Difference between a Web Server and a Web Host?

[williamworth2]

Outside the computer community, most people have a lack of knowledge of basic technical concepts and specific terms. The difference between a server and a web host is a good example. There is confusion between these two ideas and how they relate to each other. Without a server and without a web host , the Internet would stop working. The following points should clear up misunderstandings and help you understand how these elements work and interact.

What are servers and web hosts?
Let's start by explaining what servers and web hosts are. In general, a Web server is an entity that accepts requests via HTTP or a similar protocol and generates a response. It can be either numeric in the case of the Apache web server program, or physical, as a dedicated machine equipped with the aforementioned program. Web hosting is a service sold by specific companies called "hosters". They rent their servers to their customers, allowing them to create their websites.

Explanation of basic features
Whether physical or purely software, a server receives data and performs operations before returning their results to clients. For example, an Apache server receives a request from a web browser, calls its associated database, and then fills an HTML file with the generated information. A web host uses multiple network devices, such as switches or routers, to relay information from servers and to servers. Web hosts store multiple servers in "Datacenters" or data centers and manage hardware and software for their customers.

Hardware vs Software
A physical server is simply a computer without a monitor. It includes a processor, a motherboard, RAM and several hard drives storing data. Servers usually look like VCRs stored on top of one another in racks. This allows the host to save space and simplify management and maintenance. A Web server program such as Apache, Nginx, or IIS performs the operations required to run a site. You will need both to make your site visible on the Web.

The network aspect
In the end, a server that is not accessible from the outside will not be very useful. Web hosts connect through Internet service providers in the same way as the average consumer. The only real difference is the bandwidth. Web hosts can support download and upload speeds in the terabit per second range. An average web host uses a variety of DNS and BGP servers configured specifically to provide communication between sites and servers across the internet.

Why do we pay for accommodation?
In theory, it is possible to host your home site using a standard PC. However, the vast majority of sites reside on servers within data centers. This is because web hosts have more powerful hardware than generic consumer PCs. In addition, hosts have specialized network equipment such as high-speed fiber optic cables that can support a huge data load. Finally, the hosts repair or replace the machines as they break down and are vigilant on everything related to firewall or malware problems.

Where to go?
When you go looking for a web server, power and speed are the most critical aspects. The amount of RAM and the power of your dot processor you will need depend on the size of your site and the traffic it generates. A good host is reliable and secure. You prefer a web host that guarantees 99.99% connection time and strict security measures. Quality hosters tend to have quality software and server hardware. Do your research before you engage with a hosting company.

[jerryperes]

Web server means, A server application such as Apache or ngnix running on a server connected to internet to serve the request of users.
Web Hosting is like a house.
Most people rent house(s) or room(s) (subscribe to hosting packages) to stay.
Same way, we put our website content/files on one of the hosting providers.

[manoharparakh]

A server is generally a piece of automated software that serves content in response to requests. In general parlance, the computer this software is running on is also referred to as a server.

Web hosting is a function provided by a specific type of server – a web server. A web host may run one web server that provides many customers' websites.

There are other kinds of servers that do not provide web hosting. For example, there are email servers, file servers, gaming servers, and database servers.

If you are using this answer to make a decision about which you should be paying for, the answer could be either. If you are rent a 'server' (i.e., a computer sitting in someone else's data center), you can customize it heavily to run many different kinds of applications. This is often more expensive. If you instead pay for web hosting, you will get limited functionality for building a website. This is usually easier to use for a simple website and often much cheaper. Which of these is best for you depends on the situation.

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[johnmiller445]

A server is generally a piece of automated software that serves content in response to requests. In general parlance, the computer this software is running on is also referred to as a server.

Web hosting is a function provided by a specific type of server – a web server. A web host may run one web server that provides many customers' websites.

There are other kinds of servers that do not provide web hosting. For example, there are email servers, file servers, gaming servers, and database servers.

If you are using this answer to make a decision about which you should be paying for, the answer could be either. If you are rent a 'server' (i.e., a computer sitting in someone else's data center), you can customize it heavily to run many different kinds of applications. This is often more expensive. If you instead pay for web hosting, you will get limited functionality for building a website.

[Isabella020]

WOW that's great information web server and web hosting

[faizan190]

Outside the computer community, most people have a lack of knowledge of basic technical concepts and specific terms. The difference between a server and a web host is a good example. There is confusion between these two ideas and how they relate to each other. Without a server and without a web host , the Internet would stop working. The following points should clear up misunderstandings and help you understand how these elements work and interact.

What are servers and web hosts?
Let's start by explaining what servers and web hosts are. In general, a Web server is an entity that accepts requests via HTTP or a similar protocol and generates a response. It can be either numeric in the case of the Apache web server program, or physical, as a dedicated machine equipped with the aforementioned program. Web hosting is a service sold by specific companies called "hosters". They rent their servers to their customers, allowing them to create their websites.

Explanation of basic features
Whether physical or purely software, a server receives data and performs operations before returning their results to clients. For example, an Apache server receives a request from a web browser, calls its associated database, and then fills an HTML file with the generated information. A web host uses multiple network devices, such as switches or routers, to relay information from servers and to servers. Web hosts store multiple servers in "Datacenters" or data centers and manage hardware and software for their customers.

Hardware vs Software
A physical server is simply a computer without a monitor. It includes a processor, a motherboard, RAM and several hard drives storing data. Servers usually look like VCRs stored on top of one another in racks. This allows the host to save space and simplify management and maintenance. A Web server program such as Apache, Nginx, or IIS performs the operations required to run a site. You will need both to make your site visible on the Web.

The network aspect
In the end, a server that is not accessible from the outside will not be very useful. Web hosts connect through Internet service providers in the same way as the average consumer. The only real difference is the bandwidth. Web hosts can support download and upload speeds in the terabit per second range. An average web host uses a variety of DNS and BGP servers configured specifically to provide communication between sites and servers across the internet.

Why do we pay for accommodation?
In theory, it is possible to host your home site using a standard PC. However, the vast majority of sites reside on servers within data centers. This is because web hosts have more powerful hardware than generic consumer PCs. In addition, hosts have specialized network equipment such as high-speed fiber optic cables that can support a huge data load. Finally, the hosts repair or replace the machines as they break down and are vigilant on everything related to firewall or malware problems.

Where to go?
When you go looking for a web server, power and speed are the most critical aspects. The amount of RAM and the power of your dot processor you will need depend on the size of your site and the traffic it generates. A good host is reliable and secure. You prefer a web host that guarantees 99.99% connection time and strict security measures. Quality hosters tend to have quality software and server hardware. Do your research before you engage with a hosting company.

They are not quite the same thing, but they are not mutually exclusive either.

A server is generally a piece of automated software that serves content in response to requests. In general parlance, the computer this software is running on is also referred to as a server.

Web hosting is a function provided by a specific type of server – a web server. A web host may run one web server that provides many customers' websites.

There are other kinds of servers that do not provide web hosting. For example, there are email servers, file servers, gaming servers, and database servers.

[Beatriz]

The web server is connected to the browser through a trans-coder. You can visualize web servers as computers that offer web pages. Every individual web server comes with a unique IP address and domain name. If you type the name of the website (Domain Name), the server searches for that Domain name on the internet, fetches it, and delivers it to your web browser.

The Web host is a company offering web hosting service. They are primarily responsible for hosting the website on a server. A Web host can sell or rent the server machine to store your data and ensures that it runs smoothly and efficiently.

[stevehayes]

Web Server and Web Host are neither related nor that different from each other. Server can have a more globalised form that surrounds more possible functions that a Web Host. Anyway if you want your website to be supported, it's not obligatory to have a server. Moreover there are a lot of host companies like https://www.digitizd.com/hosting/bluehost-review/, that can help you with everything related with hosting. P.S: I personally recommend these guys (after my experience with them), cause they have great service and not that big price like other companies, of course if you are interested.

[Sherin]

Web Server:

A Web server is a program that uses HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) to serve the files that form Web pages to users, in response to their requests, which are forwarded by their computers' HTTP clients. Dedicated computers and appliances may be referred to as Web servers as well.

Types of Web Server

Proxy Servers

Mail Servers

Applications Servers

Server Platforms

Real-time Communication Servers


WEB HOST:

A web host can be a service that has access to an internet server. Generally, people or small corporations do not have the ability to purchase their Internet servers, obtain high-speed connections from the server, keep them up to date and keep them updated constantly. On the other hand, Understand with an example, a web host is a group of companies such as HostGator, Godaddy Hosting, Blue Host, and so much more hosting company.

Types of Web Host

Free Host

Shared (Virtual) Host

Dedicated host

Collocate host

Re seller host

[sophiesaelig]

in short, A server is a system where one gets information of whatever he needs which is provided by a server's network. On the other hand, a Web Hosting service is a type of Internet hosting service that allows individuals, firms and organizations to provide their own website accessible via the World Wide Web.

[thereadtoday]

Yes, recently I have purchased a new hosting provider. Did some research and ended up with one which id going good till date. So yeah I think research is important before we choose any host provider.