Now that you are determined on creating a website, it is of utmost importance that you know a bit about domains and hosting. So, without further ado let’s begin-
What is a domain ?
Domains are used to locate particular websites on the internet. One particular domain name in a site address indicates that the site belongs to say, a particular family of websites. Domain names are used to identify one or more IP addresses. It is a common part in various web addresses. A suffix is attached to each domain name. This shows it’s top level domain (TLD). For example:
gov – Government agencies
edu – Educational institutions
org – Organizations (nonprofit)
mil – Military
com – commercial business
net – Network organizations
Domain Name System (DNS) server translates domain names into IP addresses. Domain names provide users with a short name ( it’s easy to remember).
Who controls a domain?
You or someone else ?
Find out.
Go to https://www.whois.net/ or https://networksolutions.com/whois
Type in your domain name and see who comes up as the owner.
Is it you? Hope so.
Types of domains you can use
There are a lot of domain names with new ones sprouting wildly. Which should you use? Well, the one which suits you. Common international domain names are: .com .net .org .info and .biz.com. Let’s say you are a small business -choose .com (if you are using it for commercial use), .org (for an organization like NGO’s) etc.
So do find out what suits your website.
What is hosting?
A web host is a business that provides a website owner technologies and services needed to make their website accessible via the World Wide Web. Want your website on the web? A web host is necessary.
Some popular web hosts
1. iPage
2. A2 Hosting
3. BlueHost
4. HostGator
Types of hosting
1. Free Web Hosting
Firstly, it’s free. It is best for private Web pages, small-audience blogs, and static websites because it provides limited control.
2. Shared Hosting
These services share dedicated server resources with multiple users. There are security risks but the prices are affordable.
3. Dedicated Server
A dedicated server provides robust features, full administrative access and unlimited use of software and applications. Suited if you want high traffic. Security risks present.
4. Managed dedicated server
Managed hosting services provide security updates and keep operating systems working at maximum efficiency. You get spam filtering, virus scanning, security auditing and other benefits that allow you to concentrate on your core business.
5. Cloud hosting
Cloud hosting is a technology that supercharges Virtual hosting by taking advantage of multiple sources to provide the capability, better performance, and redundancy. You can choose from several types of cloud services for full or partial hosting of services. Lesser cost of hardware. This one helps you keep up with modern users.
6. Clustered hosting
Clustered hosting offers redundant servers to take over when one server goes off-line. It’s an expensive option.
Hosting comes up in two different platforms i.e. Linux and Windows hosting
Linux v/s Windows hosting difference
1. Linux hosting is cheaper as compared to Windows hosting.
2. Linux hosting is compatible with PHP and MySQL, which supports scripts such as WordPress, Zen Cart, and phpBB. Windows hosting, on the other hand, uses Windows as the servers’ operating system and offers Windows-specific technologies such as ASP.NET, Microsoft Access and Microsoft SQL Server (MSSQL).
3. Linux hosting is more secure.
4. Windows provides better support.
5. Linux is easier to install.
