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Domain web hosting in a nutshell
Domain hosting is a process by which companies or individuals can secure
a website address - known as a domain name - and commission a company to host
it on the internet. It is then up to the webmaster of that domain name to build
and develop a website which is linked to from the registered domain name. When
web visitors type in the web address of the specified domain, they will be
directed to the associated website.
Domain names or web URLs are just site names that one enters in order to
get access to a website. In technical terms, a website address comprises of a
long sequence of specific numbers known as an IP address and the domain name is
just a mask of that IP address. In short, domain names are just an easy
reference to a site’s numerical location, so that the site’s visitors do not
have to remember a complicated sequence of numbers in order to access it. They
can also give the visitor a real idea of what the website will be about – something
very important for driving visitors to a site, and something that a set of
numbers could not possibly do.
Purchasing a domain name and then hosting it on the internet are two
separate processes, either done by the same or separate domain hosting companies,
depending on which option is chosen. Some webmasters prefer to register their
domain name and have their site hosted by the same domain hosting company as
they like the idea of having everything administered by the same hosting
organisation. Others prefer to purchase a domain from a website hosting company
specializing in domain registration, many of whom charge less than if they were
to buy it from the hosting company that they choose to host their site with. It
is possible to move domains from a domain hosting company to company with
relatively little cost or hassle, but is always worth checking each individual
domain hosting company’s procedures before you go with them.
Free domain hosting services
For novice webmasters who cannot afford to buy hosting plans, the option
of hosting their domain with a free domain host may be an attractive one. There
are many that can be found on blogs and forums across the internet. These free
web hosting companies should be approached with caution however. Firstly, you
cannot use you own domain name in the web address or email address, as the
company will insist that you use their details. Another downside of these free
web hosts is that you may be obliged to fill your web site up with their
advertising banners – something that will detract from your brand identity,
overall look and functionality of your website.
If you are serious about your business or project, you really should opt
to have an individual domain name which refers to the products or services offered
on your related website. That way people can easily find your website and just
by reading your domain name can have an indication of what it is you do. It is
also advisable to have a clean and crisp website within which you have control
over what adverts or marketing, if indeed any are featured. Thus it is advised
to host your domain name and website with a reputable domain hosting company.
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