Are you thinking about creating a website? Then you have probably heard of two important terms: hosting and domain.
They get often mixed up because both are necessary to get your website started.
In this article, we explain what is hosting and domain, and how they differ from each other.
What is a domain?
A domain is the name that identifies your website, the address that is typed in the browser for anyone to access it.
It is composed of two parts: the domain name and the extension..
For instance, if you have a company called "Floristería Briseida", your domain and its extension could be www.floristeriabriseida.com.
Keep in mind that the domain is unique and cannot be repeated on the Internet. That is why, if somebody has already registered a domain, no one else will be able to use it.
The domain names have different extensions such as .com, .org, .net. edu, .us, .uk, .info, .biz, .online, .site, .app, .boutique, .tienda, florist, .finance, .media, .tech, among others.
How does a domain work and how does it relate to an IP address?
A domain and its IP can be assimilated to a physical address and its latitude and longitude coordinates. Both refer to the same physical space, but it is easier for ordinary people to locate a place by its name than by its coordinates.
When a user accesses your domain from his browser, it looks for the IP address associated with that domain.
Once located, the browser communicates with the server to request the website content.
An IP address is a series of numbers that identifies the location of the server on which your website is hosted.
Something like this: 209.85.128.0.
So your brain would find it much easier to remember "google.com" than 209.85.128.0, wouldn't it?
What is hosting?
Hosting, or web hosting, is a service that allows you to store your website on a server, so it is considered the place where files and data are stored.
When a user wants to access your website, his browser communicates with the server to request the content of the website.
There are several types of hosting::
- Shared hosting.
- Dedicated hosting.
- Cloud hosting.
- VPS Hosting.
- Hosting for WordPress.
What are the differences between domain and hosting?
Although hosting and domain are terms related to online presence, they are distinct.
The domain is like your home address and the hosting is like the building where you live..
Both are necessary for your website to be available.
So without a domain, people won't find your website. And without hosting, there is no place to host your website.
Therefore, you cannot create a website without first buying a domain name. However, you can have a domain name without creating a website.
Both the hosting and the domain must be renewed periodically and independently; the domain name is usually renewed in annual or bi-annual periods, while the hosting is renewed according to the service plan you have chosen.
How to choose the right hosting and domain for your business or project
Now that you know the differences between hosting and domain, it is important that you know how to choose the right one for your needs.
Some factors that you should consider when hiring a hosting::
- Depending on the size of your website, you will need hosting with adequate capacity to ensure that it loads quickly and does not slow down.
- Select a hosting that offers reliable technical support in case of problems or errors. So look for a hosting company with a good track record of customer support.
- There are many different hosting providers on the market, each with different plans and prices. So choose one that fits your budget.
And these are the factors you should take into account when choosing a domain name:
- Select a domain name that is easy to remember and spell. Don't forget to include your company name or something related to what you offer.
- There are many different domain extensions available, such as .com, .org, .net, among others. So opt for one that fits your company or project.
- Before deciding on a domain name, confirm that it is available for registration. You can check the availability of a domain name on several domain registration websites.
In short, domain and hosting are two different terms, but equally essential when it comes to creating a website.
We hope you are now clear on the differences between the two terms and how they go hand in hand when boosting your website.
And now tell us, are you considering creating a website for your business or project?
If so, contact us because we can surely help you. If you liked this article and you think it can be useful for someone, do not hesitate to share it.
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