What is hosting and how to choose its type depending on the site

From the article, you will learn what website hosting is and how it works, what are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of hosting. And most importantly, you will be able to decide which hosting to choose for your project. After all, the efficiency of the site's technical work, visitor satisfaction and SEO promotion largely depend on this.

What is website hosting?

Hosting is the rental of resources on a provider's server to host user information.

The term comes from the English word host, which means "a host who receives guests." A hosting provider rents its disk capacity and computing power to users. Its services can be compared to a digital hotel, where rooms of different sizes are rented out for a period convenient for the client.

Principles of hosting

To begin with, let's recall what a site is. This is a folder with files that contain all the content — completed pages, photos, texts, videos. If you enter the address (domain) in the search bar, the browser will direct you to the main page to which all other files are linked.

In order for readers to have round-the-clock access to information on the site, the resource must be located on a powerful computer with uninterrupted access to the network - a server.

How hosting works

The client receives a part of the memory on the disk and the necessary computing power. It can be both a small piece of the server and a whole machine.

Why do you need hosting?

Websites, blogs, forums, and online stores on any topic are hosted on the hosting, except those prohibited by the law and the rules of the provider, as stated in the public offer. For the most part, the "ban" includes pornography, the sale of narcotics, the distribution of pirated content, etc.

Large varieties of hosting — such as VPS or a dedicated server — not only host sites, but also store file archives and work with resource-intensive software that lacks the power of a regular computer, create mail and other services.

The difference between hosting and a domain

People unfamiliar with these terms sometimes confuse them. This is understandable, because hosting and domain work together: the site can be online only if both components are available. However, these are different concepts.

As a reminder, hosting is server capacity for storing and processing website files. Most often, hosting services are taken for a year, but customers can pay for the service both monthly and buy a subscription for several years at once.

A domain is the address of a site on the Internet, such as bbstudio.site. By typing a combination of Latin letters and periods, you tell the browser on which server to search for the site. The domain is rented for a period of one to ten years.

Types of hosting

The amount of resources depends on the type of hosting: the amount of hard drives and RAM, as well as the power and number of processor cores. At the same time, each type of hosting is physically placed on a server.

Virtual hosting

The principle of virtual hosting

Virtual hosting is the easiest and cheapest way to place a site on the network.

Another name for such hosting is shared, which means common. The term reflects the principle of operation of such hosting: the clients use the processor and RAM resources together. But everyone gets a separate account with a client panel, a small area of ​​memory to store files and a few percent of processing power to process them.

Providers offer hosting plans for a varying number of sites, from one to an unlimited number. The more sites, the cheaper hosting will cost for each.

Advantages

• Affordable price . This is the cheapest type of hosting — $10-$80 per year.
• Ease of management . The client receives an intuitive panel with the necessary set of tools. Thanks to this, you can quickly learn how to manage a site, even if you have never done it before.
• All settings and technical work is performed by the provider . The client administers only his site, without delving into the details of the hosting.

Disadvantages

• Few resources . Usually, the client gets a few gigabytes of memory to host the site and a few percent of computing power. This is enough for a business card site, but a large online store will already require much more space.
• Unable to install your software . Virtual hosting has a set of tools that is defined by the provider. The package is mostly standard, but may vary slightly depending on the hosting provider. These are mostly an FTP manager, MySQL for database management, PHP versioning tools, mailbox creation, backup, antivirus installation, site builder, and other components. Usually, the basic package is enough for customers to work, but unfortunately, it will not be possible to install some specialized program.
• The influence of neighboring accounts . Providers do everything that depends on them so that each client works within the framework assigned to him. But the very architecture of the general type of hosting has its own peculiarities. Thus, an increase in the load on one site provokes a slowdown in the operation of the entire server, and with it all the sites hosted on it.
• Only valid sites can be posted . Providers prohibit the use of virtual hosting to store files, backup copies and any other data that is not used by the site.

VPS hosting

What is VPS hosting?

VPS (virtual private server) is a dedicated section of a real server that simulates an autonomous computer. With the help of virtualization, a physical machine is divided into several parts, each of which works as a separate server. Several dozen virtual servers can be placed on one powerful computer.

Virtualization is a way of dividing one real computer into several virtual ones. Each virtual machine works autonomously, has its own operating system and uses only the dedicated part of the server hardware. The technology is implemented using special software.

How is VPS different from virtual hosting? Various technologies are used for implementation. To give a simple analogy, virtual hosting is one shared computer on which many password-protected folders are stored. Each user has his own folder, he knows the password only from it and can only work in it. A VPS is your own separate computer, but not a real one, but a virtual one — placed inside a real physical server next to other virtual computers.

On a virtual server, you can host websites and store massive work files, install resource-intensive software, and organize control centers for various services.

On average, a virtual server has more disk space and computing power, so it is often switched to by clients whose projects can no longer be accommodated on virtual hosting.

For example, the amount of memory on the hard disk for virtual hosting customers ranges from 1 to 50 gigabytes, and for VPS - from 35 to 400 gigabytes.

But this entails additional costs — a good budget server costs from $70 per year, the cost of more powerful configurations can reach $350 per year or more.

Advantages

• More freedom in management . You can install the necessary software, perform individual settings for the project. These possibilities are not unlimited, but here, unlike virtual hosting, they are.
• More autonomy . Your hosting is not affected by the load of your neighbors - you work as if it were a separate server.
• A good choice for small companies. Powerful and fast hosting, affordable for small and medium businesses.

Disadvantages

• Higher price . Compared to virtual hosting, it is much more expensive.
• It is more difficult to manage - you need to know how to administer the server. Usually, the provider offers to install the operating system and control panel for free, but then you will have to do everything yourself. However, if you cannot or do not want to manage the server yourself, you can order a paid service from the same provider.
• Inability to install unique software . The means of virtualization with which VPS works impose their own limitations - the client software may be incompatible with the operating system. For example, software virtualization requires that the client's operating systems must match the server's host system. If it is Linux, you will no longer be able to install Windows or programs written for it. This situation does not occur often, however, it is necessary to clarify in advance whether it will be possible to install the necessary programs on the VPS.

Dedicated server

A physical server is the choice of hosting service for large businesses

A dedicated server , or as it is also called, a physical server, is an entire computer that the user rents in its entirety. The client can install any programs on it and deploy any projects. The tenant is not limited by anything except the legislation and the physical capabilities of the server - and they are huge.

This is the most powerful and most expensive of all types of hosting, which is used for large projects - marketplaces, file exchanges, social networks, video hosting. They are used for the operation of security systems, banks, transport networks and other tasks for which high performance of the equipment is important.

Advantages

• The most powerful of all types of hosting . The machine is completed according to the customer's order, so you can put hard drives with a volume of several terabytes, any processor and a RAM card.
• Complete freedom in management . The client can install any programs and operating systems on the server, host large Internet platforms, and experiment with settings.

Disadvantages

• Dorozhnecha . The highest price compared to previous offers. The cost of a well-equipped server can reach one and a half thousand dollars per year or more. However, it is a profitable investment for business.
• Difficulty in management . The client receives a clean computer, sometimes with a system installed on request. Further, the provider deals only with technical issues — monitors the serviceability of the iron and creates conditions for its operation. All administration falls on the shoulders of the client. This is not an easy task, so you will have to hire an administrator or pay a provider for this work.

To simplify the understanding of the difference between the three previous types of hosting, let's draw an analogy with trading places. Imagine a shopping center like an indoor market, where many small sales boxes are concentrated. All you can do in them is to place the goods, put a chair for the seller and plug the kettle into the outlet. This is similar to shared (virtual) hosting.

Further. A large shopping center with shops, restaurants, beauty salons. Each tenant is allocated enough space, thanks to which he can organize a place for the administrator and create his interior. This is a full-fledged store, it just does not stand alone, but is located inside a huge room. This is a VPS.

But if you rented an entire shopping center, where you can make any repairs and put up any shops, cinemas, trampolines and in general everything that your heart desires, this is a dedicated server.

Cloud hosting

What is cloud hosting?

Cloud hosting is a new technology for hosting. Several servers combine power into a single cluster, creating a cloud system — and hosting is distributed from there.

The system is flexible and reliable because the servers insure each other. If one computer fails, the data is duplicated by other machines. This reduces the risk of losing the site due to technical failures.

Cloud hosting provides analogues of virtual and VPS hosting with similar indicators of disk volume and power. At the same time, the technology allows you to connect an unlimited number of servers and expand hosting as long as the provider has enough resources.

Since we have already started the analogy with shopping places, let's try to imagine what a cloud store would look like? The work of brands in the supermarket is organized in a similar way. For example, let's take a conventional cheese producer. He does not have his own store, the goods are distributed by a chain of supermarkets. If one of the points suddenly closes, don't worry, the goods will be distributed to other objects and trade will continue.

Advantages

• Flexibility and ease of scaling . The client can regulate the amount of consumed resources and pay only for them. This is very convenient if you do not know how much space will be needed for the project or traffic changes periodically.
• An opportunity to get the service for free . Some big companies like Google offer free long trial periods for cloud hosting or even free plans with the option to use a small amount of storage.
• Reliability . Effective data backup and recovery system.
• Ease of management . All settings are taken care of by the provider — the client only has to put the project on hosting and manage it.

Disadvantages

• Risk of leakage of confidential information . The client's data is stored at once on several servers that create a network, and is served by a staff of employees. Any of them can access the data, so it remains to rely only on the decency of the staff.
• The risk of suddenly losing an already promoted site and all data . Cloud hosts have stricter restrictions on hosting sites. If only the webmaster is responsible for the content on other types of hosting and the provider can only take action in response to user complaints, cloud services independently monitor sites and reserve the right to block accounts without any explanation.

Not all services do this, so before choosing, you need to carefully study user reviews. For example, the site vps.ua , which, in addition to other services, provides cloud VPS for rent.

Free hosting

You can get free hosting in two ways:

1. On a special service with a site builder, where you can create a simple site for free and get a domain with hosting as a gift. For example, Wix has such an option.
2. Some providers, along with paid services, provide a small free rate for one site so that the customer can test the hosting.

Such hosting is taken for testing, training, publication of trial sites, small personal blogs. For serious web resources, let alone online stores, we do not recommend it due to its unreliability and small number of resources.

From a technical point of view, this is general (virtual) hosting, it has the same characteristics, only it is free.

Many people want to get hosting for free

Advantages

• Free . Perhaps this is the only advantage.

Disadvantages

• Limited resources . The client is given a minimum amount of space for the site. If you need to expand, you will have to pay.
• Hidden payments . Many tools and features can be connected only for an additional fee. Sometimes paid virtual hosting is cheaper than "free".
• Bad third-level domains on services with builders like: example.wix. It is immediately clear that the site is made on a free service, which does not add prestige to the business.
• Subject restrictions . It is not only about the standard restrictions prescribed in the public offer (it is forbidden to post porn sites, phishing sites, casinos, financial pyramids, gaming sites, etc.). Some providers provide free hosting only for educational, charitable and other projects that they decide to support. Often the ban applies to any commerce - only personal, non-commercial sites can be placed on the free plan.
• Low speed . Due to the huge number of neighbors, sites on free hosting are loaded much more slowly.
• Problems with promotion . Due to the low quality of hosting, it is difficult to get the site to the top of search engines.
• Impossibility of "moving" . The rights to the materials often remain with the provider, the client cannot pick up and move the site.
• There is no real technical support . Operators primarily respond to customer requests, which are serviced on a paid basis. Users of free tariffs are given attention on a residual basis: they can be answered after a week, unsubscribe or ignore the appeal altogether.
• The provider's intrusive advertising on clients' sites . First of all, these are mentions of the service in the domain, footer, favicon. Advertising banners placed by other advertisers also belong here. Let's say a cosmetics company pays a service to place ads, and the service inserts them on customers' websites. Usually the provider does not agree to this - the user has to put up with advertising on his site.

How hosting affects promotion

Hosting is one of the factors affecting the promotion of the site in search engines and among customers. At first glance, its role is not always visible, but inattention to the choice of hosting can become a stick in the wheel, which will significantly complicate the work of SEO specialists.

What indicators should you pay attention to first of all?

Site loading speed

The loading speed of the site depends on the power of the hosting — one of the key indicators in the ranking in search engines, which directly affects the promotion. In addition, if a customer has to wait a long time for a page to respond, they will most likely close the tab and go to a competitor for a faster resource.

It is great if, in addition to productive equipment, the provider also has the PageSpeed ​​module from Google, which is installed directly on the server. It helps increase site loading speed in a couple of clicks.

Site server uptime indicator

Search engines visit the site periodically to check if it is accessible to users. The more often a site is unavailable, the lower its ranking is.

After renting hosting, you need to constantly monitor uptime — this is an indicator of site availability, which is calculated as a percentage. Webmasters and ISPs would probably dream of 100% if it were possible. But any equipment fails and needs maintenance, so no server can run for years without short periods of downtime.

The optimal uptime indicator is 99.9%. It seems like a lot, but this figure assumes server shutdown for 8 hours and 45 minutes per year.

If the uptime is below 98%, the sites hosted on this hosting have less chance of getting to the top.

Pay attention! Uptime of many providers can be found in the rating .

You can monitor the indicator using the free UptimeRobot service : it regularly checks the site, and when it is unavailable, it sends a message to the mail. This allows you to monitor the quality of the service and instantly contact the provider to fix problems.

Site security

Most sites are hacked because of their vulnerability. Data protection must be ensured first of all by the webmaster, but the provider can also do it:

• Provide tools for security - built-in antivirus, as well as the ability to restore backup copies, SSL certificates .
• Constantly update the software and maintain current versions of the software.
• Provide competent round-the-clock technical support. If the policy of the hosting service provider provides for a quick response to the client's request, then the client will be much more comfortable. In the case of unforeseen failures, the speed of the caliper's reaction means a lot - for an online store, every minute of forced downtime means losses.

If the site is infected with viruses or is constantly under DDoS attacks, the reputation of the brand suffers in the eyes of buyers, the site is pessimistic in search engines.

Which hosting to choose

So which hosting to choose for the project?

The choice of hosting depends on the tasks and needs of the site. Let's summarize:

Virtual hosting is suitable for novice entrepreneurs. Small business cards, landing pages, and blogs can be placed here.

A virtual server (VPS) is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses - it is quite budget-friendly, and at the same time more reliable and resourceful.

A dedicated server is most often chosen by representatives of medium and large businesses — it is quite expensive, but the investment pays off. You can place a large site with a large number of visitors on it, for example, an online store.

The cloud service is effective for small projects, but you need to carefully select the service provider, since this technology involves a high dependence of the client on the provider.

Free business hosting is not recommended unless you need to test something.

Also, for clarity, we have prepared a table with a description of the main characteristics of hosting.

Is it possible to change the type of hosting?

What to do if the project has grown from the hosting on which it started? Moving from one tariff to another within the framework of one provider is not a problem. Technical support will "move" the client's data to a new location and help with settings.

Transferring the site or other data to the hosting of another provider is a little longer and more difficult, but it is also possible.

Also take into account that the service is most often issued for a year - it is more profitable, and you will not have to deal with payments every month. If you realized in the first month that the hosting is too large or, on the contrary, there is not enough space, you will either have to wait for the end of the service, or negotiate with the provider to change the tariff and recalculate.

To avoid this, take a trial period, or first pay for the service on a monthly basis. If after "trying on" it becomes clear that the chosen tariff is not suitable, it will be easier to change it. It is worth taking hosting for a year after you have made the final decision.

We remind you that business development depends on the right strategy and a reliable technical base, and we wish that your choice will always be correct!