10 Common Web Hosting Terms Explained Simply
If you’re new to websites and hosting, you’ve probably come across some confusing tech jargon. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. This post breaks down 10 common web hosting terms in the simplest way possible, so you can confidently build and manage your website.
1. Domain Name
Think of this as your website’s address. Just like a house needs a street address, your website needs a domain name (e.g., yourbusiness.com) so people can find it online.
2. Web Hosting
Web hosting is a service that stores your website’s files and makes them accessible on the internet. Without it, your domain name would have nowhere to go.
3. Bandwidth
This refers to the amount of data transferred between your site and its visitors. More visitors and larger files mean more bandwidth usage.
4. Disk Space (Storage)
This is the amount of space your website has to store files, images, videos, and databases. Think of it like the storage on your phone or laptop.
5. cPanel
cPanel is a user-friendly dashboard that helps you manage your hosting account. From here, you can set up emails, install WordPress, and more.
Example tutorial: Beginner’s guide to cPanel
6. SSL Certificate
An SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encrypts data on your website. It also shows a padlock in the address bar, which builds trust with your visitors and helps your SEO.
Learn more: Why SSL is important
7. Uptime
Uptime is the amount of time your website is live and accessible. A good host will guarantee 99.9% uptime or better.
8. Nameservers
Nameservers connect your domain name to your web hosting. They’re like traffic directors that help browsers find your website.
9. CMS (Content Management System)
A CMS lets you build and manage your site without coding. WordPress is the most popular CMS today.
Try: WordPress.org
10. FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
FTP allows you to upload and download files between your computer and your web server. It’s useful for developers or those working with larger files.
Final Thoughts
Understanding these terms will help you make better decisions when managing your website. Whether you’re launching a blog, portfolio, or e-commerce store, knowing the basics gives you an edge.
Ready to launch your website? Get started with fast, reliable, and affordable hosting—backed by 24/7 support.
Visit Sternhost to choose a hosting plan that fits your needs.
