1. Server
Think of the server as a powerful computer that’s always connected to the internet. Its job is to store your website’s files and send them to users who want to visit it. When someone types your website address into their browser, the server responds to that request and delivers the necessary files so the page can appear.
2. Domain Name
The domain name is your website’s address on the internet, such as www.google.com or szoupi.com. It’s like your home address — but online. It’s unique and helps users find your website easily, without having to remember complex numerical addresses (IP addresses).
3. IP Address
Every server — and every device connected to the internet — has a unique numerical identity called an IP address. It’s a string of numbers like 192.168.1.1. Computers and servers use these addresses to communicate with each other. The domain name you type is translated into an IP address so the browser knows which server to contact for your website’s files.
4. Bandwidth
Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transferred from the server to your website visitors within a certain period of time. It’s like the “speed” of your connection. If your website gets a lot of traffic or has large files (like videos), you’ll need higher bandwidth to prevent slow loading times or interruptions.
5. Uptime
Uptime is the amount of time your website is available and functioning properly. It’s usually expressed as a percentage, like 99.9% uptime. That means your website is accessible almost all year round. A reliable hosting provider should guarantee high uptime so that your visitors can always reach your site.
6. SSL Certificate
An SSL certificate (Secure Sockets Layer) is like a digital “key” that encrypts the data exchanged between the user’s browser and the server. If a website has an SSL certificate, you’ll see a small lock icon 🔒 in the browser’s address bar, and the address will start with https:// instead of http://. This is essential for websites that handle sensitive information such as passwords or credit card details, as it keeps the data safe from malicious third parties.
7. Control Panel
The control panel is a tool provided by your hosting provider that allows you to manage your website and server. Through it, you can upload files, create databases, set up email accounts, and install different applications. The most well-known control panel is cPanel.
8. Types of Hosting
- Shared Hosting: Imagine sharing an apartment with many other tenants. In shared hosting, multiple websites are hosted on the same server and share its resources (CPU, RAM, bandwidth). It’s the most affordable option, ideal for small websites or blogs with low traffic.
- VPS Hosting (Virtual Private Server): This is like having your own room in a shared apartment. The server is still shared, but each user gets a dedicated “virtual” space with guaranteed resources that aren’t affected by others. It’s more powerful and flexible than shared hosting, suitable for websites with growing traffic.
- Dedicated Hosting: Here, you have your own house! The entire server is dedicated exclusively to your website. This option offers maximum performance, security, and control — but it’s also the most expensive. It’s typically used by large businesses or high-traffic websites.
- Cloud Hosting: Think of a network of servers working together to host your website. If one server fails, another takes over automatically. This offers high reliability and scalability, as you can easily add or remove resources depending on your needs. It’s ideal for websites with fluctuating traffic.
