What is Shared Hosting ?
Shared web hosting is the most popular and the least expensive form of web hosting on Internet, and used by more than 99% of all websites.
However many new potential website owners are often put off by the term "shared hosting" as they think it means a inferior form of web hosting, when in fact it really doesn't
Shared hosting utilises the fact that web servers are so powerful that they can host multiple websites simultaneously.
If you use a shared hosting plan then in reality your website is sharing a web server with many other websites.
It is very similar concept to renting a shop in a shopping complex.
There are limitations in using shared hosting but in reality these limitations do not affect 99.9% of websites.
Although you share the physical server with other websites the management of the website is completely separate, and you can only manage your websites and not other websites on the shared server.
There are two types available:
- Free Hosting
- Normal Paid Hosting
Free Hosting
Free web hosting is not recommended for commercial websites and is discussed more fully in the free website hosting section. Free hosting isn't suitable for business sites.
Paid Hosting
This is typically the choice of a small to mid-sized business offering clients the ability to host their Website with their own domain name on a powerful, professionally managed server at a low monthly cost (typically $7-$18 per month).
You can choose Linux or Microsoft server. Linux is usually the preferred option and you should only choose Microsoft if you understand that you have a specific need for it.
The actual Web services offered by the providers, and their prices, differ greatly and you should understand what you want from your website and compare several providers before choosing.
I use and recommend two host one in the UK and the other in the
USA. They are
Blue Host and
1&1-UK
.
You should also remember that if you want to host several websites it is possible to use a single account for multiple websites using Multiple Domain Hosting providing your hosting provider support it.
Again both
Blue Host and
1&1-UK
do.
Cheap Hosting Problems
If you encounter problems with a shred hosting provider it is usually because the provider tries to pack to many websites on each physical web server with the result that the website are very slow.
If you are in such a situation then you may need to move provider. Although it isn't that difficult it is time consuming and is really best avoided by taking your time to choose wisely.
Bluehost and 1and 1
If you use these providers you will find articles relating to these providers on the site in the hosting section (left menu).
Shared Hosting Video
For those who prefer video here is an overview video explaining shared hosting.
You can comment on the video at youtube
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