Are you wondering what is web hosting and domain registration?
You’re not alone, so we compiled this brief primer as a resource to help you understand each service, the differences between them, and the purpose of each one.
Web Hosting
To have your website visible on the internet, you need to have web hosting. And exactly what is web hosting?
A website is, in simple terms, a set of files saved on a computer, but not just any computer. For these files to be visible on the internet, they must be stored on a ‘web hosting server’. A web hosting server is a computer that specializes in serving files out across the internet by ‘hosting’ your website files. The web hosting server is special because it has a perpetual high-speed connection to the internet and operates 24/7.
When you type your web address into the address bar of your web browser and then hit Enter, your web browser sends out a request to ‘get’ your website. That request travels across the internet until it reaches the web server hosting your website. Once located, your website will load into your web browser.
So, in order to have your website visible on the internet, we need to rent space on a ‘web server’. These web hosting servers that store and serve up your web pages to the internet cost money to set up, configure and maintain. Your annual web hosting fee covers costs for renting, setting up, configuring, and maintaining space on a ‘web hosting server’.
Domain Registration
Domain registration is the process by which we secure – or register – your website domain, such as www.yoursite.com.
Once we have completed domain registration, the domain is secured, or registered, for a specific time period – usually one year.
Before the domain registration expires it must be renewed, or the domain reverts back to being available to the general public.
We register your domain with The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). They are responsible for managing the International Domain Name Server Database, and insuring that all registered domain names are unique.
Questions?
We are always available to answer any questions you may have. Email us at admin@fcdesign.net.