In a nutshell, a website is made up of digital files, data and media such as images and videos which need to be stored on a computer or web server. Working in conjunction with a domain name or IP address, your website is configured within a website hosting service using a web server to be viewed and accessed over the internet.
Like any computer, a web server and hosting service has an operating system which allows you to manage the various services and configurations which are required to run and maintain your website.
Website Hosting Services
Website hosting providers will give access to a variety of specifications and packages to fully manage and maintain your website. Some of the specifications and services which you should expect from a website hosting provider includes:
FTP and File Manager
FTP or File Transfer Protocol is used to access the files and folders, normally located within a File Manager, which make up your website.
This includes folders where files can be uploaded such as images and to store text files which contain some basic configurations to manage errors and page links.
Most hosting companies will provide you with some basic email services, allowing you to create email addresses using the same domain name you are using for your website.
For example, if your website's domain name is digitalchimps.co.uk, you will be able to setup anything@digitalchimps.co.uk
The amount of storage per mailbox and the services you will receive such as webmail to access your emails in your web browser will depend on the website hosting provider you are using.
However, most website hosting providers will provide you with facilities to create your email address and it's settings which are required to access email from your devices.
Website Databases
Most websites will use a database to dynamically store and access data with most hosting companies providing several types of databases to choose from.
The type of database which a website will use is very different from a normal database but can be used, with the database creation tools provided by a website hosting company, to operate on a web server and provide the data requirements for a website.
Domain Name System Settings
The Domain Name System or DNS acts as a phone book of the internet and provides the facility to manage the records included within the settings of a domain name.
The records which are created as part of the DNS ensures that any web servers, hosting, email or other third party services which use the domain name are correctly found.
Most web hosting companies will provide the options for you to fully manage the DNS for your domain name.
Backup & Security
Once setup, your website hosting provider will normally provide you with the options to create a standard or timeline backup of your website. They will also provide you with options to install any security tools and services such as SSL Certificates or at least allow you to install your own security certificates which create a secure connectionbetween your website and users.
Caches & Content Delivery Services
In order for your website to load quickly, website hosting providers will provide you with options to use tools such as a Cache or other web optimisation tools as well as services such as a Content Delivery Network or CDN.
These services and tools are aimed at improving the availability of your website as well as it's speed and delivery to website visitors without adding further costs.
The options and tools which are made available as part of a website hosting service will be different with each provider and can be easily migrated from one hosting provider to another, if the requirements to host your website changes.
If you require further help and advice with setting up or changing the hosting services for your website, you can speak with us today by asking a question or making a support request.