What Is Web Hosting?

Web hosting supplies the computing resources that deliver a website to visitors. Files, databases and application code run on a server, while a domain name helps a browser find that server. Buying a domain does not automatically buy hosting, and moving your website does not always require moving its domain registration.

Understand the service you are buying

Shared hosting places multiple customer sites on one server and usually includes a control panel. A VPS assigns a virtual machine's resources to your account and can require more administration. Cloud hosting describes an infrastructure model, not a guarantee that a plan includes management. Managed hosting adds work such as system updates or application support, but the exact responsibilities vary by contract.

Read the resource limits

Storage is only one limit. Check traffic allowances, CPU policies, memory, database size and restrictions on background tasks. An “unlimited” plan may still have acceptable-use limits. Ask how exceeding a limit is handled: automatic charges, throttling, a required upgrade or temporary suspension.

Compare total ownership cost

A hosting quote can omit tax, domain renewal, paid backups, email and control-panel licences. Compare the amount charged today and at renewal over the same period. Coupons can reduce an eligible first purchase, but they do not change whether a plan meets your technical requirements.

Before checkout

Keep an independent backup and review the cancellation process. Confirm whether an advertised refund covers domains or add-ons. The providers linked below are catalog entries, not the outcome of a performance test.