Difference between Domain and Hosting and How it Works

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When you want to create a website, of course you’ve heard the terms domain and hosting.

However, you may still be confused: What is domain and hosting? What’s the difference and how do they both work?

In short, the difference between domain and hosting lies in their function. Domain is the address of the website, while hosting is the land where the website is built. So, if you’re looking to build a website, of course you need both.

So, discussing in more detail about the differences between hosting and domains, let’s get to know more about what domains and hosting are below!

Definition and Types of Hosting

Hosting or web hosting is a server where all your website files are stored and can be accessed and managed via the internet. Starting from image files, videos, scripts, etc.

If likened to a house, you are like renting a residence that can store all your furniture.

Well, the hosting server does not stand alone. The server is managed and stored in the data center. This is so that the hosting server is safe and can work optimally.

To provide maximum service, Niagahoster uses a Tier 4 standard data center with an availability rate of 99.9999%.

That is, the possibility of server interference is very small. That’s why, the security of Niagahoster user data is guaranteed.

The types of housing that are rented out there certainly vary, yes, just like hosting.

The types of hosting services that are rented also vary and you can choose the one that best suits your needs. The price offered also follows the facilities provided.

For example, here are some types of hosting:

1. Shared Hosting

Cheap shared web hosting is a hosting service where a server is shared by many users at once.

For example, imagine if you rented a boarding unit or a room in a shared house. You will share the same facilities with the other residents of the unit. For example, bathroom, kitchen, etc.

As with shared hosting, your website files will be placed together with other users. And will share the same facilities such as, speed, disk space, etc.

Advantages:

– Economical price, available in several package options;

– Server management is carried out by hosting service providers;

– 24 hour support;

– Complete facilities, starting from disk space, unlimited bandwidth, database, SSL, to a free domain;

– Can accommodate dozens of traffic to hundreds of thousands of visitors per month.

Deficiency:

– Because they are used together, if one user uses the facility excessively and causes an overload, other users can also feel the impact;

– Server access is very limited, users can only manage their own files;

– There are file storage limits and server facilities, so server performance remains optimal.

2. VPS

VPS or Virtual Private Server is a private server whose entire resources are only used by one user.

Because it is private, your server will not be affected by other users.

So, you have the freedom to configure and set your resources. However, you need technical skills for this process.

In one physical server divided into several different resources. And the sharing of this server uses software, that’s why it’s called virtual.

Yes, think of it like a housing complex and you occupy one of the houses. You are free to organize and do anything in your own home.

However, because they are still in the same complex, the main resources are still shared. For example, electricity, water, etc. If the power goes out, yes one complex will feel it.

Just like cloud VPS, if the server is down, the VPS users on the server will also feel it.

Advantages:

– More affordable than Dedicated Servers;

– Free VPS server customization;

– Have a dedicated IP address;

– Full root access;

– Various OS and control panel options;

– Can manage multiple hosting accounts;

– Is scalable, can reduce or increase resources without having to experience downtime;

– Regular VPS Monitoring and Backup.

Deficiency:

– Higher fees than Shared Hosting;

– Install control panel yourself;

– Requires basic knowledge of servers and operating systems.

3. Cloud Hosting

Cloud web hosting is hosting with dedicated resources like VPS, but with the convenience of shared hosting.

You do this by spreading the load across multiple servers at once. So that if one server dies, it still has another back-up server.

The goal is to balance the load (load) and maximize server working hours (uptime).

The difference is that Cloud Hosting is equipped with technical assistance from the hosting manager (full managed).

In addition, settings and configurations can be done in the hosting control panel, so no technical knowledge is required.

It’s like opening a shop or a branch restaurant. Where all consumers are not focused on being in one place. So that you can avoid long queues if there are too many visitors.

Advantages:

– Configuration free or full control to improve own specifications;

– Huge resources;

– High performance and safe;

– Can accommodate very high traffic without bringing the website down;

– Method of sharing backup resources, if one server is overloaded, the load will be shared among other servers;

– Full managed, server configuration and management assisted by the hosting manager;

– Without the need for too deep technical knowledge.

Deficiency:

– Higher cost than VPS and Shared Hosting.

Domain Types and Their Definitions

The definition of a domain is an address that functions to deliver visitors to the desired website.

Initially, the domain was in the form of a very complicated combination of numbers and letters that indicated the address of the hosting server where the website files were stored. Very difficult to remember by internet users.

From there, a naming system for domains was created, its function is to make it easier for anyone to access a website.

So, the browser can recognize the location of the website file from the domain name. Same as the address on the residence you rent or the hosting server.

Not only that, armed with a domain, we can also find out information about the owner. Starting from the name, physical address, email, and others. Well, WHOIS is a list of such personal information. You can check the whois domain to find out the domain owner’s information.

Well, the domain itself is divided into three types, namely;

1. Top Level Domains

Top Level Domain is the extension behind the website name, for example .com, .id, .co.id, .gov, etc. The selection of this extension must be considered because you can choose the one that best suits the purpose of the website.

This TLD is also divided into three types, namely:

– ccTLD or Country Code Top Level Domains. Usually carry country identity, such as .id, .sg, .au, etc.

– gTLD or Generic Top Level Domains. The most commonly used extensions in the world, for example .com, .org, .edu, etc.

– Premium TLDs. Extensions that describe websites more specifically, for example .site, .travel, .doctor, etc.

For example, if you want to create an online store then it is more suitable to use .com or a school website with .sch.id, etc.

The goal is to make the website look more flexible and Google knows what type of website you have.

In fact, there are hundreds of domain extensions in this world. Each type of domain extension has a different price.

2. Second Level Domains

Domain names flanked by Third Level Domains and Top Level Domains. For example www.niagahoster.co.id, then the SLD is niagahoster.

SLD can also serve as the domain name you register. It can be your brand name or company name.

However, you should not be careless in choosing SLD. Because later this SLD will be remembered by your website visitors.

3. Third Level Domains

It is located at the very front, usually if a domain has subdomains. Its function is to divide website pages according to their purpose, such as blogs, orders, courses, etc.

For example, course.niagahoster.co.id, then the third level domain or subdomain is course, which is in the niagahoster domain.

How it Works and Differences Domain Hosting

Do you know what domain and hosting are? They are two different things. The way the two work complement each other.

Domain as an address to a house and that house is hosting. You certainly can’t visit a house without an address.

Just like a website that cannot be accessed without knowing the domain name.

How domains and hosting work can be summarized in the following stages:

1. Website files are stored on the hosting server;

2. Visitors type the domain name in the browser;

3. The browser will ask the server to send the website file to the browser;

4. The server sends the website file in the browser;

5. Visitors can access the website.

Choose Your Hosting and Domain Now!

We have studied what domain and hosting are, how they work, what types they are and how much they cost.

Even though the two are often difficult to distinguish, it seems that now you know what the difference between hosting and a domain is. Both are interconnected and work to build your website.

Until here, do you understand what domain and hosting are? If so, you can create your own website according to your wishes.

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