What’s the Difference Between Domain Name & Web Hosting (Explained) We are often asked by our readers to explain what is the differ...
We are often asked by our readers to explain what is the difference between a domain name
and web hosting? Many beginners don’t know that these are two separate things. In this
beginner’s guide, we will explain the difference between a domain name and web hosting.
and web hosting? Many beginners don’t know that these are two separate things. In this
beginner’s guide, we will explain the difference between a domain name and web hosting.
What is a Domain Name?
Domain name is the address of your website that people type in the browser’s URL bar to
visit your website.In other words, if your website was a house, then your domain name will be
its address. Now let’s get into the detailed explanation.Internet is basically a giant network of
computers connected to each other through cables. To easily identify them, each computer is
assigned a series of numbers called IP Address.
visit your website.In other words, if your website was a house, then your domain name will be
its address. Now let’s get into the detailed explanation.Internet is basically a giant network of
computers connected to each other through cables. To easily identify them, each computer is
assigned a series of numbers called IP Address.
This IP address is a combination of numbers separated with dots. Typically, IP addresses look
like this:
like this:
Computers have no problem identifying and remembering these numbers. However, it is
impossible for humans to remember and use these numbers to connect to websites on the
internet.
impossible for humans to remember and use these numbers to connect to websites on the
internet.
Now if you wanted to visit a website on the internet, you don’t need to type a string of
numbers.Instead, you can type in an easy to remember domain name, for example,
ongsho.com.
numbers.Instead, you can type in an easy to remember domain name, for example,
ongsho.com.
To learn more about domain names, take a look at our beginner’s guide on domain
names and how do they work.
names and how do they work.
What is Web Hosting?
Web hosting is the place where all the files of your website live. It is like the home of your
website where it actually lives.
website where it actually lives.
A good way to think about this is if the domain name was the address of your house, then web
hosting is the actual house that address points to. All websites on the internet, need web
hosting.
hosting is the actual house that address points to. All websites on the internet, need web
hosting.
When someone enters your domain name in a browser, the domain name is translated into
the IP address of your web hosting company’s computer. This computer contains your
website’s files, and it sends those files back to the users’ browsers.
the IP address of your web hosting company’s computer. This computer contains your
website’s files, and it sends those files back to the users’ browsers.
Web hosting companies specialize in storing and serving websites. They offer different types
of hosting plans to their customers. See our article on WordPress hosting to learn more
about choosing the right hosting for your website.
of hosting plans to their customers. See our article on WordPress hosting to learn more
about choosing the right hosting for your website.
How Domain Names and Web Hosting are Related?
Domain names and web hosting are two different services. However, they work together to make
websites possible.Basically a domain name system is like a massive address book that is constantly
updated. Behind each domain name, there is an address of the web hosting service storing the
website’s files.
websites possible.Basically a domain name system is like a massive address book that is constantly
updated. Behind each domain name, there is an address of the web hosting service storing the
website’s files.
Without domain names, it will not be possible for people to find your website and without web hosting
you cannot build a website.
you cannot build a website.
What do I need to Build a Website? Domain Name or Web Hosting?
Buying a domain name alone only gives you right to use that particular domain name for a
specific period (usually 1 year).
specific period (usually 1 year).
You need web hosting to store your website’s files. After you get hosting, you need to update
your domain name settings and point it to your web hosting service provider.
your domain name settings and point it to your web hosting service provider.
You can also buy both the domain and hosting from the same company. Typically a domain
name costs $14.99 / year, and web hosting normally costs $7.99 / month.
name costs $14.99 / year, and web hosting normally costs $7.99 / month.
If you are starting your first website, then this may sound like a lot.
Thankfully, Bluehost, an official WordPress recommended hosting provider, has agreed to
offer our users a free domain name and over 60% off on web hosting.
offer our users a free domain name and over 60% off on web hosting.
Once you have purchased hosting and registered your domain name, you can start building
your website. For complete step by step instructions, see our guide on how to make a
website.
your website. For complete step by step instructions, see our guide on how to make a
website.
Do I have to buy them together? Or can I buy them separately?
You can buy domain name and web hosting from two different companies. However, in
that case you will have to point your domain name to your web hosting company by editing
its DNS settings.
that case you will have to point your domain name to your web hosting company by editing
its DNS settings.
On the other hand, if you purchase your domain name and web hosting from the same
company, then you will not have to change domain name settings.
company, then you will not have to change domain name settings.
It is also much easier to manage and renew both services under the same dashboard.
If you want to buy domain names separately, then you can do so from top providers
like: Godaddy and NameCheap.
like: Godaddy and NameCheap.
Can I Move My Domain Name to a Different Company?
Yes, you can. Normally when you register the domain name, you own the right to use it and
transfer it anywhere you want.
transfer it anywhere you want.
For example, let’s say you purchased your domain name from Godaddy and bought your
hosting from Bluehost. Now you want to move your domain name to Bluehost, so that it is
easier to manage and renew.
hosting from Bluehost. Now you want to move your domain name to Bluehost, so that it is
easier to manage and renew.
You can easily do that. Both companies have detailed step by step instructions that you can
follow to transfer your domain name.
follow to transfer your domain name.
Note: We recommend you to wait at least 45 days after the registration or renewal to initiate
the transfer. ICANN, the international organization that oversees domain names, requires
one year renewal whenever a transfer is initiated. By transferring your domain name before
that period you could lose that year’s renewal fee.
the transfer. ICANN, the international organization that oversees domain names, requires
one year renewal whenever a transfer is initiated. By transferring your domain name before
that period you could lose that year’s renewal fee.
Can I Move My Website to Another Web Hosting Company Without
Changing Domain?
Yes, you can do that as well. You own the domain name and can change its settings to
point it to any web hosting company.
point it to any web hosting company.
For example, you purchased your domain name and hosting from Godaddy, and now you
want to move your web hosting to Bluehost. You can move your site from one host to
another by simply transferring files and data. After that you need to edit your domain name
settings and point them to your new web hosting provider.
want to move your web hosting to Bluehost. You can move your site from one host to
another by simply transferring files and data. After that you need to edit your domain name
settings and point them to your new web hosting provider.
Another example, you purchased your domain name from WordPress.com (See our guide
on the difference between WordPress.com vs WordPress.org). Later you want to move to
self hosted WordPress.org website.
on the difference between WordPress.com vs WordPress.org). Later you want to move to
self hosted WordPress.org website.
First, you will need to sign up for a WordPress hosting account. After that you can move
your site from WordPress.com to WordPress.org. Lastly, you will just edit your domain name
settings on WordPress.com and point them to your new WordPress hosting provider.
your site from WordPress.com to WordPress.org. Lastly, you will just edit your domain name
settings on WordPress.com and point them to your new WordPress hosting provider.
We hope this article helped you learn the difference between a domain name and web
hosting. You may also want to see our comparison of popular website builders for beginners
with pros and cons.
hosting. You may also want to see our comparison of popular website builders for beginners
with pros and cons.
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tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.
tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.
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