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What is web hosting? A simple guide
Web hosting is a service that keeps your website files on a computer (a server) that is connected to the internet all day. When someone types your domain name, their browser asks that server for your pages and shows them.
What you need for a website
- A domain name such as
yourbusiness.com(the address). - Hosting (the place where the files live).
- Your website files, or a tool like WordPress.
Main types of hosting
- Shared hosting: many small sites share one server. Cheapest and easiest.
- VPS hosting: your own private slice of a server with more power and control.
- Dedicated server: a whole physical server only for you.
Not sure what to pick? Read which hosting plan should I choose or see our hosting plans.
More in Hosting basics
- What is shared hosting and who is it for?
- Shared hosting vs VPS: which one do you need?
- What is a VPS (virtual private server)?
- What is a VDS and how is it different from a VPS?
- What is a dedicated server and when do you need one?
Still stuck? Open a support ticket.