Web hosting
Web hosting is a web service that enables businesses and individuals to have web sites on the Internet. The web sites can then be accessed and viewed with a web browser or any other web-aware application.
In order for the web pages to be displayed and viewed a web server is needed. The common ones are Apache and Microsoft IIS. These are applications that run on the server computer and allow everybody else on the Internet access your site. It is a pretty complicated process that is controlled and managed by web hosting provider.
When you need a web site you will need three main things:
- Domain name
- Web hosting account
- Application or a web development service to build your site
Most web hosting providers offer the first two but it makes sense to find one that understands web development in general and how applications work.
It makes sense to buy domain name and web hosting package from the same provider. Although before making any decisions make sure you will have complete control of your domain and your hosting account. Not all providers give you that and it is very important to have as it is your intellectual property.