How to Differentiate Between a Web Server and Web Host

Have you ever noticed how some people often get confused between the terms like server and host and use them as if they are similar in meaning? But they are not. Each of these terms has a different meaning, and you must understand the difference between host and server to ensure you never get them wrong again.

Let’s understand it here!

What is a Web Server?

A web host or hosting service allows customers to host their websites so that they can be accessed by anyone using the internet. It also enables hackers from accessing data and ensures optimum security for your website. In other words, web servers are mainly computers that deliver web pages. Each web server has a Unique IP address and a domain name. If you type the name of a specific URL, the server searches for that URL on the internet, fetches it, and delivers it to your web browser. All these activities are done within a matter of a few seconds.

A web server is a high-tech machine or a kind of data center India from which you can have easy access to all the information you need. The web server is connected to the browser through a trans-coder. You can visualize web servers as computers that offer web pages.

There are different types of web servers available. Some of them include:

File Server- A file server is a storage device or computer designed to store files. The user uses the server on the network to store files.

Database Server- A database server refers to the server or a device dedicated server hosting to processing database queries.

Print Server- A print server is a device that lets you share the printer with multiple computers on a network.

What is Web Hosting?

A web hosting service, on the other hand, is one of the types of internet hosting service. It is used to connect the websites of companies and individuals to the World Wide Web network so that the website can be accessed and used by those who want to get information from the site.

A web host is defined as a company offering a web hosting service. They are primarily responsible for hosting the website on a server. A web host can sell or rent the server machine and ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently. It is akin to software that powers a computer but does it on a larger scale. To complete the functional part of a website, you will also need a domain name.

There are different types of web hosting available. Some of them include:

1. Shared host- Shared hosting is a web hosting environment that allows multiple websites to share a similar physical server and its resources. It is usually the most cost-effective option for hosting among businesses.

2. Dedicated host- Dedicated hosting is the type of hosting where the single client gets access to the private server. The client gets root access to the server and optimizes it as per the requirement.

3. Free host- Free hosting is hosting that allows hosts to host a limited set of websites and comes with limited storage space and bandwidth. If you need more storage space and resources, you would be required to move top paid hosting.

Web server vs. Web hosting: Basic features

To help you understand the difference clearly, here we bring you server vs. hosting:

A Web server is a computer that runs your website whereas Web hosts make those websites accessible to the user.
The web server provides the services to other devices on the internet. On the contrary, web hosts allow organizations and businesses to run their websites online.

Web servers’ main functions include storing, processing, and delivering web pages. Whereas, the main objectives of a web host include hosting the website, taking care of the setup and technical problems, and keeping the entire site on their servers.

The difference between host and server is also that a web host makes use of many other networks to relay the same set of information. Generally, it uses switches and routers for sending and receiving information. Storing data in multiple data centers also helps in managing data properly.

Conclusion

While understanding the basics between the host vs. the server, it is vital to know that you need both to run your website efficiently.

So if you are deciding on the server and hosting services for your company, you must seek advice from professionals. It is when our experts come into play. At Cyfuture, we provide the best web server and hosting services to ensure you run your website most efficiently. Wait no more and contact our experts now at [email protected]