By Quinne Lowe | Published August 8, 2018
Understanding computer technology can be a difficult task. People use computers on a daily basis, but when they hear terms like mainframe, hypertext markup language (HTML), cache, or JavaScript, it sounds like a foreign language. Like the many languages of countries throughout the world, computer-talk has its own vernacular.
What is a domain name?
Simply put, a domain name is the name of your website. It is the words/characters that come after the “www.” in a URL (uniform resource locator) that identifies your space on the internet.
Understanding what a URL is and how each of its parts operate will bring clarity to the function of the domain name.
An example is https://oskyblue.com.
The “HTTP” stands for hypertext transfer protocol. It is how one computer speaks to another.
The “WWW” stands for “world wide web” which is a global collection of documents and other resources.
“Oskyblue.com” is the domain name or identification label for the website located on the internet. When the hyperlink is live, clicking on the URL will take you directly to a site that will let you know about “Oskyblue.” The extension or “.com” part of the domain name refers to the top level domain (TLD.) In addition to “.com”, “.net” and “.org” are a few commonly used open access extensions; URL extensions like .edu, .gov, and .mil can also be used but they require industry verification to be used.
Now that you have a better understanding of what a domain name is, it is time to look at what web hosting means and how it fits into the massive world of online technology.
What is website hosting?
It is a virtual and physical location where all information about your site is stored. The data can be stored and shared through many channels including:
1. Shared Web Hosting: Along with other sites, you pay a monthly fee to a super server to house your data. Startup websites tend to go this route because the management and troubleshooting tasks are handled by the hosting site which makes it easier for the site owner to focus on content. Examples include Godaddy.com and Bluehost.com.
2. Reseller Web Hosting: Similar to shared web hosting, but the home server offers services that allow you to sell server space as well. Examples are Krystal.co.uk, Siteground.com, and GoDaddy also provides reseller services.
3. Cloud based web hosting: The most significant benefit to cloud-based hosting is the ability to adjust your “server” size based on the growth and speed requirements needed for your growing site instantly. Examples include: Dreamhost, Liquid Web, and CloudWays.
4. Dedicated Web hosting: You rent the server space, but you have full control of it. The user has full administrative access to the server, which means the client is responsible for the security and maintenance of his dedicated server.
5. Co-location Web hosting: The web host only supplies the building. Everything else; server software, data storage, backup procedures, and server hardware are provide by you. You are also responsible if there are any failures with the system. This option is better suited for those who are high-level tech savvy.
As you can see, it’s pretty easy to differentiate between the two; a domain is the name of your website, and the web hosting is where the data and information contained on your site are stored.
Osky Blue offers secure and reliable website hosting and first-rate technical support to ensure your website is up and on-spec at all times. Our website hosting packages include monthly support hours and a direct line to the Osky Support Team.
Hosting services include: