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.

Building your website locally is a smart and safe way to experiment, develop, and refine without risking live downtime. But once it’s ready for the world, migrating to a live server can feel intimidating—especially for beginners. This guide walks you through a smooth, step-by-step transition from your local environment to a live server with minimal disruption.

🧰 Tools You’ll Need

• A local development environment (like XAMPP, WAMP, or MAMP)
• FTP client (e.g., FileZilla)
• cPanel access or a similar hosting control panel
• phpMyAdmin (locally and on server)

Step 1: Prepare Your Site for Migration

• Clean up unused plugins and themes
• Backup your local site files and database
• Update URLs if your site references localhost

Step 2: Export Your Local Database

1. Open phpMyAdmin on your local server.
2. Select your database and click Export.
3. Choose the Quick method and format as SQL.
4. Save the file.

Step 3: Upload Your Files to the Live Server

1. Use an FTP client to connect to your live server.
2. Upload all your site files (typically from the htdocs or www folder) to the public directory (often /public_html or /www).

Step 4: Import Your Database to Live Server

1. Open cPanel and go to phpMyAdmin.
2. Create a new database.
3. Click on the new database and go to the Import tab.
4. Upload your previously exported SQL file.

Step 5: Update wp-config.php (for WordPress sites)

Update the database name, user, and password in your wp-config.php file to match the live server credentials.

Step 6: Fix URLs & Paths

Run a search-and-replace tool like Better Search Replace to update old local URLs to your live domain.

Step 7: Test Everything

• Check all links and images
• Test forms and site functions
• Ensure HTTPS is enabled (you can use Let’s Encrypt SSL)

Bonus Tip 💡

Automate your future migrations with plugins like All-in-One WP Migration or Duplicator.

Final Thoughts

Migrating your website doesn’t have to be nerve-wracking. With the right steps and a calm approach, you’ll have your local masterpiece shining online in no time.

Need help hosting your live site? Choose reliable web hosting or explore managed options with built-in migration support.

Securing your Ubuntu server immediately after installation is vital to protect it from unauthorized access and maintain system integrity. Follow this beginner-friendly checklist to harden your server:

1. Update Your System

Keep your packages up-to-date:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

2. Create a New User (Avoid Using Root)

sudo adduser newuser
sudo usermod -aG sudo newuser

3. Enable UFW Firewall

Allow SSH and enable UFW:

sudo ufw allow OpenSSH
sudo ufw enable
sudo ufw status

4. Configure SSH

Edit SSH config:

sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config

Recommended changes:

PermitRootLogin no
PasswordAuthentication no    # Use only if SSH keys are set up
Port 2222                    # Optional: change default SSH port

Apply changes:

sudo systemctl restart ssh

5. Set Up SSH Key Authentication

Generate keys on your local machine:

ssh-keygen
ssh-copy-id newuser@your_server_ip

6. Install Fail2Ban

Protect against brute-force login attempts:

sudo apt install fail2ban -y
sudo systemctl enable fail2ban

7. Enable Unattended Security Updates

Install and configure:

sudo apt install unattended-upgrades -y
sudo dpkg-reconfigure --priority=low unattended-upgrades

8. Disable Unused Services

List active services:

sudo systemctl list-units --type=service

Disable unneeded ones:

sudo systemctl disable service-name

9. Set Timezone and Enable NTP

sudo timedatectl set-timezone Africa/Lagos
sudo timedatectl set-ntp on

10. Configure AppArmor (Optional)

AppArmor is pre-installed on Ubuntu:

sudo apt install apparmor-profiles apparmor-utils -y
sudo aa-enforce /etc/apparmor.d/*

By following these steps, you’ll significantly enhance the security and stability of your Ubuntu server from the start.

When launching a website or web application, choosing the right web server can make a huge difference in speed, scalability, and stability. In this guide, we compare LiteSpeed, Apache, and NGINX—three of the most popular web servers—to help you choose the best one for your hosting needs.

🔍 What Is a Web Server?

A web server handles requests from web browsers and delivers your site’s content. The right server can improve your site’s loading speed, handle traffic spikes, and secure your data.

🧱 Apache: The Veteran Workhorse

Apache HTTP Server has been around since 1995 and powers over 30% of websites today.

✅ Pros:

• Wide compatibility with Linux, Windows, and Unix
• Supports .htaccess files and dynamic modules
• Huge community and documentation
• Easy to configure for beginners

❌ Cons:

• Slower under heavy concurrent traffic
• Resource-intensive compared to alternatives

Best For: Small to medium websites with moderate traffic and flexible configuration needs.

👉 Learn how to configure Apache

⚡ LiteSpeed: The Performance Champ

LiteSpeed Web Server (LSWS) is a high-performance commercial server built as a drop-in replacement for Apache.

✅ Pros:

• Up to 5x faster than Apache
• Built-in DDoS protection
• Native HTTP/3 support
• Compatible with Apache’s configuration files

❌ Cons:

• Free version has limited features
• Commercial license for full version

Best For: WordPress sites, high-traffic blogs, and eCommerce platforms needing speed and security.

🛠️ Some hosting providers offer LiteSpeed for free on shared or managed plans.

👉 See LiteSpeed benchmarks

🚀 NGINX: The Modern Scalability Leader

NGINX (pronounced “Engine-X”) is known for high concurrency and low resource usage.

✅ Pros:

• Excellent at handling thousands of connections
• Reverse proxy and load balancer built-in
• Lightweight and highly efficient
• Open-source and widely used

❌ Cons:

• Steeper learning curve for beginners
• Limited support for .htaccess

Best For: High-traffic apps, streaming platforms, and modern stacks with Node.js or Python backends.

👉 Explore NGINX official documentation

🆚 Performance Comparison

🧠 Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?

• Choose Apache if you’re just starting out and need flexibility with strong community support.
• Go with LiteSpeed if performance, speed, and WordPress optimization are critical.
• Opt for NGINX if you’re running high-traffic applications and need advanced scalability.

📌 Related Reads

• How to Enable GZIP Compression
• Improving Time To First Byte (TTFB)
• Understanding VPS vs Shared Hosting

Choosing the right web hosting plan is crucial for performance, security, and budget. Two popular entry‑level options are Shared Hosting and VPS (Virtual Private Server) Hosting. This guide breaks down their differences, pros & cons, and helps you decide which fits your needs.

What Is Shared Hosting?

• Definition: Multiple websites share the same physical server and its resources (CPU, RAM, disk).
• Typical Use Cases:
  • Small blogs and personal sites
  • Brochure‑style business websites
  • Low‑traffic portfolios

Pros

• Cost‑Effective: Lowest entry cost (often $2–$10/month).
• Managed Environment: Server maintenance, security, and updates handled by the host.
• Easy Setup: Beginner‑friendly control panel (cPanel) and one‑click installers.

Cons

• Limited Resources: Spikes in other sites’ traffic can slow you down.
• Less Control: You cannot install custom server software or adjust core settings.
• Security Risks: Neighboring sites’ vulnerabilities could affect you.

What Is VPS Hosting?

• Definition: A single physical server is partitioned into multiple virtual servers. Each VPS has dedicated CPU, RAM, and storage.
• Typical Use Cases:
  • Growing business websites
  • E‑commerce stores
  • Web applications requiring custom configurations

Pros

• Dedicated Resources: Predictable performance, unaffected by other users.
• Root Access & Customization: Install any software, tweak server settings, and optimize performance.
• Better Security Isolation: Virtual partitions keep you insulated from other VPS users.

Cons

• Higher Cost: Plans usually start around $20–$40/month.
• Technical Skill Required: You may need basic Linux/command‑line knowledge for management—though managed VPS options are available.
• Maintenance Responsibility: You’re responsible for updates, patches, and security hardening (unless you choose a managed plan).

Side‑by‑Side Comparison

How to Decide

1. Budget & Traffic
   • On a tight budget with low traffic? Shared Hosting is ideal.
   • Expecting growth or spikes? VPS offers room to scale.
2. Technical Requirements
   • Need simple WordPress or static site? Shared covers it.
   • Require custom software, multiple environments, or higher security? Go VPS.
3. Management Preference
   • Want fully managed convenience? Shared or managed VPS.
   • Comfortable with server administration? Unmanaged VPS gives full control.

Next Steps

• Try Shared Hosting: Test the waters with a low‑cost plan—perfect for new sites.
• Upgrade to VPS: When you outgrow shared resources, seamlessly migrate to VPS for better performance.

Ready to choose? Assess your needs, compare plans, and select the hosting that powers your success.

Affiliate marketing empowers you to earn money by referring customers to web services—without building products or handling support. In this comprehensive, SEO-optimized guide, you’ll learn how to choose the right program, create content that converts, and scale your earnings. We’ll include internal links to Sternhost resources and authoritative external references for maximum value.

Why Affiliate Marketing Works for Web Services

Web services—such as web hosting, domain registration, and website builders—are in high demand. According to Statista, the global web hosting market is projected to reach $216.9 billion by 2025. With recurring subscriptions and competitive commissions, promoting these services can generate reliable passive income.

1. Understand the Affiliate Ecosystem

• You (Affiliate): Promote services via unique tracking links.
• Merchant: The web service provider offering the affiliate program.
• Commission: Typically a percentage of each sale (e.g., Sternhost offers 20% per sale).
• Cookie Duration: The time window for tracking referrals (e.g., 30 days).

Learn more about affiliate terms in our Affiliate Program FAQ.

2. Select Your Niche and Program

Choose a Profitable Niche

Focus on audiences likely to need web services:

• Small businesses looking to build an online presence
• Bloggers and content creators seeking reliable WordPress hosting
• E‑commerce startups needing secure, scalable platforms

Join a Reputable Program

Sign up for Sternhost’s affiliate program or compare alternatives like Bluehost Affiliates or SiteGround Affiliates.

3. Create High-Value Content

Content Types That Convert

• How‑To Guides: Step-by-step tutorials (e.g., “How to Launch Your First Website in 30 Minutes” linking to Sternhost’s Getting Started Guide).
• Comparison Posts: “Shared vs. VPS Hosting: Which Is Right for You?” with internal link to our Hosting Comparison.
• Case Studies: “How XYZ Blog Increased Traffic by 3× with Faster Hosting.”
• Product Reviews: In-depth reviews of hosting plans, domain registrars, and website builders.

SEO Best Practices

• Target long-tail keywords (e.g., “best hosting for small business 2025”).
• Use descriptive headings (H1, H2, H3) and include keywords naturally.
• Optimize meta titles and descriptions (under 60/160 characters).
• Add internal links to relevant Sternhost resources and external links to authority sites (e.g., W3Schools ).

4. Drive Targeted Traffic

Organic Methods

• SEO: Publish regularly, build backlinks, and optimize on-page elements.
• Guest Posting: Contribute to industry blogs with a link back to your site.
• Social Media: Share snippets on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook groups.

Paid Methods

• PPC Ads: Run Google Ads targeting high-intent keywords (e.g., “buy web hosting”).
• Social Ads: Promote tutorials on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

Use our guide on Boosting Website Performance to ensure your landing pages load quickly and convert visitors.

5. Optimize Conversion Rates

• Clear CTAs: Use buttons like “Start Your Free Trial” linked to your affiliate URL.
• Dedicated Landing Pages: Focus on one offer per page for clarity.
• A/B Testing: Experiment with headlines, images, and CTAs using tools like Google Optimize.

6. Track and Analyze Performance

• Monitor clicks, conversions, and revenue in the Sternhost Affiliate Dashboard.
• Use Google Analytics to track behavior and identify top-performing content.
• Adjust strategies based on data: double down on high-converting posts and refine underperforming ones.

7. Scale Your Affiliate Business

• Expand Content: Add video tutorials, webinars, or podcasts.
• Email Marketing: Build a list and send exclusive offers—see our Email Setup Guide.
• Partnerships: Collaborate with influencers and complementary service providers.

8. Compliance and Best Practices

• Disclosure: Clearly disclose affiliate relationships to comply with FTC guidelines.
• Transparency: Provide honest, experience-based reviews to build trust.
• Regular Updates: Keep content fresh with the latest pricing, features, and industry trends.

Conclusion

Affiliate marketing for web services offers a powerful way to earn passive income while providing real value to your audience. By selecting the right niche, creating optimized content, driving targeted traffic, and leveraging Sternhost’s generous 20% commission, you’ll build a sustainable revenue stream.

Ready to start? Sign up for the Sternhost Affiliate Program and turn your content into commissions!

If you run a web agency or manage multiple clients, branding matters. Offering a custom-branded hosting experience boosts your agency’s professionalism. It’s easier than ever to create a white-label experience your clients will love.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to apply custom logos, colors, and footers in cPanel, allowing you to present a seamless, professional hosting portal under your brand.

What Is White‑Label cPanel?

White-labeling means removing third-party branding and replacing it with your business’s branding. When you white-label cPanel:

• Your logo appears instead of cPanel’s .
• You can change theme colors to match your brand.
• You can add a custom footer link (like back to your agency’s site).

Your clients log in and feel like they are interacting with your own hosting company.

✅ Perfect for agencies, resellers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs!

How to White‑Label Your cPanel

Follow these easy steps:

1. Log into Your WHM (Web Host Manager)

• Use your host WHM login.
• If you don’t have WHM access yet, check how to upgrade your hosting plan here (internal link).

2. Navigate to “Customization”

• In WHM, find cPanel > Customization.
• Here you’ll see four tabs: Branding, Customization, Public Contact, and Documentation Link.

3. Upload Your Logo and Favicon

• Under Branding, upload your company logo.
• Upload a favicon (small browser icon) too for full branding.

Tip: Use high-quality images (PNG preferred) for best results!

4. Set Your Brand Colors

• Customize the main theme color, sidebar color, and accent color.
• Match these to your business’s primary brand colors.

5. Add Custom Footer Links

• Under Public Contact, you can link to your support page, home page, or contact form.
• This ensures your clients know where to get help (from you).

6. Save and Preview

• Always preview your changes before making them live.
• Once happy, Save Settings.

Done! Your clients now have a fully branded cPanel experience.

Why White‑Label with Sternhost?

• Professionalism: Boosts your agency’s image.
• Trust: Clients see YOUR brand, not third-party brands.
• Upsell Opportunities: Easier to offer premium hosting services.
• Seamless Support: Clients contact YOU directly, not Sternhost.

At Sternhost, we offer flexible hosting plans built for agencies who want to scale fast. See why agencies trust us — check our agency hosting plans here (internal link).

Final Thoughts

With Sternhost’s easy white-label cPanel tools, your brand stays front and center. Start customizing your client experience today and grow your agency with confidence!

Need help setting up your white-labeled portal? 🚀 Contact Sternhost Support — we’re happy to assist.