Website Hosting and Domain Registration are a couple of aspects of managing a website. However it’s vital that you comprehend the difference and employ cases.
Website Hosting is definitely an account on the computer (also known as server) that may store and serve website files online.
Domain Registration is leasing an individual-readable word (e.g., amazon . com.com) that directs individuals to specific website files using a browser.
Being an example, a website is definitely an “address” on the web. Hosting may be the “land” or space where your site files live.
That’s rapid version. But there’s more to website hosting versus. domain registration than their definition.
Disclosure – I receive referral charges from a lot of companies pointed out on this web site. My opinions and knowledge come from my very own experience like a having to pay customer or consultant to some having to pay customer.
How Hosting & Domains Work
Website hosting and domain registration are often paired together. However it’s vital that you understand exactly the things they’re doing.
Domain Registration
Internet addresses are technically “IP Addresses.” IP addresses really are a lengthy number of figures which make no sense to humans.
So rather of keying in 192.168..1.1 to gain access to an internet site, the web site owner can get a domain name which will path to that exact Ip.
Whenever you get a domain name name, you’re leasing it from the web Corporation for Names and Figures (ICANN). ICANN provides domains via approved registrars.
A website doesn’t do anything whatsoever by itself. Registration gives you the authority to “point” your domain wherever you would like.
You are able to tell it to redirect to a different website.
Truly you’ll would like it to direct browsers aimed at your website…on your hosting account.
Website Hosting
Website hosting is definitely an account on the server that “hosts” your site files.
If you don’t possess a domain “pointed” for your hosting account, you have access to it having a string of figures within an Ip.
When you can technically construct your own server in your own home, many people buy hosting from the webhost.
A webhost is really a company that owns a lot of pre-configured servers they lease out based on different plans.
They’ll usually instructions regarding how to “point” your domain for your hosting account. They’ll offer instructions for software to construct & manage your site.
Truly there’s a couple other terms that confuse issues.
Related Topics
There’s a couple of terms that you simply’ll see along the way to explain.
DNS (also known as Website Name System)
DNS is really a system that will the actual work with converting your website name into an Ip. It may be outside of your domain registration as well as your hosting account. But, normally the domain registrar or perhaps your webhost will give you a DNS.
Cms
You are able to technically write and upload plain HTML files for your hosting account. Most website proprietors wish to edit and manage the website directly.
A cms (CMS) is software that enables you to definitely build, edit and manage all of your website files from one dashboard. A CMS should be placed on your hosting account.
WordPress may be the Internet’s most typical cms. But there’s a numerous options. I authored a WordPress setup guide here.
Website Builder / Ecommerce Software
You are able to install & run a variety of software in your hosting account server. You will find tools that permit drag functionality, ecommerce functionality, or whatever you can envision.
Keep in mind that all of this software operates on a website hosting service that you simply access via your own domain name.
Ways To Get Began
How do we get began with domain registration and website hosting?
Well – this will depend on which for you to do. There are plenty of choices to mix, combine and employ different choices. It may be confusing, but almost all options boil lower to 3 usual pathways.
Buy Domain & Hosting Individually
With this particular path, you register your domain in a domain company of your liking as well as your hosting in a webhost. You’ll then “point” your domain for your hosting account.
Personally, i do that path. The domain with this website is at NameCheap and also the hosting is thru InMotion Hosting.
Provider Examples (Domains)
- NameCheap (review).
- GoDaddy (review).
- Google (review).
Provider Examples (Hosting)
- InMotion Hosting (review).
- SiteGround (review).
- Bluehost (review).
Advantages
- Better lengthy-term prices.
- Simpler to depart with less service commitments.
- Companies usually focus on either.
- Cheaper when the hosting project won’t launch soon.
Disadvantages
- Will lose out on short-term specials & discounts.
- Less convenient as utilizing a single company.
- Need to trobleshoot and fix across different companies.
- Extra configuration steps.
When you purchase your hosting, you are able to install website software in your account. I’ve written how to get this done with free WordPress software here.
Buy Domain & Hosting Together
With this particular path, you purchase your domain and hosting together from one company.
This is actually the most typical road to developing a website. It’s convenient and makes lots of sense. Most domain providers also sell hosting. And many hosting providers also sell domains.
Actually, many hosting providers give a free domain for that newbie.
Provider Examples (Hosting + Domain)
- GoDaddy (review).
- NameCheap (review).
- InMotion Hosting (review).
- SiteGround (review).
- Bluehost (review).
Advantages
- Convenience and ease.
- Unified support in one company.
- Bundled specials and discounts.
- No additional configuration.
Disadvantages
- Harder to up and then leave to a different company or use backup services.
- More costly lengthy-term with pricier domain renewals.
- Difficult to manage many domains, particularly if many are inactive.
- Lack of specialization in domain services (or hosting companies).
When you purchase hosting, you are able to install website software in your account and move from there. I’ve written how to get this done with free WordPress software here.
With this particular option, you usually can transfer your domain to your webhost.
Buy Everything Bundled Together
With this particular path, you purchase your domain, hosting, and your site software in one bundle from one company.
This path is also known as using a “website builder.”
This path is typical among website proprietors. It’s convenient. It’s easy and it can make lots of sense for a lot of website proprietors.
The most important thing would be to recognize that you’re still having to pay for the similar elements because the first couple of options. You’re simply having to pay for any bundle with everything else incorporated.
Provider Examples
- Weebly (review).
- WordPress.com (review).
- GoDaddy Website Builder (review).
- Squarespace (review).
- Shopify (review).
Advantages
- Convenience and ease.
- Unified support for any single, proprietary product.
- Integrated functionality so everything “just works”.
- Professional speed, security, and maintenance.
Disadvantages
- Lack of total control & use of server.
- Usually more costly over lengthy-term.
- Lack of ability to personalize specific features / edits.
- Difficult to trobleshoot and fix without customer care.
- Difficult to leave company for various option.
When you’ve selected and activated your plan, you’ll need to follow the organization’s steps to obtain began. Usually they’ve organized a obvious path to obtain your website in position and live.
Next Steps
If you’re thinking about an internet site project, it’s important to comprehend the distinction between domain registration and website hosting.
They interact, but additionally behave like different products.
A website is crucial to the website project – regardless of whether you decide on a webhost or bundled services.
Knowing the website name you would like, download it today at this time from the domain registrar like NameCheap (promo) or GoDaddy (promo).
When you’ve become domain, choose the very best website hosting or even the best website builder on your own.
You might like to bookmark this site setup guide here.
Have some fun!
 
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