Web hosting is a service offered over the Internet, to allow the publication of websites on the World Wide Web. As the websites are connected to the Internet 24/7, users can access them whenever they want. Web hosting companies allocate space on a server, along with Internet connectivity in a data center. Each server is empowered tremendously via huge hard drives, and a specific IP address (Internet Protocol address) is allotted to it. You can rent the space that you require on a server, and get an address for the location of your website as well.
Hosting services that are available for free are sponsored by advertisements; hence banner ads and pop-ups will have to be accommodated on your website. Further, your website address will be an extension of the server address, and no domain name will be provided. Nevertheless, free hosting is sufficient for a personal website, as it does not require higher traffic or special tools.
A simple checklist to be regarded before opting for a web hosting provider would include optimal cost, options to upgrade, sufficient disk space and uptime. The availability of the host for access over the Internet is called uptime. Renowned web hosting companies such as HostMonster, Hostgator and BlueHost provide an uptime of 99.9 percent, and also offer regular discounts on their hosting packages. For instance, Hostgator coupons offer a range of discounts on its varying plans. Host gator coupon provide discounts and offers that consider the current requirements and trends, and can be utilized by customers.
Business websites can utilize comprehensive hosting packages, which support application development platforms and database systems, apart from providing domain names. As different kinds of hosting packages are available, their prices also differ accordingly. Under shared web hosting, your website will get a place on a server that is shared by numerous other websites, and the cost is optimal as it is shared. Under reseller web hosting, clients can serve as web hosts for other domains, and provide the services of the company under which they are affiliates.
The most expensive web hosting option namely, dedicated hosting service enables a customer to take advantage of the facilities of an entire server for their website, and manipulate the server all by themselves. Under Virtual Private Server or VPS hosting, several customers can use the same server, but with their own operating systems. Under collocated hosting, a client server occupies the premises of the service provider.
The top-ranking hosting companies are built on the Linux platform, with support for manifold software implementations. Clients can select from several programming languages such as Java, PHP, .Net, ASP or ColdFusion. Web hosting companies also provide CMS (Content Management Systems) and installable scripts, with an intuitive interface or control panel. With simplistic tools, customers can easily handle forums, content management and even online shops with eCommerce.