What is Hosting
With the term Hosting we define a space on the web where the database and infrastructure of a site are hosted. Hosting is essentially a remote server that hosts all the pages of a site (content, images, videos, files of different extensions), connected to the network to make it accessible by browsers for navigation.
What is DNS
DNS stands for Domain Name System and is the system through which domain names are connected with servers.
When we type a URL in the appropriate bar of our browser, it sends a specific request to the DNS server: the DNS searches and identifies the IP associated with the domain name and transmits it to the browser. Thus, we are able to connect to the site. To simplify, DNS is like a sort of telephone book, which associates all names (sites) with numbers (IP address).
Access to Database and Files
We have said that Hosting is a service that allows you to “rent” a space on a server to place the database and infrastructure of a site. The database is nothing more than the structured organization of a site’s data.
To access the database of a site you need the access data, provided by the Hosting provider: once inside the database, it is possible to operate on the site files. To be successful, you need some computer knowledge related to the creation and management of sites.
Initial database installation
Here we will tell you about how to install the database on Cpanel, the control panel provided by the hosting provider to create and manage a site.
With the credentials provided at the time of hosting activation, we access the Database section, where we will find the command “MySQL database wizard“. Once the name has been chosen, click on “Next Step”, which will allow us to create the database username and password. The newly created user will be assigned to the newly created database, granting him administrator privileges.
Many Hostings offer pre-installed WordPress, to simplify operations for those who are unfamiliar with the commands of programming languages. To manage the WordPress database, you can also use convenient plugins, including WP-DBManager.
Backup
Making a backup, ie creating a copy, of a database is essential to avoid disasters such as the loss of data on a site, with everything that goes with it at every level. Saving the complete data of a site on an external storage medium, or on the cloud, is the best way to avoid being left with a fistful of flies in your hand if, by mistake or by external action, the database of our site is deleted.
It is possible to choose between three backup modes: the full backup, which involves the transfer of the entire database, the differential backup which, after a full backup, allows you to save only the files that are modified or added later, with a considerable saving of memory, and the incremental backup, which copies only the files changed since the last backup, to which it refers to update the data backup.
There are several tools and procedures to backup a database, however the most used are MySQLDump (through shell access and the mysqldump command) and phpMyadmin, thanks to which it is possible to transfer the database in the chosen format, perhaps using useful tools such BigDump.
FTP
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol and is the protocol for transferring data from a client to a server. The FTP protocol in turn uses a specific protocol, the Transmission Control Protocol ( TCP ) and requires the use of a user ID and password.
What is FTP used for? Simply put, to operate on the server that hosts our site. Through an FTP client the webmaster can upload or download files from the remote server or delete, move or rename files and folders. Through the FTP protocol it is also possible to upload CMS like WordPress.
Among the best known and most used FTPs, for its relative ease of use, we find Filezilla, a rather versatile open source software.
When you buy a space on the server from a hosting provider, you are provided with the data necessary to “enter” the server through FTP. At that point, just download Filezilla, open it, enter the data (host, port, protocol, user and password) and access your site via FTP.
Types of Web Hosting
Based on the different needs of users, providers offer their customers different types of web hosting: those who want to create a simple blog will have different needs than a large company that wants to sell its products through an e-commerce.
From shared hosting to dedicated hosting, the possibilities are many: let’s find out.
Shared Hosting
Shared Hosting is one of the most used services especially by those who do not need too much space on the server, ideal for blogs, small businesses, corporate websites. The server on which a site is hosted is shared with other customers: memory, machine computing power, space and other services are, in fact, in common.
They often offer pre-configured services and easy-to-use control panels.
VPS Hosting
VPS stands for Virtual Private Server and, even in this case, we are talking about shared servers, but with one difference: the web host reserves a separate partition within the server for the user. Excellent for medium-sized projects, it has the advantage of offering reserved space and not being affected by traffic to other sites with which it shares the server. In addition, ad hoc quality services and the ability to customize services are often offered.
WordPress Hosting
In this case, we are talking about a shared hosting service reserved for WordPress site owners, one of the most famous and used CMS in the world. The server is configured specifically for WordPress and the site installed with plugins and tools to make it work at its best.
The low cost and ease of use, as well as good performance and customer support, make this service a great compromise between simplicity and functionality.
Dedicated Hosting
Here is a solution for those looking for something more: a server that hosts only one site, the best way to have maximum speed, computing power, security and customization possibilities. The server can be configured according to your needs and wishes, choosing the tools and software you want and having a dedicated assistance service. Being in control of everything is certainly a plus, but the higher costs and the need for more in-depth computer knowledge make it especially suitable for larger businesses.
Cloud Hosting
The Cloud Hosting is a reliable service because the site database is replicated server cluster, which means that, in case of problems, traffic to the site is “hijacked” into one of the other servers in the cluster. Excellent solution for those who want a flexible service, paying only for essential services.
Reseller Hosting
This type of web hosting allows webmasters and IT companies to manage hosting for their own sites and those of customers. Basically, it involves buying a hosting plan, complete with ad hoc services for managing a site, and reselling it to third parties, making money. The offer can be tailored to each individual customer, providing them with tailor-made packages based on what they require in terms of space, performance, plugins and tools.
Becoming a reseller hosting can lead to good earnings, but you need to have solid computer knowledge and fairly fast and powerful hardware and software machines.
Linux or Windows Server?
Here is a crucial question that requires a well-articulated answer.
Let’s start with the programming languages: the most used for the creation of a website are ASP, ASP.NET and PHP.
If the language used to create the site is PHP, therefore a dynamic language, and there is the need to install a CMS to manage the contents and structure of the site, it is good to choose a Linux server. The same is true if you are using languages like Python or Perl or visual editors like Dreamweaver.
A Windows server for hosting is instead indicated if you use languages such as ASP and ASP.NET (also integrated with PHP) and if you use many Windows applications (which are also compatible with Linux).
As for the supported databases, MySQL and Microsoft SQL Server, the first is indicated both with Linux and with Windows, the second above all with Windows.
A Windows server is necessary if the site is written in ASP: in this case, it is not possible to opt for Linux.
Each of the two solutions has strengths and weaknesses: Linux has limited integration with some Windows software, but offers excellent open source applications. Both, however, offer stable and fast services.