Website hosting is the process of storing website files and databases on a web server so visitors from around the world can read and access them through a web browser.
Now let’s break that down…
Website files and databases are what websites are made from. Yes, you may have a fancy website builder or piece of ‘drag ‘n’ drop’ software, but, at the core, website’s are nothing more than files and databases.
Web servers are a specific type of server (can be thought of as large PCs) that are usually found in data centres. They are capable of storing website files & databases and serving them to web browsers. They need to be connected to a power source and to the internet 24/7/365.
Web browsers are programmes/ applications that are used to access websites on the internet. An example of a web browser is what you’re currently viewing this page through. Some of the most popular browsers include Google Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Opera.
Why do I need web hosting? #
Web hosting keeps your website online and accessible 24/7/365.
So it’s essential if you would like your website to be ‘found’ via the internet!
Why is web hosting an on going cost? #
We often get asked ‘why is website hosting (and email hosting) an on going cost?’.
The main reason is because it’s an on going and often monthly cost to hosting providers.
Web servers need to be maintained, connected to the internet and powered 24/7/365. Data centre’s often charge hosting providers on a monthly basis by either server space & bandwidth (internet) usage or a flat monthly cost. So that charge is reflected by what you, the customer, see’s.
Because this business model isn’t going to change anytime in the near future, web hosting is pretty much always going to be an on going cost you will have factor into your budget.
We’ve recently written an article to help you figure out how much website hosting and email hosting could cost you.