You use the most Common Web Hosting Features if you have a blog. Choosing a web host is one of the first steps you take, or must take, to have a blog. Maybe you have a WordPress website or are planning to get one. Many hosts have the LAMP stack, that is, PHP, Apache, MySQL, and PHP. Here you can install many applications, open-source or closed-source. Since WordPress is an application, you can follow many of the same guidelines to install it. I will explore some of these features and other important ones next:
1. Linux
You’ll find that one hundred percent of supercomputers in the world run Linux. It’s used by 23 out of 25 of the top 25 websites in the world. Ninety percent of all cloud infrastructure uses Linux.
With all these stats, you may wonder, how is it related to you? First, your web hosting provider probably offers Linux. What is Linux? It’s an operating system, just like macOS or Windows. It manages the software or hardware resources on your computer or server.
Linux handles resources efficiently, one of the many reasons your blog is probably powered by it.
2. Apache
Servers need software to operate. I wrote the importance of Linux as a standard feature on your web hosting. You install Apache on Linux. Apache is used by 35.1% of the websites whose servers we know.
What is Apache? It’s an HTTP server, which is open source and free and delivers content through the internet. After development, it became the most popular HTTP client on the internet.
Apache is stable, reliable software. It has frequent updates and security patches. It’s beginner-friendly since it has a module-based structure. Chances are you won’t have to install it, but it’s good to know what is running under the hood of your web hosting servers.
3. MySQL
What is a database server? They are used to manage and store databases stored on the server, providing access to data for authorized users. A database server maintains the data in a central location. This central location can be backed up regularly. In addition, it allows applications and users to access the data throughout the network.
If you use a blog or even something as simple as a photo gallery or shopping list, maybe the records in a corporate database. You may need it to create, read, update, or delete data stored in a database management system like MySQL server.
4. PHP
PHP is a programming language, a set of instructions, commands, and syntax you use to make a software program. Programmers use high-level languages, which can be compiled into low-level languages, which get recognized by computer hardware.
PHP means hypertext preprocessor. WordPress is programmed using PHP. This language has many benefits if you want to dive into code soon. It’s simple and easy to learn. It’s cataloged as one of the easiest scripting languages.
PHP is the way to go if you want to create themes or plugins. Its performance is efficient, gives you much control, and is easy to integrate.
5. Disk Space
As you blog, you’ll realize your text, images, audio, or video content takes up space. Just as your files take up space on your personal computer or laptop, you use space on a web server where you host your files.
Disk space is a critical component related to your hosting plan. It’s also known as web space or storage. This is where you store not only content but also code and databases connected to your website.
At first, you may not need as much space, but as time passes, you might want to check your available capacity.
6. Email Management
I cannot stress how vital email management is, especially for someone getting started in the online world with a blog. Hosting your email server independently is not recommended unless you have a solid reason. The time it takes to provide maintenance could be used for other purposes, such as creating content.
Having your domain in your email provides you with a professional image. In addition, most providers let you create more than one email per domain. This is critical when you have separate emails for different functions, even if you’re a one-man operation.
7. Backups
What is a backup? In information technology (IT), a data backup is a copy of computer information stored elsewhere. Its purpose is to restore the original data in case of a data loss event. If your web hosting provider gives you this feature, they may save you money and headaches down the road.
You’ll find that a third-party solution can be relatively expensive, and it can take technical resources. However, you don’t need to add an extra layer of complexity to your website by having an automated solution. Also, if you need a backup, it’s relatively easier to create a recovery for your data.
8. CPU resources and bandwidth
You will find that resources appear in many forms. How your hosting provider handles CPU resources may indicate how responsive your website will be. Some providers will monitor how many resources your accounts take, and others will monitor each site separately.
Bandwidth is the volume of information you can send over one connection at a specific time. If you are not hosting large video or image files, you can do well with a few GB of bandwidth per month. It’s recommended to choose a hosting plan for your needs. This way, you’ll ensure your users have a top-notch experience.
Conclusion
I have explored some of the most Common Web Hosting Features. I began by explaining why Linux is a fundamental building block of your hosting infrastructure. Quality software is crucial, so I explored the Apache webserver. Most online applications need a database, such as MySQL. Finally, programs are written in a programming language, such as PHP.
I then explored other vital resources such as disk space, email management, backups, and CPU resources & bandwidth. Now you have a complete overview of what it takes to render a page of your blog. These elements work almost invisibly to make sure your content gets released online.
