Introduction to Web Hosting

Contributed by Cyberworm

What is Web Hosting?

Web Hosting or Hosting Service Provider (HSP) is a business that provides hardware and software technology support needed for web pages to be published and viewed on the internet. Contents of a web site are stored in a special computer called web servers. Clients who have availed the service of HSP will be responsible for designing the information content of their web site. The Web Hosting Companies will require that the clients have their own registered domain name.

Any user seeking information will make a request to the web server by typing in the domain name in the address bar of his browser, typically Netscape Navigator or Microsoft internet Explorer. Internet users can make use of the service rendered by the HSP either by making a dial-up access or broadband access to the Internet.

How a web page is hosted?

To start with, the content of the web page is designed with the help of professionals. A web server is required to upload the web page. However, web servers are very expensive and not affordable for small-scale business groups. In this scenario, web hosting comes into the picture. Web hosting companies charge a rental fee for the technical resources and the services offered by them.

The web servers are set up such that when a surfer types in a domain name, the traffic flow is routed to it. The web servers push the content of the web site to the surfer's computer for him to view it.

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