Web Hosting and Web Hosting Providers:
12 Definitions to Know
Web hosting plan reviews, like those featured on this site, bring with them their own unique set of technical phrases. As a matter of fact, there is an entire language dedicated to the web hosting field. This short glossary will provide you with some brief definitions you should know as you begin your search for a web host provider. Keep in mind that this is not an all inclusive list, but a starting place to help you put new information into context.
Internet Protocol (IP) Number: IP addresses that identify hosts, networks, and your computer, much like your house address is used to identify your city, street, and house number.
Domain Name: Title and address of your website.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator): The standard way an address is presented on the Internet. The first part indicates what protocol to use and the second part specifies a domain name. (e.g. "aol.com")
Server: A computer or software system that allows other computers to store information on it and use its resources.
Web Host: A company that uses servers to connect domain names to Internet Protocol numbers. This enables your domain name to be called up in Internet searches. There are a variety of types of web host providers around, each with its own web hosting plan and offers.
ASP (Active Server Pages): A Windows-based specification that allows web developers to create dynamic sites with database driven content. The server reads the ASP code, translates it into HTML, and sends it back to the browser. The website owner relies on it to ensure that all visitors are able to view the site's dynamic content. PHP is a similar specification used by Linux servers. Your web hosting plan determines which one you will use.
Internet Service Provider (ISP): A company that offers Internet access. Users dial up through a modem, DSL, or cable connection and then move through web pages with their browser.
Audio Streaming: This feature provides the audio content of a website. Since it takes up quite a bit of bandwidth, it may not be included in the web hosting plan you are looking at. Find out before you make a commitment that will exclude a needed item.
Bandwidth: The amount of data that runs through an Internet connection. Larger sites need a web hosting plan that offers more bandwidth than a smaller one does. Pricing structures vary, so you'll want to find out how much your web host provider will charge if you suddenly need to add more to your site.
Common Gateway Interface (CGI): A program that translates data from a web server to a readable format in the web browser. It can be used for visitor registration, guestbooks, technical help, and more. Many web host providers offer prewritten versions of CGI scripts.
Encrypted Password: A password that has been camouflaged to prevent hackers from entering a site area registered to an identify other than their own. Look for this feature in the security features of your chosen web host provider.
