What Is Website Hosting?

Website hosting is something we've all heard of in relation to websites and the Internet, but just what exactly is it and what is it for?

Website Hosting - Your Own Space

A website hosting service is a type of Internet hosting that allows individuals or organizations to make their website available via the World Wide Web (WWW). Website hosting companies provide their clients with space on one of their web servers as well as connection to the Internet, usually in a data centre.

In addition, some website hosting companies provide data centre space and Internet connectivity for servers owned by the client - this is called colocation.

Website Hosting - Business or Personal

The scope of website hosting services varies greatly. In its most basic form website hosting allows files to be uploaded via File Transfer Protocol (FTP) or a Web interface. These files are then presented when a person requests them via a web browser. Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer this limited service free to their subscribers.

For more flexible or extensive use, website hosting is available from other service providers. Personal website hosting is typically free, or very cheap, but is usually subsidised by advertising which appears on your pages. Business website hosting often carries a higher expense but will offer a more flexible and reliable platform.

Whilst single page hosting is often sufficient for personal web pages, a complex site calls for a more comprehensive package which may provide database support and application development platforms (PHP, Java, Ruby on Rails, and ASP.NET, etc.) These allow the client to write or install scripts to run applications such as forums and content management systems (CMS).

Website Hosting - Under Your Control

Your website hosting company should also provide you with some form of interface or control panel via which you will be able to manage your email, install scripts and upload files. Some website hosting companies specialise in certain types of website or software, such as eCommerce and these are commonly used by larger companies who prefer to outsource network infrastructure to a website hosting company.

Contact Xtra Internet for Website Hosting

Xtra Internet provide a range of website hosting solutions, computer systems, IT support, web design and web development and will be happy to discuss your requirements. Contact us free on 08000 84 24 64 or by email at info@xtrainternet.net or complete our online enquiry form and one of our team will be in touch.

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