The Difference Between A Domain Name And Web Hosting. To make a website you must own a domain name and web hosting . But what’s a ...
To make a website you must own a domain name and web hosting. But what’s a domain name?
What’s a web hosting? Aren’t them the same?
What’s a web hosting? Aren’t them the same?
It’s important that you are crystal clear on their differences before you move on to create your first
website.
website.
What is a Web Hosting?
A web hosting is a computer where people store their websites. Think of it as a house where you
store all your stuffs; but instead of storing your clothes and furniture, you store computer files
(HTML, documents, images, videos, etc) in a web host.
store all your stuffs; but instead of storing your clothes and furniture, you store computer files
(HTML, documents, images, videos, etc) in a web host.
More often than not, the term “web hosting” refers to the company that rent out their
computer/servers to store your website and provide Internet connectivity so that other users
can access to the files on your website.
computer/servers to store your website and provide Internet connectivity so that other users
can access to the files on your website.
For most cases, these hosting companies will handle server maintenance work, such as backup,
root configuration, maintenance, disaster recoveries, and so on.
root configuration, maintenance, disaster recoveries, and so on.
What’s A Domain Name
Domain name is not something physical that you can touch or see. It is a string of characters
that give your website an identity (yes, a name, like human and businesses). Examples of domain
name: Google.com, Ongsho.com, ows.ongsho.com, facebook.com, Wikipedia.org,
eLearningEuropa.info.
that give your website an identity (yes, a name, like human and businesses). Examples of domain
name: Google.com, Ongsho.com, ows.ongsho.com, facebook.com, Wikipedia.org,
eLearningEuropa.info.
All domain names are unique. This means there can be only one alexa.com in the world.
You cannot register a name once it is registered by others (governed by ICANN).
You cannot register a name once it is registered by others (governed by ICANN).
Domain Name vs Web Hosting
To simplify: A domain name, is like the address of your home; web hosting on the other hand,
is the space of your house where you place your furniture.
is the space of your house where you place your furniture.
Instead of street name and area code, set of words or/and numbers are used for the website’s
naming’. Computer hard disk and computer memory are used instead of instead of wood and steel
for storing and processing data files. The idea is presented clearer with the diagram below.
naming’. Computer hard disk and computer memory are used instead of instead of wood and steel
for storing and processing data files. The idea is presented clearer with the diagram below.
Should you buy domain name and hosting from the same company?
One reason why newbies are confused is because domain registration and web hosting services
are often offered by the same provider.
are often offered by the same provider.
Most hosting companies have the facility to register a domain name for their users. Some companies
even offer a free domain with the purchase of hosting package.
even offer a free domain with the purchase of hosting package.
Should you get these two items at the same place? My personal recommendation…
Opinion
But wait… that’s just me (I’m a dinosaur). Many webmasters do buy their domain and host it at the
same place. And it’s okay – especially if you are residing at a reputable solution provider with good
business track record.
same place. And it’s okay – especially if you are residing at a reputable solution provider with good
business track record.
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