Web Hosting Related Glossary : 50 Web Hosting Terms & Definitions

Web hosting is not just about hosting your site or buying space, bandwidth on rent. There are many terms and phrases that you might not be familiar with. You will be able to understand what your web hosting package includes if you have a good understanding of all aspects. You might be unfamiliar with different terms when you first start to look into web hosting.

This comprehensive list contains all important terms and phrases related to web hosting:

Addon Domain: An additional domain can be added to your control panel. You can use the addon domain to host a website, create email addresses, forwarders, and many other functions. The addon domain can be used in the same way as your main domain, and will act as seperate site.

Apache Web Server: The Apache webserver delivers web content to users through their web browsers. Apache is an open-source web server that is free and open-source. It is maintained by an open group of Apache developers. Apache is a feature-rich, stable web server that is widely used in web hosting service providers.

Blog: A blog is a website maintained by one person or a group of bloggers. Blogs can be maintained by one or more authors.

Bandwidth: Bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be transferred at any given time. When visitors visit your website, they are engaged in actions such as file downloading, file uploading, and browsing.

Browser: A browser, also known as a web browser, is a client program that decodes HTML from a website server and displays it in a user-friendly web page. Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer are the most popular web browsers.

Cloud Hosting: A cluster of servers that store data in the cloud. Cloud hosting allows you to scale up or down the resources in real-time depending on your website/application’s needs. The cloud server owner can access data from any location at any time. Cloud servers are ideal for a variety of business production and software development requirements. They also ensure affordability.

Control Panel: This control panel is offered by web hosting companies for managing your web hosting account as well as your website. Control Panel is a web-based interface that allows customers to manage all aspects of their hosting services from one interface. You can add email addresses, park domains and upload files to a control panel.

CMS: CMS stands for Content Management System. A content management system manages content and runs on the backend. A CMS allows you to easily add content to your website and make it attractive to visitors. A CMS allows you to add a new theme or design to your website. You can also keep adding new content anytime. CMSs that are very popular include Drupal, Joomla and Drupal.

CPU: Central Processing Unit. It is the core processor of the computer that performs all calculations.

cPanel: This control panel is available with Linux-based web hosting services. It is easy to use and has a graphical interface.

cPanel Hosting: cPanel web hosting is the service that integrates with the cPanel control panels. cPanel can be used to manage Linux web hosting services. cPanel allows for easy website management. You can manage your website files, databases, email accounts, domains, sub-domains, and more with cPanel.

Database: A database is a way to store information. A database can store a variety of data and can be accessed, managed, and updated easily. A database stores data in tables, rows, and columns. This makes it easier to locate the information you need.

Datacenter: This is the facility that hosts web hosting servers. It is a physical infrastructure used to house computers, servers, and other components of the company’s IT infrastructure. You can choose to have your web hosting servers located in a nearby location.

DDOS Attack: DDOS stands for Denial Of Service Attack. This attack uses multiple compromised systems infected by a Trojan to attack a single system, resulting in a denial-of-service attack. This cyber attack aims to make a computer or network resource unavailable.

Dedicated Hosting: You rent a complete server through dedicated hosting. Each user has full control of the server, and can use all server resources.

Dedicated IP: A dedicated IP is an IP that is only allotted to one website. It is an IP address that is dedicated to one hosting account only. It is necessary to have a dedicated IP address in order to install SSL certificates on your website. You can also use it to provide email service.

Disk Space: This refers to the storage space available as part of your hosting plan. To store website pages, databases and files, as well as emails, images, etc., you will need enough disk space.

DKIM: DomainKeys Identified mail stands for DKIM. This process verifies that the email messages coming in are indeed from the sender. This also checks if an email message was altered during transit. The DKIM system allows the sender to digitally sign the message using a private key. The sender’s public keys are retrieved by DNS by the recipient who then verifies the signature in the email message.

Domain Name: The domain name is what people will use to find your website online. Your website will be identified by the domain name you choose. If your business name is Hostpoco then you can register a website like www.hostpoco.com

Domain Aliases: A domain name that points to another domain. Domain aliases allow users to access the same website from many different web addresses. Many domain aliases are created by many organizations that register domain names that look similar to their main domain and point to the same website.

Domain Parking: This is the registration of a domain name. It is not associated to any services such as email or websites. Sometimes domain parking is necessary to preserve the domain name for future use.

Domain Privacy: A security service offered by different domain name registrars is domain privacy. Domain privacy can be purchased from the domain registrar if you own a domain. The domain registrar will replace the WHOIS information you have provided with forwarding services, in order to protect your privacy.

Domain Registrar: The entity that registers your domain names is called the domain registrar. To link your domain name with your IP address, you must follow the steps of buying a domain name. The entity with the primary domain registration authority is the one that can register domain names and any desired extensions such as .com, .org, .co.in or.net.

DNS: DNS stands for Domain Name Server. This converts the internet host names and domain names into IP addresses. DNS is the equivalent of the internet’s telephone book. DNS is responsible for maintaining a database of domain addresses and translating them into Internet Protocol (IP). Because it is simple for people to remember domain names, but computers and machines can remember domain names as IP addresses, the DNS process is essential.

Drupal: Drupal is an open-source content management system that uses PHP. After customization, you can add content to your site along with media files. Drupal is simple to use, and can be used by both individuals and groups. Drupal includes a content management platform and a development framework.

Ecommerce Hosting: Ecommerce hosting allows you to host an online store. Ecommerce hosting allows you to quickly set up an online store. Ecommerce hosting provides optimized web servers that can manage the online store, as well as ecommerce installation and migration.

Email Hosting: Email hosting allows you to create secure email IDs for your business. A hosting platform manages your email servers and supports email hosting. If you have a domain name that you wish to use for your email address, you will need to sign up to an email hosting service.

Email Auto Responder: This autoresponder sends email replies to a specified email address. Before setting up the auto responder emails, you can make a draft. These emails can be used to notify people when you are away on vacation or for situations in which you cannot reply to emails.

Error pages : A warning page that lets your website visitors know there is an error in the page they are trying access. When a server-related error occurs, the error pages will also be displayed. These error pages can be displayed for 500 internal server errors (displayed when a server or database goes down) or a 404 page not found error (displayed if the requested page is not available).

File Permission: These are access levels that have been set for specific users or groups. File permissions can include full access to files, file editing permissions or read-only permissions.

Forum: An online community or bulletin board is a forum. You can add forums to your website via your control panel. It can also be customized to suit your needs.

FTP: File Transfer Protocol is what FTP stands for. FTP can be used to transfer files between computers in a network. FTP is used to exchange files between computers and transfer files between accounts.

Google: Google is one of most used search engines for searching the internet for any topic.

Google Analytics: Google Analytics is a web analytics platform that Google offers. It monitors website traffic and gives you the necessary reports. It is the most popular web analytics service. Google Analytics services offer both free and paid services.

Google Webmaster Tool: Also known as the Google Search Console, Google webmaster tool can be used to check the indexing status of website links. Google webmaster tool provides a free service to webmasters that allows them to check the indexing status of website links and optimize the website’s visibility.

Green Hosting: Green hosting uses green technologies to provide hosting services. Green hosting is made from environmentally friendly materials. It helps to reduce emissions and maximize the use of resources.

High Availability: A system that is able to provide the expected level of availability, which is usually greater than the usual period, is known as high availability. Systems that are reliable and can run continuously for long periods of time without failure also have high availability.

.htaccess: Hypertext access is represented by .htaccess. The configuration file .htaccess works with Apache-based web servers. You can use .htaccess to set parameters such as blocking certain websites, setting permissions and determining if others can link to your pages. You can use .htaccess to improve your website’s functionality or increase SEO.

HTML: HTML stands for HyperText markup language. This is the standard language used to create website pages. A web browser displays the original HTML from a web server.

HTTP: HTTP stands for HyperText Transport Protocol. This protocol allows you to transfer hypermedia files such as text, images, and videos. Through the internet. It is the foundation of the internet (WWW), and contains interconnected hypertext files.

ICANN: ICANN is the Internet Corporation For Assigned Names And Numbers. This organization combines the unique identification numbers assigned to all computers around the world so that they can communicate with each other. This collaboration allows the internet to fulfill its functions. ICANN is also responsible for the distribution and management of internet naming resources.

IP Address: IP stands for Internet Protocol. An IP address is a string of numbers and dots that uniquely identifies a computer connected to the internet. An IP address is a unique string of numbers and dots that identifies each computer connected to the internet.

IMAP: IMAP stands to Internet Message Access Protocol. This is an email retrieval process. The server keeps a copy of the original email until it is deleted. This is a preferred method for people who use multiple computers and email clients to track email messages whenever needed.

JavaScript: JavaScript is a programming language that allows developers to add dynamic content on a website. JavaScript is client-side technology and runs in the browser of the user, not on the server.

Java Applets: Java Applets can be embedded in HTML pages in the same manner as images. Java-enabled browsers can view web pages that include Java Applets. The code is then transferred to the system and executed by the Java virtual computer.

Joomla: Joomla is an open-source content management platform that allows you to create websites and blogs. Joomla connects to MySQL, MySQLi and PostgreSQL databases to manage the content.

Linux Server: A Linux Server is a server powered by the Linux operating systems. Linux is an open-source operating system that is highly preferred by many webmasters.

Live Chat Support: This is a customer support feature that allows you to chat with customer service representatives at any time of day or night. Live chat support is available to discuss any issues related to your website.

Load Balancing: A load balancing system distributes network resources and application traffic among the servers. Load balancers can be used to increase the reliability and capacity of applications. The load balancer distributes the incoming network traffic evenly across a number of servers or pooled servers.

Managed Hosting: Managed hosting allows the web hosting company to manage the software upgrades, configuration changes and system administration tasks. This type of hosting provides assistance and support to clients regarding their web hosting package. Webmasters who don’t feel comfortable managing their web hosting account can opt for managed hosting.

Malware: Malware is malicious software that targets your website, computer, or network.

Mailing List: A mailing list is a collection of email addresses. Common emails can be sent to all the addresses on your mailing list at once.

Money back Guarantee: This guarantee is provided by web hosting companies. It means that if you aren’t satisfied with web hosting services, they will refund your payment. The terms and conditions of the web hosting company govern the money-back guarantee.

MySQL: MySQL is an open-source database that can be used with many applications you have installed on your website. MySQL allows you to store encrypted information and retrieve it whenever needed.

MX Record: MX Record stands for Mail Exchange Record. This record indicates the mail server authorized to receive email messages from a domain. The DNS system stores the MX record.

Office 365: Office 365 was developed by Microsoft. It is a subscription platform that allows users to access Microsoft Office applications and offers other productivity services via the internet. Office 365 subscribers can access productivity software and related services. Office 365 allows users to use Microsoft Office apps for Windows and MacOS. It provides Microsoft’s OneDrive cloud storage service and 60 Skype minutes per month.

On-page Optimization: This is the process of optimizing individual pages on a website to achieve a higher search engine rank, better visibility in search engines and more genuine traffic. On page optimization includes both the website content as well as the HTML source code.

Operating System: The platform that supports the functions of your website is called Operating System, or OS. There are some features that influence the choice of an operating system. You can choose between Linux or Windows web hosting packages.

osCommerce: osCommerce is an ecommerce platform that allows you to manage your online stores and ecommerce. It can be installed on any web server that runs on PHP or MySQL. It is simple to use. osCommerce is free, open-source and available under the General Public License.

Perl: Practical Extraction Reporting language. This programming language is most commonly used by web developers. Perl has the highest text manipulation capabilities and is well-suited for web development.

PHP: PHP is an open-source scripting language that allows you to create dynamic content. PHP allows you to embed the code directly in the HTML of your website pages.

phpMyAdmin: phpMyAdmin, an open-source platform written in PHP language, allows you to administer MySQL over the Internet. phpMyAdmin is capable of performing many tasks, including creating, modifying, deleting, and executing SQL queries. It also manages user permissions and users.

Plesk: Plesk can be used for both Windows and Linux hosting. Plesk allows you to manage your web hosting account, including files, applications, emails, and other features.

POP: Post Office Protocol is what POP stands for. This is used to retrieve messages from an email server, and authenticate them. A client email program with POP such as Thunderbird or Microsoft Outlook can also be used. You can view all of your email messages.

RAID: Redundant Array Of Independent Devices. RAID refers to the storage of the same data in different locations on multiple hard drives. This protects your website data at multiple locations to ensure that it can be recovered in the event of a failure. Not all RAID levels guarantee redundancy.

Raw Log Files: These log files contain detailed and complete server logs for a specific account. These logs are important for debugging and for processing third-party programs and services.

Reseller Hosting: Reseller hosting allows the user (reseller), to resell hosting space for his/her clients. Each client can have their own control panel. For a profit, the reseller buys web hosting services from the company and then sells them to customers.

Server: A server is the place where your website is located. The web hosting company usually owns a server. Your website content is delivered to the server via the internet.

Search Engine Optimization: This is the process of optimizing website pages to increase organic search traffic. This is the process of identifying the best keywords for your website and optimizing the website’s search engine rank.

SFTP: SFTP stands to Secure File Transfer Protocol. This protocol allows data to be transferred over a single connection via a secure shell protocol. SFTP is a file transfer protocol that can be executed using SSH over a secure connection.

Shared Hosting: This type of hosting allows multiple websites to be hosted on one server. This is a cost-effective form of hosting. Each shared hosting customer is limited in terms of server resources, such as disk space and bandwidth. The shared hosting package.

Sitelock Basic: Sitelock provides complete website security. It conducts malware scans every month, protects your website from hacking attacks, and identifies any thefts. Sitelock offers website trust seals, daily security scanning and website page scans.

Sitemap: A sitemap shows the list of pages on the website that can be accessed by crawlers and visitors.

Sitemap Generation: Sitemap generation allows you to make sure all crawling search engines such as Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc., are able to find your website. you are informed about your website content and your website links.

Site Access Reports: Site Access Reports can be described as graphical reports that convert raw access logs into easily readable reports. These reports allow webmasters to easily analyze website traffic trends and make better website decisions.

SLA: SLA stands to Service Level Agreement. This agreement is made with web hosting companies or other organizations. The terms and conditions of your agreement are set out by the web hosting company or other organization. SLA usually includes rules regarding the duration, scope, web hosting guidelines, terms and conditions, etc.

SMTP: Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. This standard is used to send and receive emails via the internet.

SME: SME stands to stand for Small-To Medium Enterprises. SME stands for startups, new businesses, and mid-sized organizations.

Softaculous: Softaculous can be used to install various scripts or applications. Softaculous can be used with control panels such as Plesk and Webuzo. Softaculous is a commercial script repository that contains many scripts that you can use to make your website work.

Spam: These are bulk email messages or messages that you receive without being asked and come from unreliable sources. These messages are usually sent to sell something. You can be banned from your web hosting account if you spam.

Spam Filter: A spam filter is an email filter used to identify spam emails. Spam filters use advanced statistical analysis methods to analyze the email headers and main content in order identify spam email.

SSH: Secure Sockets Shell is a protocol that allows administrators to access remote computers securely. This is a secure way to transfer files.

SSL: SSL stands to Secure Sockets Level. SSL is encryption that allows people to securely transact online. An SSL certificate is required to be able to take payments online securely if you have an ecommerce site. A website that is SSL-secured will have the URL start with “HTTPS”. Google recommends that SSL be installed on your website. It also improves the site’s search engine ranking.

Server Side Inclusions: Also known as SSI or Server Side Includes, this platform allows web developers to add HTML comments on pages to provide many benefits to their website. This includes header and footer include or the implementation of dynamic server side scripts.

Sub-Domain: A subdomain is a website that is part of the main domain. Each sub-domain may have its own content. Your website blog may be hosted on a subdomain of your website. If your website name is mywebsite.com your blog subdomain can be blog.mywebsite.com.

TLD: Top Level Domain. The TLD is the last part of a domain that follows after dot ‘.’.. For example in the website URL – www.mywebsitename.com, ‘.com’ is the TLD. There are two types of TLDs: generic TLDs such as.com and.net, or country specific TLDs. TLDs that are specific to a country such as.uk,.usa, or.co.in

Trial Hosting: Many web hosting companies offer a trial period in which you can get the web hosting package and other services free of charge for a specified period. You can either purchase the web host package if you are satisfied with the services or opt out of the service after the trial period. The terms and conditions for web hosting companies are set out for the trial period.

Unlimited Hosting: This refers to unlimited hosting, which means that the web hosting package offers unlimited resources such as disk space, bandwidth, etc. There are restrictions on unlimited hosting packages. For small and medium-sized businesses, unlimited hosting plans are highly recommended.

Uptime: This is the time a server is available without interruptions. A web hosting provider that guarantees an uptime of 99.95% is a must. Your website’s uptime means that visitors can access your website and use it properly if it is available.

VPS Hosting: A virtual private servers is a physical server that can be partitioned. Each virtual private server is allocated resources. VPS servers are equivalent to dedicated servers and can be purchased at a reasonable cost. VPS hosting can be Linux-based or Windows-based. You can also choose managed or unmanaged VPS hosting services.

Webmail: This is your direct access to all of your email messages. Webmail allows you to log in through your control panel. You can access your email without any third-party software.

Website Backup: Website backup allows you to back up your website data. This is done in order for you to protect the data and keep a copy in the event of a system failure, cyber attack, or other disaster. Website backup is an option offered by some web hosting companies as part of their web hosting packages.

Website Migration: Website migration refers to the process of moving a website from one company to another. This involves the transfer of all important website files to the new host. You should schedule your website migration in a timely manner so that customers and visitors are not inconvenienced.

Web Hosting: A web hosting platform is where your website is hosted. It can then be accessed via the internet. Website owners can purchase the space that best suits their needs. The web hosting company offers support and customer service services to ensure smooth operation of customers’ websites.

Web Traffic: This is the traffic to your website. It refers to the number of people visiting your site. Also, it indicates the amount of data that visitors have sent to you. Web traffic does NOT include traffic from bots. The number of visitors to a website, and how many pages they visit, determine web traffic.

WordPress: WordPress is a popular free blogging platform, website builder and content management system. WordPress is built on PHP and MySQL. WordPress allows you to customize your website with a wide range of extensions, plugins and themes. WordPress also allows you to install various utilities and add-ons.

Zimbra: The Zimbra Collaboration Suite is a collaboration suite that includes an email server as well as a web client. Zimbra, an open-source email platform, offers email services and calendaring. It also has enterprise applications. Zimbra allows end users to connect and share information, as well as perform actions in their private cloud.

Zen Cart: Zen Cart is a PHP-based online store management platform. It uses the MySQL database as well as HTML components. Zen Cart is compatible with various currencies and languages to allow you to manage your online store efficiently.

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