Emerging Business Systems Ltd.

What is the Difference Between Web Hosting and a Domain Registrar

When running a website, web hosting and domain registration usually play a huge role. However, you need to know the distinction between the two, especially if you are thinking about having a new website built.

Definitions

1. Web Hosting – It is an account on a computer, referred to as the server, where you store and serve the website files through the internet.

2. Domain Registration – It’s where you lease a human-readable word such as amazon.com, where you can direct people to specific website files through a browser.

In layman terms, a domain is the address of the website on the internet and hosting refers to virtual land where the website is found.

What You Need To Know About Domain Registration

Internet addresses are known as ‘IP Addresses’. Actually, it might not make sense to a layman because it’s a long series of numbers. Rather than typing the entire series of numbers to access the website, you will register a domain address as the website owner that routes your visitors to that specific IP address.

When you register a domain name, you will be leasing it from the ICANN (Internet Corporation for Names and Numbers). The authority provides domains through approved registrars. On its own, the domain can’t do anything. Basically, registering a domain provides you with the right to direct your website wherever you want. Some of the most common Domain Registrars are Go Daddy, Network Solutions, Blue Host or Register.com

What You Need To Know About Web Hosting

A web host is an account present on a server where your web files are stored. A hosting company owns some pre-configured servers which are leased depending on the signed plan. Emerging Business Systems has servers which we can host your website on.

Other Terminologies

1. DNS (Domain Name System) – It is a system that translates your domain name into an IP address. It might be different from your domain registration and hosting account. The hosting company or domain registrar will provide you with a DNS.

2. Content Management System – You are allowed to write HTML files and upload them to your hosting account. As a website owner, you can edit and manage your website directly. Using the CMS, you can build, edit and manage your website from a single dashboard. Make sure the CMS is installed on your hosting account to allow this. WordPress is one of the most commonly used CMS on the internet.

Conclusion

Once you have leased a domain name, you need to keep up with the regular payments to maintain the registration. If you don’t pay the yearly fee, your site will go down and you could possibly lose your domain name. The same goes for your hosting needs. Contact Emerging Business Systems today to learn more.