Hosting Explained

Introduction
For a web site to be made available on the Internet, it has to be hosted on a ‘web server’ this is a computer that is constantly connected to the Internet and can accept incoming connections from other computers. It's just like renting property, because you rent space on the web server from the company that own it. Many companies spend thousands of pounds a year on web hosting for their business critical systems and applications.

What is a domain name?
A domain name is a name or phrase that is associated to your business that will make your Website and e-mail address easy to recognise and remember. For example, If my company name was Elizabeth Jordan, the company domain name could be www.elizabethjordan.net and your e-mail could be sales@elizabethjordan.net

What does it do?
Basically a domain name is a pointer, this means that when a domain name is typed into a browser the domain name points to the web server (host) that the Website is located on. It helps people to identify with your company name or product just by looking at your domain name. When they want to browse your Website on-line they will type in your domain name and this will locate your Website quickly. It is far easy to remember a domain name than it is to remember a number.

Why do I need one?
Every website needs a domain name. If you are a business, you ideally need your own domain name, but if you are working on a personal homepage a domain name isn't quite as important. Having your own personal domain name is a very professional look and it is also best to be kept short so that your customers and potential customers are not typing in long addresses when they want to contact you. It is also far easier to remember. A domain name on a business card looks much better than a long drawn out name that would be used with just your ISP

Example;
Domain Name = www.jordanitservices.net
ISP Name = http://www.globalnet.co.uk/users/~jordanitservices/index.html

What's the most popular type of hosting plan?
Virtual hosting like Jordan IT Services hosting solutions is the most common plan. It allows people starting a serious business or money making website to get online at a low cost to begin with and as their Website grows they can increase the services they require.

What hosting plan do I need?
Before choosing your hosting package, you should identify what your needs are. Make sure you focus on the essentials that are required to launch your Website. You may want all the nice extras but will you use them? It's also a good idea to try and pick a host that will allow you to expand and increase your plan as and when your Website grows like Jordan IT Services.

For more information on domain hosting and hosting options, please contact us.