A Complete Guide for Beginners on How to Host a Website

A Complete Guide for Beginners on How to Host a Website
When it comes to starting a website, the first thing to think about is selecting a web hosting provider (if you already have a web domain). The web hosting provider provides webspace (i.e., special computers called web servers) as well as the technologies and services required for your website to be viewed on the Internet.

Data backup, firewall protection, technical support, email services, domain name registration, website building tools, and applications are examples of add-on services provided by a web hosting provider.



How to Host a Website

1. Determine the Type of Website You Desire

Typically, there are two types of websites:

1. Static Websites
Websites that are static or basic are simple websites that have one or more web pages (called HTML pages). You can create them on your computer using software such as Dreamweaver, and then upload them to your host's server using any FTP client (such as FileZilla). You'll have to edit the pages on your computer and upload them again whenever you need to make changes to your website. Static websites can't be changed dynamically, so they're referred to as such. Static websites are less expensive than dynamic websites (see below), but they have limited functionality and no e-commerce or interactivity options.

2. Dynamic Websites
Dynamic websites contain information that changes depending on the time of day, the viewer, and other factors. To create and update content, they use both client-side and server-side scripts. Client-side scripts, which run on the user's computer, are primarily used for presentation and interaction. Server-side scripts, which run on a server and are widely used by e-commerce and social networking sites, enable users to have individual accounts and provide a personalized response for each user. Dynamic websites are CMS-driven and allow you to directly add and edit content (text, design, photos, and videos), as well as allow visitors to leave comments and scribble.

Dynamic websites are CMS-driven, allowing you to directly add and edit content (such as text, design, photos, and videos), as well as allow visitors to leave comments and start discussions. Businesses and organizations benefit greatly from dynamic websites. Blogs, forums, photo galleries, and e-commerce sites are examples of dynamic websites.

2. Select Your Hosting Server

In contrast to static HTML sites, which can be hosted on almost any web server, there are two types of hosting platforms for web applications. You can select from the following options based on your hosting requirements and level of comfort:

  1. Linux hosting allows the execution of scripts written in PHP, Perl, Python, and other Unix-derived languages, and typically supports PostgreSQL and MySQL databases. This is the most common system in use today.
  2. Windows hosting, which allows the execution of ASP scripts using.NET and other Microsoft technologies, as well as support for Microsoft SQL Server and Access databases.


3. Choose a Web Hosting Plan

Web hosting typically provides a wide range of services, such as:

  1. Shared hosting allows you to share the physical server with other website owners. You will, however, have your separate account (secured with login credentials). Because the cost of running the server is shared by you and the other website owners, shared hosting is very inexpensive.
  2. VPS Hosting (Virtual Private Server Hosting): VPS hosting stores each website on a powerful server that is divided into several virtual compartments. The server software is set up separately so that each unit can operate independently. If you require high security, this should be your preferred option. If you have high-security concerns but do not want to invest in a faster (but more expensive) dedicated server, this should be your preferred option. Bluehost is consistently ranked as one of the best VPS hosting providers, and hosting companies in general.
  3. Dedicated Hosting: Dedicated hosting provides you with an entire server to yourself, making it faster, more secure...and more expensive. Because it allows for maximum customization, configuration, installation, and flexibility, it is the ideal solution for larger businesses and high-traffic websites.
  4. Cloud hosting enables multiple virtual servers (clouds) to collaborate to host a website or a group of websites. It has an infinite capacity to handle sudden traffic spikes. A cloud-hosted website is not limited to a single server, and the resources allocated to it can shrink or expand dynamically based on traffic. It's an excellent choice for large websites, such as e-commerce sites, newsletters, and blogs.

4. Modify Your DNS Address

After purchasing web hosting, you will receive Name Servers (also known as Domain Name Servers or DNS) – the Internet's equivalent of a phone book containing IP Addresses.

  1. To get your website up and running, you'll need to modify your domain's Name Servers. It is a simple but necessary step for you to begin. Navigate to your Domain Control Panel by typing http://manage.(hosting company).com/customer into your browser.
  2. Enter your email address and password from your account.
  3. Select the Domain Name for which you want to change the Name Servers.
  4. Click the Name Servers option in the Domain Registration section.
  5. Replace the existing Name Servers with the ones supplied by your current web host, and then click the Update Name Servers button.

5. Publish Your Website

You can now upload your website to your account by connecting to the server via cPanel's File Manager or an FTP Client (such as FileZilla) – your website will then go live.

How to Use the cPanel File Manager to Upload Your Website
  1. Access your cPanel.
  2. Click on the File Manager icon.
  3. Select Web Root and press the Go button.
  4. Add all of the files and folders in the public HTML and domain folders.

How to Use an FTP Client to Upload Your Website
An FTP program, such as FileZilla Client, can be used to connect to FTP. It enables you to view the files and folders on our server in the same way that you would on your computer. You can use it to drag and drop files from your website into the /public_html/ folder.

Follow these steps to connect to your web server using FileZilla:
  1. Install and launch FileZilla.
  2. Select Site Manager from the File menu.
  3. Click on New Site and give it a name, such as your real domain name.
  4. In the FTP Address field, enter the IP address of your website.
  5. Enter the username and password that were sent to you in your welcome email.
  6. Set the Port number to 21. (FTP always runs on Port 21)
  7. Connect by clicking the button

When you connect your FTP, you will see the following files and folders:
  1. On the left, there is a local computer.
  2. On the right, there is a web hosting service.

Follow these steps to upload files to your hosting service provider using FileZilla:
  1. Choose the file(s) and folder(s) to upload from the FileZilla menu on the left.
  2. Drag the file(s) or folder(s) to the directory location on the right side of your web hosting service. FileZilla will now begin the uploading process.
  3. When the upload is complete, the FileZilla log will confirm success and your uploads will be visible on the right-hand side.

That's it! Your website is now operational.

We hope you enjoyed reading it and learned something new, as that is our main goal. As the top and award-winning SEO Agency Dubai, Mobile App Design firm in Dubai, and Web Development Company London, we will always provide you with outstanding site content.
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