Lesson One: What is Web Hosting and How does it work?
I understand that this topic is going to be a puzzle for you especially if you are a beginner, so I will try my best to simplify it in a manner you will understand.
I am pretty sure you know what is a website and you know how to type “www.facebook.com” into your internet browser such as Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, etc.
Domain Name – What is it?
The first simple thing you need to know is that “www.facebook.com” is a domain name, similar to “barenakedscam.com”.
In order to get a domain name for your own use, you need to first buy the domain name from a registrar such as Namecheap.
There are many registrars on the internet each selling domain names with prices ranging from a few bucks to $100 or more. For me, I bought “barenakedscam.com” from Namecheap for $10.99/year.
This should allow you to gauge how much to pay for a domain name.
Behind the scene of the Registrar (i.e. Namecheap)
Once you have purchased your domain name, the registrar will assign an IP address for your domain name. This IP address will then be stored on a Domain Name Server (“DNS”). IP address is a computer language to differentiate stuff (like your computer, domain name) on the Internet.
The main purpose for assigning the IP address is to differentiate your domain name from other domain names on the internet. Each domain name on the internet has an unique IP address.
To further simplify it, imagine you bought a new house and you want to invite your friends and family over for a house party, what do you need to provide them with in order for them to find your house? Yes, your unique house address. Similar to the IP address for your domain.
The IP address will allow anyone on the internet to find your website. Of course most of us would not remember the ip address like 66.220.144.0, we would remember “barenakedscam.com” instead.
I just want to make sure you understand the concept up until now, if you still have any problems grasping the concept, do drop me a comment below and I will try to explain to you further.
Domain Name Server (DNS) – Behind the scenes
The job for the DNS is simple, all it needs to do is point the domain name “www.facebook.com” when being typed in the Web Browser (i.e. Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Firefox) to the IP addressed that was being assigned.
In other words, whenever someone (the user) types e.g. “www.facebook.com” into their web browser, the DNS will direct the user to the correct website.
Usually, the DNS service will be included when you buy a domain name from the registrar so you do not need to fret about this.
Domain Hosting
So now we have our unique Domain name and a Domain Name Server that routes people to our website or domain name, at this point, your website is blank (has nothing in it).
You would need many files (CSS, HTML, images, etc) to make your website beautiful and user friendly. All these files will be kept at a place called “Host”.
This is the reason why every website (Domain Name) needs a web hosting service. The price of the web hosting varies with different service providers from $2.95/mth to $30/mth for personal websites.
The picture below will give you a clear picture of how your domain name, Domain Name Server and Web Host connects together.
So What Now? – Follow my Step-by-Step guide to setup your website and monetize it
There are so many web hosting, Domain Name Servers, Registrars companies out there but which one should you choose? What are the aspects you should look out for when choosing a web hosting service?
Do not fret about it, I will guide you through the step-by-step process:
- Lesson 2: Choosing a good Domain name
- Lesson 3: Choosing the best Hosting Service (Coming Soon)
- Lesson 4: Building a website (Coming Soon)
- Lesson 5: Monetizing your Website (Coming Soon)
If you have any questions with regards to the topic discussed above, please do not hesitate to drop me a comment below.
