A web host is a person or organization that provides space on the Internet to store website files. When a user accesses a site, the browser contacts the web server and requests a page. The server responds by sending the requested page to the user’s browser. This process is called “hosting.”
Often, web hosting services are part of a general internet access plan. They provide storage, security, and interface support for websites. Some hosts specialize in a specific service or software, while others offer a broad range of options.
There are many free or paid providers of web hosting. You will need to determine your needs and your budget before selecting a provider.
Each type of hosting has tradeoffs for performance, flexibility, and storage. If you are planning to develop a large or complex website, a dedicated server may be the best option for you. However, you might also want to consider cloud hosting, which enables you to add resources as you need them.
Most hosting services also allow for email hosting. This entails a space quota for your email accounts, as well as email service interfaces and support.
Choosing a hosting service is a crucial step in getting your website up and running. Before choosing a host, you should estimate how big your website is, how frequently visitors will access it, and how much bandwidth it will require.
Depending on the amount of bandwidth you need, you may need to purchase a dedicated server or VPS hosting. If you have a small business, shared hosting is probably the best option. But if you have a growing business, cloud hosting will be a better choice.