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Free guide about web hosting, web design and marketing. This guide is designed to walk you through which elements are the key components of web hosting. If you can think of other topics that should be added to our hosting guide, please contact us.
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1. Dial-up Access/DSL/Cable Modem
Dial-up access is a form of Internet access via telephone line. The client uses a modem connected to a computer and a telephone line to dial into an Internet service provider's (ISP) node to establish a modem-to-modem link, which is then routed to the Internet. Generally speaking, having Internet access will not provide you with a web hosting package - although some providers will include a limited hosting plan with your Internet access account. However, most web hosting companies do not offer Internet access because it takes up server capacity, which they would rather dedicate to web hosting clients. Although some companies offer both, you should be cautious, as performance can suffer if a company uses the same network for both access and hosting.
2. Non-Virtual Hosting
Non-Virtual web hosting is where you lease space on someone else's server. They allow you a sub-directory from their domain. For example, www.hostingcompany.com/yourdirectory/. The advantages to this sort of hosting is obviously the cost. Non-virtual hosting services are almost always cheaper and are often offered as an added feature to a dial-in account. However, in the Internet world, subhosted accounts are not nearly as professional as a virtual server or domain hosting. Most non-virtual hosting plans disappeared by 2001 and the next type of hosting is now the most popular. The hosting company will place your Web files in sub-directories under their domain name.
The advantage of this hosting plan is that you don't need to worry about applying for a domain name. The disadvantages are you have less account flexibility and lower "Web visibility."
I don't recommend this hosting plan if you are hosting a site for your business. Nevertheless, it may be appropriate for individuals who want Web presence, but don't need their own domain name.
3. Virtual Hosting
The hosting company will place your Web files in sub-directories under your own domain name. If your goal is to build an online business, then it makes sense to get yourself a domain name. Domain names aren't free.
Virtual Hosting allows your company/organization to have its' hosted pages on the Internet with your own domain. For example, www.YourName.com, which would bring you to your website. These hosting packages are the most common and offer a professional and well-established appearance. Having a domain also allows you to move your website to a different hosting provider with minimal interruption and trouble.
4. Dedicated Server / Managed Hosting
Dedicated Servers (frequently named managed hosting) allows an entire server to be dedicated to your website. Generally speaking, most shared accounts (virtual hosting / non-virtual hosting) place many accounts on a single webserver to lower the end cost. However, a dedicated server is used solely for you which means faster performance and greater programming flexibility. This type of hosting is best designed for mid-sized businesses and high-traffic websites.
A dedicated web server essentially implies a server that is used solely by one organization. A dedicated managed web server could include remote dedicated servers, dedicated ftp servers or a managed sql server and is actually a computer that acts as the central storage device on a network.
The advantage of having all of the sites located on the same dedicated server, is that the point of sale software would be customized and uniform.
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