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Web hosting is basically a way for individuals and companies to store digital media (websites etc.) on the Internet for others to access. This giant storage facility normally comes at a cost owing to the services it provides but in some instances (normally non-business or commercial), they can be offered free. Anything uploaded to a web host will be stored on the host's server which means that other internet users can then access your website for what is essentially a huge digital storage facility.
Many beginners start by using the free hosting services that are provided by many internet service companies; while they will have access to email facilities, basic websites and blogs, they will have to pay for a full service provider. There are many limitations to free web hosting services and they are not generally regarded as an option for serious web users as the amount of storage space is limited along with many other functions a web user may require. There will be a large number of companies offering paid hosting but the prices do vary and this is usually down to how much is actually supplied as part of the package; any confusion is normally quite easy to overcome by using one of the internet comparison sites that are becoming very popular.
Most people and companies start their hosting by using a shared server system that may be using software testing which means your files are on the system with other peoples. When the need for more space and security is required then a dedicated server at extra cost can be used. A web hosting plan is no good unless you have a registered domain to use, then you can use this in conjunction with the storage space to save your files, website etc. All companies will allocate a certain amount of space for your website and any other files required to be stored there (photos and MP3 tracks, for example) and this can be anything from 500Mb or more, depending on the host and package you are paying for.
Another advantage of web hosting and your own domain name is that email addresses will include your own domain name and not that of those free providers such as Google, Yahoo and MSN to name a few of the thousands of providers whose services can be used. It always looks like the user is more serious about their internet presence if they have their own email and domain name, it increases credibility. If you have a busy site with lots of visitors, downloads or video etc. then you need to have a hosting package with sufficient bandwidth; this is the amount of data that can be transmitted.
If your company can't offer you better bandwidth, then it will be very hard for your users to view your webpage. If you only have a small site that does not have much on it then this probably won't concern you but as soon as audio, video and hi-resolution images are incorporated, it becomes more of a concern. In almost every case it is a wise decision to use a web hosting company and not consider using your own computer as a host due to the risks, especially for those unfamiliar with internet security.