When setting up a website, terms like “domain hosting” and “web hosting” can be confusing, especially if you're new to the world of websites. Both are essential for getting your site online, but they serve different purposes. In this guide, we’ll break down what domain hosting and web hosting mean and how they work together to make your website accessible.
What is Domain Hosting?
Domain hosting is a service that manages your website’s domain name. A domain name is your website’s address on the internet, like www.example.com. It’s what users type in their browser to find your site.
- Domain Registrar: Companies like Sternhost, Namecheap, or Google Domains provide domain registration services. They allow you to purchase and register your domain name.
- Purpose of Domain Hosting: Ensures that your domain name is connected to your website so that users can access it.
Example: Think of a domain name as the address of your house. Domain hosting is like the phone book that lists your address so people can find it.
What is Web Hosting?
Web hosting is the service that provides the space where your website’s content lives. It’s where all the data, images, text, and code of your website are stored and made available to users.
- Web Hosting Providers: Companies like Sternhost, SiteGround, and HostGator offer web hosting services that store your website on their servers.
- Types of Web Hosting:
- Shared Hosting: Multiple websites share the same server resources. It’s cost-effective but may slow down if traffic increases.
- VPS Hosting: Offers more resources and better performance by virtually partitioning a single server.
- Dedicated Hosting: A server dedicated to one website, providing maximum performance and control.
- Cloud Hosting: Uses multiple servers for flexibility and high uptime.
Example: If your domain is your house’s address, web hosting is the actual house where all your belongings (your website’s content) are stored.
Key Differences Between Domain Hosting and Web Hosting
Understanding the differences between these services helps clarify why you need both:
- Function:
- Domain Hosting: Registers and manages your website’s address (the domain name).
- Web Hosting: Stores your website’s files and content and makes them accessible online.
- Service Providers:
- Domain Hosting: Managed by domain registrars like Sternhost
- Web Hosting: Provided by companies specializing in storing website data, like Sternhost or HostGator.
- Dependency:
- Interdependent: A website needs both a domain name and hosting to be live. A domain without hosting points to nothing, and hosting without a domain has no clear address for users to find the site.
Can Domain Hosting and Web Hosting Be Bundled?
Yes, many service providers offer both domain hosting and web hosting as a package:
- All-in-One Providers: Companies like Sternhost allow you to register a domain and host your website under one roof. This can make managing your website simpler and more convenient.
- Separate Services: Some people prefer registering their domain with one company and hosting their site with another for better flexibility or security.
How Do Domain and Web Hosting Work Together?
To make your website accessible to users, you need to connect your domain hosting and web hosting:
- Register a Domain Name: First, purchase a domain name from a domain registrar.
- Choose a Web Host: Select a web hosting service to store your site’s content.
- Connect the Two: Update your domain’s DNS settings to point to your web host’s servers.
Once these steps are complete, users who type your domain name into their browser will be directed to your hosted website.
Conclusion
In summary, domain hosting and web hosting are two essential services needed to get your website online. Domain hosting manages your site’s address, while web hosting provides the space where your site’s content lives. Knowing the difference helps you make informed choices when setting up your website.
SternHost’s scalable and secure hosting plans ensure that your website remains online, even during unexpected issues. Looking for a reliable hosting partner? Try SternHost for superior hosting, domain registration, and WordPress hosting solutions tailored to your needs.
