If you’ve recently begun your search for web hosting, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed by all of the options available to you. Likewise, with so much terminology and jargon used in the hosting world, things can be even more confusing.
By having a better understanding of some of the most common web hosting terms and what they mean, you can make a more informed decision when selecting a hosting plan that works for you.
1. Bandwidth
This is an important term because the amount of bandwidth you have can greatly affect the performance of your server. Specifically, bandwidth refers to the amount of data that is transferred when users download files, visit your website, or otherwise take in content.
2. cPanel
Another word for “control panel,” cPanel refers to a dashboard offered by most hosting companies that allows users to access and manage their accounts. On your cPanel platform, you can install software, manage security functions, and upload content.
3. DNS
A domain name system (DNS) translates domain names into Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. This allows websites to be easily accessed using their web URLs rather than their IP number.
4. SSL
An acronym for Secure Sockets Layer, SSL refers to a security feature that automatically encrypts information as it is sent between a browser and a server. This provides additional protection and peace of mind for website owners and those sending data through the site.
5. Uptime
Uptime refers to the amount of time a server is up and running versus being down for maintenance or any other issue. Ideally, a server should offer a 100% uptime guarantee.
6. Web host
Web hosts are companies or services that provide servers and website hosting to the public. These hosting companies may offer shared hosting, dedicated hosting, or some combination of the two.
7. VPS
A virtual private server (VPS) is a type of shared hosting plan that offers some additional benefits similar to that of a dedicated server. Specifically, a VPS provides a more exact division of resources so that each user on the server can enjoy guaranteed allocation of resources and better performance.
8. Cloud hosting
A cloud host is a hosting plan that involves taking one server and sharing its resources among several users or websites via the cloud. This makes hosting more affordable, but sharing resources can often affect performance and security.
9. Dedicated Server
As you explore your hosting options, you may wonder, “What is a dedicated server?” This type of hosting plan gives you access to a personal server located at a secure data center. The most significant advantage of a dedicated hosting plan is that you don’t have to share resources with any other users, providing improved performance, reliability, and security.
10. Managed hosting
Many hosting companies offer a managed hosting plan, where users are given a dedicated representative who will handle all aspects of their hosting. This includes server setup, maintenance, and more.
Take the Confusion Out of Your Hosting Plan
Web hosting jargon can be confusing, but the process of choosing a great hosting plan doesn’t have to be. A dedicated server from ReliableSite offers the quality support you need with unrivaled security. Contact us today to explore your options or to learn more web hosting tips!