Clarity on web hosting

[PowerPix]

I know some people are confused on how this works.

Hosting is the use of storage space and resources on Internet servers . For most people, it is less expensive to rent space on someone else's Internet server than to own and maintain an Internet server of their own.

When most people hear the word "hosting" in the context of the Internet, their first thought is website hosting. Many believe this to be the only type of hosting. In fact, web hosting (storage space for files uploaded or retrieved through the use of the Internet) is only one of three types of Internet hosting, all of which are essential to establish and maintain a presence on the Internet. Each type of hosting has its own value and importance. They are not necessarily tied to one another and each can be provided by different vendors, or they all could be provided by the same vendor.

The three types of hosting are: domain hosting, e-mail hosting, and web hosting.
Consider the following:

1. Your domain host does not need to be the company that hosts your website or your e-mail.

2. Your e-mail host does not need to be the company that hosts your domain or your website.

3. Your website host does not need to be the company that hosts your domain or your e-mail.

When you first purchase a domain name, your registrar will usually take care of the 'domain hosting' for you at no additional fee. They should offer you the ability to point your domain to any website you indicate and, if applicable, they should be able to add the appropriate records for your e-mail to be directed to your e-mail hosts' servers.

If you opt to create a website that is actually 'attached' to your domain (rather than using one that already exists somewhere on the internet and simply pointing to it) your website host will usually take over the domain hosting, which will allow them to handle the website hosting. If your e-mail account is hosted elsewhere, your website host will still be able to create the MX (Mail Exchange) records which will direct e-mail traffic to your e-mail host's servers. While this is a little technical, it is good to know your options when speaking with vendors about their services. You want to be an "informed consumer."