn them off.
  Cloud servers can be private and public: private ones are at the disposal of only one tenant, while public ones can be shared between several people.

Of course, the cost of cloud hosting is higher than virtual hosting, but still lower than a dedicated one, although cloud hosting offers many opportunities. But it is worth considering that setting up cloud servers is a very complex process that requires a qualified specialist. Also, some users of such hosting talk about difficulties in ensuring data security, since all information is stored on different servers.

How to Choose Hosting?

To choose a hosting platform, you need to:

• Determine the purpose of your website: the number of visitors and the necessary power directly depend on the goals.
• Understand how much money you are willing to spend: if you are not ready to invest large sums of money, you should refuse some types of hosting.
•  Determine the storage volume for files: the more serious your project, the more disk space it needs. Therefore, do not neglect to purchase a tariff with a suitable storage volume, even if this will lead to an increase in monthly payments.
• Study the requirements for the location of data centers: in some countries there are special requirements for the location of data centers where personal data is stored, which is why it is important to pay special attention to the norms contained in the legislation of your country.
• Study the existing tariffs: if you clearly understand the purpose of the site, what capacities are needed for its functioning and where the data center should be located, you can proceed to study the existing tariffs. You can see our offers in the «Choose Server».

Conclusion

Thus, hosting is necessary to provide access to the website at any time. This service is provided by hosting providers who own a data center and create the necessary conditions for their operation: monitor to ensure constant network connection, uninterrupted power supply and take measures to ensure security.

You can see our rental offers in the «Choose Server». And if you need help with the selection, you can write to our support. We will be glad to see you among our clients!