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Independent hosting guide

What Is Web Hosting?

Web hosting is the service that provides the server resources needed to make a website available online.

Hosting, domain, and website

Your website is the content and software people use. Your domain is the address people type. Hosting is where the site runs and where its files, databases, and related services live.

Common hosting types

Shared hosting places multiple customers on shared server resources. VPS hosting gives an account a more isolated allocation of resources and usually more control. Dedicated hosting gives a customer a server environment intended for their use.

Domain vs Hosting

Understand the difference between a domain name and web hosting and why most websites need both.

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What Is Shared Hosting?

Learn how shared hosting works, who it suits, and where its resource limits can matter.

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What Is VPS Hosting?

Understand VPS hosting, greater resource control, and the situations where it can make sense.

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What Is Dedicated Hosting?

Learn what dedicated hosting provides and why higher resource sites may consider it.

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Where to go next

If you are buying hosting, first identify the hosting type that fits the site. Then compare providers and plans within that category.