Websites can be uploaded to web hosts using the FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or a web interface provided by the host. Hosting a website becomes simpler with the use of a web interface as the user is saved from the hassle and technicalities of FTP. Once the website has been uploaded on the web host, it can be accessed through the internet when linked correctly with a domain name.
Hosting a Website on a Personal Server
Website hosting on a personal server has both its pros and cons. Again, the type of the website must decide as to does it need a personal server or not. An organization needing security and stability for its website or websites to run successfully 24*7 may as well maintain a server for its websites but an individual owning a small business on the internet may lose a lot of money on hosting the website on a personal server.
The first important thing required for a server is the hardware. A good computer that can run 24 hours a day without crashing and a solid internet connection again available 24 hours, are the very primary requirements for a server.
Also, software necessary to run a computer as a server would be required. Server licenses are fairly expensive than client software. With the number of security threats increasing everyday, continuous efforts are required to keep the server updated against any negative impact due to a vulnerability being exploited by a threat.
Hence, personal server hosting is advised only if required and very necessary. Internet Service Providers and web hosting services do a fair job in providing hosting services sufficient for an individual’s need or those of a small organization.
To read more about how to host a website on a personal computer and the risks involved in it, read the article Host A Web Server On Your Home PC by Ashish Mohta published in Technospot.net.
Choosing a Web Host for a Website
There are several factors to keep in mind when choosing a web host for a website. These factors depend upon the necessities of the website.
If the website is a small personal website that has little needs from a web host, free hosting would be a good option. Free hosting does not allow PHP or SQL support that are indeed of little use to a personal website owner. If the website is a test run or a first website, owned by an individual wishing to try his hands on website design, free host would be a good choice.
The most used form of hosting is shared hosting. Small business websites, professional websites, and even websites with high traffic perform well on shared hosts. Here, the website owner is able to access the webmaster controls provided by the web host and utilize the resources of the web server. They provide personalized email accounts, larger bandwidth, greater storage space and many such functions.
For very large organizations that need an even greater bandwidth and storage space, dedicated servers are the solution. A particular server is allotted to the website that is fully dedicated to hosting it. Unlimited bandwidth and storage space is provided by these servers. Resources can be added and removed as per website requirement by paying for them.