What is Shared Web Hosting?

• 2 January 2023
• ThunderVM Team
• Domains, Hosting

Shared web hosting is a type of web hosting service that allows multiple websites to be hosted on a single server. This type of hosting is often the most affordable option for small business owners, bloggers, and individuals looking to host a website.

Benefits of Shared Web Hosting

One of the main benefits of shared web hosting is the cost. Because multiple websites are hosted on a single server, the cost of hosting is shared among all of the websites on the server. This means that each website only has to pay a small portion of the total cost of hosting, making it much more affordable than other types of hosting.

Another benefit of shared web hosting is the ease of use. Most shared hosting plans come with a control panel that allows users to easily manage their websites, including creating and managing email accounts, installing software, and managing database. This makes it easy for individuals who may not have a lot of technical experience to manage their own website.

Drawbacks of Shared Web Hosting

There are, however, some drawbacks to shared web hosting. One of the main drawbacks is that because multiple websites are hosted on a single server, the resources of the server are shared among all of the websites. This means that if one website experiences a lot of traffic, it could potentially slow down the performance of the other websites on the server.

Additionally, because multiple websites are hosted on a single server, there is a greater risk of security breaches. If one website on the server is hacked, it could potentially compromise the security of the other websites on the server as well.

Control Panels

Shared web hosting plans often come with a control panel that allows users to easily manage their websites. There are two main control panel options: cPanel and Plesk.

cPanel

cPanel is a user-friendly control panel that allows users to easily manage their websites, including creating and managing email accounts, installing software, and managing databases.

Plesk

Plesk is another popular control panel option that allows users to easily manage their websites. It also offers a range of tools for developers, such as support for multiple languages and integration with Git.

Alternatives to Shared Hosting

If shared web hosting is not the right fit for your website, there are other options available.

VPS (Virtual Private Server) Hosting

VPS hosting is a type of hosting that provides a virtualized environment for your website. This means that your website will have its own dedicated resources, such as memory and processing power, within a shared server. This can provide more stability and performance for your website than shared hosting.

Dedicated Server Hosting

Dedicated server hosting is a type of hosting where a single server is dedicated solely to your website. This means that your website will have access to all of the resources of the server, making it the most powerful and stable option. However, it is also the most expensive option.

Is Shared Web Hosting Right for Me?

Despite these drawbacks, shared web hosting is often the best option for small businesses and individuals looking to host a website on a budget. It offers a cost-effective way to get a website online and provides a simple way for users to manage their website. However, it may not be the best option for larger businesses or websites with a high volume of traffic, as the limited resources of the shared server may not be able to support the increased demand.

How to Buy Shared Hosting

Purchasing shared web hosting is relatively simple and straightforward. Here is a general guide on how to buy shared hosting:

1. Determine your hosting needs. Before you start looking for a hosting provider, it’s important to determine your hosting needs. This includes factors such as the amount of storage space and bandwidth you will need, the number of websites you will be hosting, and any special features you may need (such as a specific control panel or support for a particular programming language).
2. Research hosting providers. Once you have a clear idea of your hosting needs, it’s time to start researching hosting providers. Look for providers that offer the features you need at a price you can afford. Be sure to read reviews and compare the pros and cons of different providers.
3. Choose a hosting plan. Most hosting providers offer a range of shared hosting plans to choose from. Choose a plan that meets your needs and budget.
4. Set up an account. Once you have chosen a hosting provider and plan, it’s time to set up an account. This typically involves providing your personal and billing information and choosing a domain name (if you don’t already have one).
5. Purchase your hosting plan. Once you have set up an account, you can purchase your hosting plan. This is typically done through a secure online payment system.
6. Set up your website. Once your hosting plan is purchased, you can start setting up your website. This typically involves uploading your website files and configuring any necessary settings in the control panel.

By following these steps, you can easily purchase shared web hosting and get your website up and running in no time.