abbeyhosting.co.uk
UK Web hosting by Abbey Hosting
A web host is an internet hosting service which provides people and companies with the ability to place a website on the WWW (World Wide Web). Whether an individual or a large corporation, its important to understand the basics of web hosting and the type that may be right for you. There are several different kinds of web hosting available from a large choice of web host companies, with services to meet virtually any website need from the smallest single page site to the comprehensive, interactive site of a large retailer.
Shared web hosting is the most common type available. Shared means just that multiple websites are hosted on one server, usually sharing necessary resources like the CPU (computer processing unit) and memory or storage space. Shared hosting may be accomplished through a reseller account.
This type of web hosting is available to those who have a network of sites or wish to resell hosting themselves. Reseller accounts allow the client to offer a variety of hosting services, and may be hosted by way of a VDS (virtual dedicated server) or a colocation service.
A colocated server simply means that the web host does not keep the physical server on-site, instead employing a data center to manage and monitor the hardware. The client is typically responsible for any maintenance or problems with the server, unless they contract with the data center to do daily maintenance in addition to physically managing the server.
Also known as a VDS or virtual dedicated server this kind of hosting allows the client many of the benefits of their own server while actually sharing a server with other clients. The client may have root access to the server.
Managed hosting is a form of hosting by which the client leases the server and is not permitted full access to Linux or administrative options. This protects the server owner from possible damage or configuration issues caused by the client. The client is able to completely manage their own web space through use of FTP and other remote methods.
With dedicated hosting the client, or user, has complete control over all administration and maintenance of the server box. The client is not usually the owner of server box, but is responsible for the physical aspects like security and maintenance.
Free hosting is just what it sounds like a cost-free way to host your website or pages. Free web hosting is widely available on the internet, and is usually supported by the host selling advertising space on the free sites. This means that if you choose free hosting you will probably have to tolerate banner ads and other forms of advertising being displayed on your web pages.
Regardless of the type of hosting you choose, do research beforehand to make sure the host you use is reputable, and read the fine print about your hosting plan before signing up and especially before paying any fees. This will help ensure that both you and your web host are happy with the arrangement.