ded·i·cat·ed adj. to set apart to a definite use;
web n. a part of the Internet designed to allow easier navigation of the network through the use of graphical user interfaces and hypertext links between different addresses;
host·ing v.to serve as host to, at, or for

Overview of Web Hosting

The complex web of servers, which make up the Internet, consist of computers that have Web-server software installed on them and are connected to the Internet. These servers can be found in any facility with Internet connectivity. The process of maintaining and operating one of these servers is called Web hosting. Web hosting can be conducted in-house by the owner of the Web site, or it can be outsourced to a Web hosting provider.

Web hosting providers are typically companies with one or more data-center facilities that are connected to the Internet. Service quality and cost can vary widely. Some providers consist simply of a room in the basement of a house with a DS1 or DSL line connected to the local ISP; others however, are corporations with state-of-the-art hosting centers consisting of redundant fiber paths for high-speed Internet connections, redundant electrical power sources, a dry fire suppression system, and an experienced operations group - available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Web hosting can be provided on a shared computer environment or on a dedicated computer system. The complexity of the website, the applications, the importance of security, and expected traffic are all considerations when determining if a shared or dedicated environment is best. For example, if a Web site consists only of standard HTML code and receives a small number of visitors, shared hosting service is the best solution. If a Website contains mission critical or proprietary applications, has complex CGI scripts and receives a large number of visitors, dedicated hosting service is the best solution.

What is Dedicated Web Hosting?

Dedicated Web hosting in its simplest form consists of hosting one Web site on one computer system. The dedicated environment offers complete flexibility and security to both the Web hosting provider and the customer.

Web hosting on a dedicated computer system is the simplest and most straightforward method of operating a Web site. The benefits of hosting on a dedicated server include: standardization of the software configuration, enhanced computer resource allocation (which means better performance), increased security, and ease of administration. Furthermore, enhanced services like load balancing, which provides greater scalability and consistently high performance levels, can be implemented.

The essential components of Web hosting on a dedicated computer system are:

• computer system hardware

• operating system (including transfer control protocol [TCP]/Internet protocol [IP] stack)

• Internet connection (IP number and domain name)

• Web server software (HTTP)

Additional software applications can be added to the computer system to enhance the Web site and to simplify the process of uploading content.

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