What is Web Hosting?

Web hosting is renting space on a server to store your website’s files, making your site accessible to people across the globe. 

Although multiple websites can share the same server (in shared hosting), your files remain separate and secure, ensuring smooth and independent operation.

How Web Hosting Works

1. Storing Website Files
   Your website’s files—HTML, CSS, images, videos, and databases—are stored securely on a hosting server.
2. Connecting Visitors via Domain Name
   When someone types your website’s domain name (like www.example.com) into a browser, the Domain Name System (DNS) translates it into an IP address that points to your hosting server.
3. Serving Your Website
   The server sends your website files back to the visitor’s browser, making your site instantly accessible anywhere in the world.
   

Operating Systems for Hosting

Linux and Microsoft Windows are the two most widely used operating systems for web hosting, each offering unique features and advantages depending on your website’s needs.

Why Choose Linux Hosting?

• Open-source and customizable for specific needs
• Strong security with quick community-driven fixes
• Reliable and stable with long-term support
• Supports PHP, MySQL, WordPress, and other CMS
• Scalable for high traffic and resource-heavy sites
• Cost-effective with no licensing fees
• Strong community support for troubleshooting and updates

Why Choose Windows Hosting?

• User-friendly and intuitive for beginners
• Full support for ASP, ASP.NET, MSSQL, and Access
• Seamless integration with Microsoft and third-party apps
• Regular updates and official Microsoft support
• Ideal for enterprises and multi-user operations
• Minimal technical knowledge required for setup
• Licensing fees apply; higher cost for small businesses
  

Types of Hosting

• Shared Hosting
  Description: Multiple websites share one server.
  Pros: Low cost, beginner-friendly.
  Cons: Limited resources, less control.
  Best For: Small personal blogs.

• VPS Hosting (Virtual Private Server)
  Description: A physical server is divided into virtual servers with dedicated resources.
  Pros: More control, better performance.
  Cons: Requires technical knowledge.
  Best For: Growing small-to-medium businesses.

• Dedicated Hosting
  Description: An entire server is dedicated to your website.
  Pros: Maximum performance, full control, high security.
  Cons: Higher cost, requires server management responsibility.
  Best For: High-traffic websites and large businesses.

• Cloud Hosting
  Description: Website runs on a network of virtual servers.
  Pros: Scalable, highly available, flexible.
  Cons: Can be complex; cost depends on usage.
  Best For: Scalable startups, apps, growing websites.

Professional Hosting Support

Having professional hosting support ensures your website runs smoothly and stays secure. Services may include proactive monitoring, security updates, backups, and rapid troubleshooting. Services include:

• Proactive monitoring and server management
• Security updates and patching
• Regular backups and restoration
• Fast troubleshooting of issues

NixTree provides 24/7 expert support for all hosting types, so you can focus on your content while your website stays fast, secure, and always online.