Do you Want to Learn About Web Hosting?

This guide was created by @Home Web Hosting to help you understand the world of web hosting. Please read through this guide by selecting a chapter from below. If you find some terms unclear reference them using our glossary of terms.

What is a web host?
What is a web site?
What is a domain name?
Do I really need a web site?
What benefits are there in having a web site?
How does a web site work?

What is a web host?

A web host is provides you with your space on the internet. You'll need a quick and reliable computer to keep your files connected to the internet. And rather than buying your own server, constantly maintain it and keep it updated with the latest software, a web host can take care of all this for you, leaving you with what's important, sharing your information with the world. Along with providing you with space, a web host gives your site e-mail at your domain name and can take care of the technical requests you have.

What is a web site?

A web site represents your organization, your business or yourself online. It's an opportunity for you to present knowledge, ideas and products to the world. Online, you will become accessible to anybody, anywhere, at anytime of the day.

What is a domain name?

A domain name is a very important aspect of a web site. If the internet is a map of the world, your domain name is your address. Usually represented by the name of the business or organization starting the site, many sites opt for something clever and memorable to get people interested in their site. This is especially important considering people may have common interest in the same domain name. To help matters, there are different types of domain names. The most common would be ".com" (as in yourdomain.com), but you also have the choice of ".org," or ".net"

Do I really need a web site?

These days, almost everybody with a phone line has an internet connection. And with the vast amount of information available online, many people are using the internet as their primary source of researching information, companies and products. If you have something that you want people to see, a web site is a necessity.

What benefits are there in having a web site?

With a web site, you have constant communication with the world. From the most remote location, you can reach people anywhere and develop steady customers worldwide. You would be able to announce upcoming events, post images and get feedback at all times of the day, all over the world. There is no limit to the benefits a web site can provide.

How does a web site work?

Let's say somebody is online and they look up your domain name. This will connect them to what is called a web server. A web server is a very powerful computer that can store many files, including your web site. When they are connected, your files will be presented in the form of your site. So in order for you to get online, you must choose a web server to be hosted by, or a web host, and create the files that will be your web site.