webhosting

Web hosting is a service that enables individuals and organizations to publish websites on the internet by providing server space, connectivity, and related infrastructure. Hosting providers operate servers and networks to store website files, databases, and applications and deliver them to visitors when requested via domain names.

Hosting is offered in several models. Shared hosting puts multiple websites on the same server and shares resources, offering low cost for small sites. Virtual private server (VPS) hosting uses virtualization to allocate a dedicated portion of a server’s resources, offering greater control and isolation. Dedicated hosting assigns a whole physical server to one customer, delivering maximum performance and control at a higher cost. Cloud hosting draws on a network of connected servers, providing scalability and redundancy with typically pay-as-you-go pricing. Managed hosting outsources routine administration, security, and maintenance to the provider, while unmanaged hosting requires more user setup and upkeep. Reseller hosting allows customers to offer hosting services under their own brand.

Typical features include domain registration and DNS management, email hosting, databases (such as MySQL or PostgreSQL), and access to control panels like cPanel or Plesk. Providers may offer SSL certificates, backups, security protections, uptime guarantees, and performance enhancements such as caching and content delivery networks (CDNs). Performance and reliability depend on factors like data center location, hardware, software stack, and service level agreements (SLA).

Choosing hosting involves considering site size, traffic, required control, budget, and growth plans, along with data protection and compliance requirements. Users often migrate between plans as needs evolve.