The Differences Between Web Hosting and Domain Hosting?

Ever so often we are faced with the question of a difference between two somewhat similar things. What are they and how do they differ? Like how different is the new Bugatti Veyron from the Bugatti Chiron. Right? Well maybe not. But allow us to tell you that when it comes to knowing the difference between web hosting and domain hosting, you are not alone. Many persons often ask what is Web Hosting when they start creating a website. Likewise, domain names seem to run interchangeably. However, we’ll break down the differences between are the two in this blog so you can find out ways to make them work for you.

So, what is web hosting?

In knowing the difference between web hosting and domain hosting, the place to start is definition. Web hosting is like the home where all the files of your website live. With every house comes an address. You could say then that your domain name is the address of your house and web hosting is the actual house this address points to.

Web hosting involves a service that allows you to publish your website on the Internet. Providers of web hosting store the data of your website on their servers and in turn sends this information to the many visitors to your site via their web browsers when your domain name is entered in the address bar.

What is domain hosting?

Domain hosting on the other hand is a service providing domain names for websites. This service provider often sells domain names and also registers them to a particular owner for a yearly subscription fee. Different prices are associated with different domain types. The prices often start at around $5 to $1000 USD. This all depends on how common/uncommon the domain is.

So then a domain is somewhat like www.nameofmonsterhost.com. Within this address, there are different sections all separated by dots. Each domain name accompanies an IP (Internet Protocol) address which really sets its location on the web. The common domain name types are .com, .net, .org, .edu, Specialized domains also exist like .photo or .media.

Most important to know here is that when you buy a domain, you own that domain, it’s all yours. Provided you commit to the often low yearly subscription. If you plan on building your website, you cannot do so without web hosting because having a domain will only get you an address.

So now that we know what is web hosting and domain hosting, let’s now look at how they all work together to make your website come alive on the web.

How web hosting and a domain come together

Having looked at what is web hosting and what is a domain, you may now quickly have an idea that they both work hand in hand. Let’s imagine for a moment that your IP address and domain name is the address for your website and web hosting is the actual house. So simply, without the element of a domain and web hosting, websites cannot exist on the Internet.

After you get a domain name then, you need to bring your domain name and web hosting together. To make this process easy, it helps to get your domain hosting and web hosting service from the same provider.

Here are a few key steps to get you started

1. Create a domain name if you don’t already have one. You can check for its availability using a domain checker. If available, register it.
2. Create an account and select a hosting or site builder plan that is suitable for you.
3. Build your website.
4. Customize your website by adding your content. After you are happy with the look, feel and presence your site will have, publish it.

Types of website hosting

Now that you are familiar with what is web hosting, a domain name and domain hosting, another layer to broaden your knowledge on the topic is the types of website hosting.

• Shared hosting
  Within a shared webhosting context, there are a number of sites that are hosted on the same server. This option is usually best for small websites, blog sites and new business owners.
• Dedicated hosting
  This form of webhosting hosts independent websites on its own server. With this option websites hosted are not sharing the same server therefore it is possible to have much larger bandwidth for high traffic. Websites with large amount of storage usually require dedicated webhosting.
• Managed hosting
  Similar to finding out what is webhosting and what is domain hosting, one can ask what the difference is between shared, dedicated and managed hosting. Well, the reason for this can be that whether it is shared or dedicated, they both can be managed.

The reason for this is simple. Managed hosting adds a full set of tools to manage files, email and so on. Additionally, a team of developers are usually at your disposal.

Frequently asked questions

Hopefully now you are fully aware of the difference between what is web hosting and what is domain hosting. Coupled with the different types of web hosting and what is a domain name. Here are a few questions often asked.

1. Do I need hosting if I have a domain?

YES! Having a domain name is simply having the address for your website. Web hosting is the service that allows you to store all your information for your website. Without website hosting, your site and domain name will not be visible on the Internet.

2. Do I need a domain if I have web hosting?

Well it really all the depends however, most times YES! The thing is, some providers that do provide webhosting include what is called a subdomain name. These subdomains often let your website look unprofessional and they are usually not customizable.

3. Can I transfer my domain name to another hosting service?

YES! With this option, you will need to contact the desired hosting service and let them know. Transferring is usually a seamless process.

To conclude

For a take away, webhosting and domain hosting are simply elements to the process of building a website and they have different functions. So far you would have learnt the differences between both and that a domain name is simply an address name for your website. Also you should now be familiar with different types of web hosting and which may best suit your website/company.

With this knowledge, we hope you are now at a better advantage to launch your website and let the world experience the greatness of your content.