What is Shared or Virtual Hosting?
When searching for a web hosting package, you will likely come across the terms ‘Shared Hosting’ and ‘Virtual Hosting’. Both of these terms have the same meaning, which is that your site will be run alongside many others, all on the same server. Sometimes there can be several hundred sites all running on the same server – but this does not mean that they affect each other in any way. They all have individual domain names and files – the only thing that they are sharing is use of the server and its Internet connection.
Servers are extremely expensive items to purchase and run. They also require regular maintenance and updates, and for most small to medium sized companies, buying and running their own server is out of the question. As a result, web hosting companies buy servers, maintain them, update the hardware and software and pay for staff to do all of this. The web hosting companies then sell use of the server to other, smaller companies, and the costs are distributed across the board.
The main advantage for the end user is undoubtedly the cost. By sharing use of a server with other businesses and individuals they are slashing their costs. Shared/virtual hosting plans start at just a few dollars a month, and this includes customer support and technical coverage. As a result, companies who buy shared hosting plans do not need to worry about additional staff costs to maintain the server.
Another advantage of a shared hosting plan is that users are given access to a range of other features and services that come as part of their package. These can include e-mail accounts that are linked to their site, online shopping carts and transaction software, a free domain name and a control panel for maintaining their site and monitoring its performance.
The process of setting up a shared web hosting plan is quick and easy. The first step is to do your research and find a reputable company that offers a package which meets your needs. You should then set up an account, and within a few minutes you will be able to either start creating your site, or uploading your files if you already have an existing site. The whole process should take around 48-72 hours before your website is up and running, and accessible through a regular Internet browser. The main reason for the 2/3 day wait is that it takes this amount of time for your domain name changes to propagate.
For a large proportion of individuals, groups and small-medium sized businesses, shared/virtual web hosting is the most financially viable and best value option when it comes to hosting their site. It is quick and easy to arrange, and can be done without a great amount of experience or technical expertise.