Hosting is a popular service, the essence of which is to place site files and other content on a remote server connected to the Internet. A web server is a computer program. It is installed on a powerful computer running on the basis of the HTTP protocol. Thanks to this system, all users on the network can view information on the portals through a browser. The server can be organized at home, in the office. But it is too troublesome and expensive, requires special knowledge. Therefore, consumers (developers, website owners) often use rental services. The providers that provide them provide technical support, consultations, settings, etc.
Who are hosts and how do they work?
In fact, hosting is renting an “apartment” for a website. Hoster - a company that has the appropriate space with equipment. To use its services, it is necessary to make certain monthly payments, consisting of the cost of maintenance, electricity costs, etc.
Renting is much cheaper compared to organizing and maintaining your own server. Providers offer different tariff plans, set discounts for regular customers.
Types and cost of hosting
Having learned what hosting is and how it works, you can choose the appropriate option. Conditionally services are classified into three types. You can rent a virtual, dedicated and virtual dedicated server. The cost of the first is 100-300 rubles per month, the second - from 4 to 000, the third - from 25 to 000. What is the difference?
Shared hosting
In this case, hosting services can be compared to renting a small one-room or two-room apartment. Accordingly, a small amount of resources can be placed in it. It has everything you need to support the site - a universal control panel, storage for backups, protection.
It is not difficult to guess what virtual type hosting is - disk space divided among numerous users. If the number of site visitors increases dramatically, there may be problems with access stability and download speed. Therefore, as the project develops, it will be necessary to move to a more spacious “apartment”.
Virtual Private Server
Hypothetically, a virtual dedicated server is a large “hotel” with its own developed infrastructure. The client rents a number, gaining access to general options. Experts will tell you why hosting with a virtual machine is needed for each customer. The solution is relevant for Internet projects of medium and large scale. Its advantages are:
- the presence of personal operating systems;
- access to the leased amount of computing power, OP according to the selected tariff;
- the ability to solve administrative tasks (settings, management, software selection);
- independence from other clients located on the server.
Dedicated Hosting
Dedicated external hosting - a large cottage with a garden, swimming pool, beach, personal security. When selected, the client gets a separate remote server. Its space is not shared with other users. The hosting company is solely responsible for the hardware. The customer can manage resources, manage and control the optional part independently. This type of placement is intended exclusively for large-scale projects.
Hosting Accounts: What is it?
In fact, a hosting account is a client account that is created for each customer. There are several types. The simplest is billing. It is intended for payment, changing services, connecting additional functions - a domain name, a certificate.
The VPS account is given by the one who provides hosting for rent. It makes it possible to use the console, change IP addresses. When ordering each new service, the client receives a separate account for installing applications, setting up a mail service, publishing sites, adding domains.
You can find out what hosting and domain are in simple terms by contacting any provider. Employees of the company will help you choose the right service, according to the type and needs of the project. Very often, with long-term cooperation, domains are provided free of charge or at a discount.
What to look for when choosing
To choose the right server, you need not only to understand how website hosting works, but also what parameters the projects have. The key role here is played by:
- expected loads (determine the required power);
- the amount of data stored (helps to calculate the size of the storage, taking into account the annual pace of development);
- type of engine used (determines the compatibility of a particular hosting with CSM) /
So, it is clear why you need hosting for the site. But in addition to the basic options, it also performs additional ones. This includes protection against external threats. Data centers are obliged to use encryption channels, install applications to repel hacker attacks, leakage of confidential information. It is advisable to expect high-quality and round-the-clock technical support from the company providing the service, which will help to avoid problems with settings, access and speed.
Before ordering a service, you need to find out how hosting works during peak loads. It is desirable to evaluate the convenience of the interface, prices for various tariff plans. You should not resort to free hosting, unless it is associated with a test period. The latter makes it possible to test most of the functions and capabilities of the server. Its duration depends on the policy of the provider. Last but not least is the geographic location of the hosting. It is optimal to choose the region in which the majority of the site's audience is located, if the project involves a large "weight" (music, video content). In other cases, it is enough to focus on value for money.