Hosting for the site: what is it (in simple words), types, how to choose

All the content of sites: texts, images, videos, scripts are stored on the server - a powerful computer. At the request of users, the relevant data is sent to their computer or smartphone, the browser converts everything into the desired format, and users see the specific web page. Most website owners use paid hosting. Such a service saves time and money.

What is hosting

In simple words, hosting - a place on the server and its resources, allocated to the project of a particular user. Not everyone can afford to buy or rent a whole server, so the computer-server resources are divided into parts and rented. Thanks to this service from web hosting providers web page owners do not have to install on their territory and maintain the server.

Powerful computers are located in special Data-centers with a stable power supply and suitable conditions. Hosting companies provide around-the-clock work hosting. The equipment is constantly fed with electricity, provides access to high-speed Internet, necessary programs are updated in time. Let's consider several types of hosting.

Dedicated server

All powerful computer is leased to one tenant. Administrator receives rights to manage the server via the Internet. If necessary, you can buy additional space for files or resources.

A dedicated server resembles a private home. He is entirely at the disposal of the tenant. The territory, communications do not need to share with neighbors. This type of hosting is used for sites of banks, large companies, online stores, game services.

VPS

Virtual private server is called a VPS. The server is divided into several parts, which work independently of each other. On a single physical server can be dozens of VPS. They rent out separately.

Virtual server - it's like a townhouse or a residential complex of several autonomous houses with a separate entrance and front garden. You have neighbors, but they don't affect your life in any way - you don't notice them. A tenant can customize a VPS to his needs. If VPS users on one server consume a lot of resources, it does not affect other clients. Virtual server is suitable for websites with high traffic, large online stores, corporate websites with accounts and internal mail.

Virtual hosting

The server is divided into hundreds or even thousands of parts and rented out. Virtual hosting is like an apartment building, where tenants have a common entrance, stairs, elevator and other communications. 

All shared hosting users use shared server resources. If someone consumes more, it affects the rest. To ensure that all hosting customers have enough resources, the provider limits the amount of hard disk space, or the use of RAM. Virtual hosting is suitable for service sites, portfolios and blogs. Then the limitations of resources do not interfere with the rapid operation of projects.

How to choose hosting

To choose the right hosting for the site, consider these factors:

• Storage capacity and server resources depend on the needs of the site. For a blog or a web site only a few GB of hard disk space will be enough. For a large online store needs much more space.
• If the site will develop, you need to be able to expand storage and hosting resources. 
• Responsive support service should work around the clock and respond quickly to requests about the problems.
• It is desirable that the admin panel was a file manager with built-in code editor.

Stability of the server at 100% can not guarantee any provider. Therefore, the hosting choose among companies whose failures are extremely rare. You can find this out from reviews.