Dedicated Server

Web hosting is often provided as part of a general Internet access plan; there are many free and paid providers offering these services.

A customer needs to evaluate the requirements of the application to choose what kind of hosting to use. Such considerations include database server software, scripting software, and operating system. Most hosting providers provide Linux-based web hosting which offers a wide range of different software. A typical configuration for a Linux server is the LAMP platform: Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP/Perl/Python. The webhosting client may want to have other services, such as email for their business domain, databases or multi-media services for streaming media. A customer may also choose Windows as the hosting platform. The customer still can choose from PHP, Perl, and Python but may also use ASP .Net or Classic ASP.

Web hosting packages often include a Web Content Management System, so the end-user doesn't have to worry about the more technical aspects. These Web Content Management systems are great for the average user, but for those who want more control over their website design, this feature may not be adequate. You can always use any content management system on your servers and modify them at your will. A few good examples include wordpress, Joomla, Drupal and mediawiki.

One may also search the Internet to find active webhosting message boards and forums that may provide feedback on what type of webhosting company may suit his/her needs.

A file hosting service, online file storage provider, cyberlocker or online media center is an Internet hosting service specifically designed to host static content, typically large files that are not web pages. Typically they allow web and FTP access. They can be optimized for serving many users (as is implied by the term "hosting") or be optimized for single-user storage (as is implied by the term "storage"). Related services are video sharing, virtual storage and remote backup.

When searching for a hosting provider to host your website, you'll probably notice that most hosting providers have more than one web hosting plan. The plan you choose will depend on your hosting needs.

If you're just starting out with your own website, a shared hosting plan is usually fine. Shared hosting is usually much cheaper than other hosting plans. Unless you have a specific need to hire a dedicated server, a shared hosting plan should do the trick.

Here's more about the different types of web hosting:

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Shared Hosting

Shared hosting refers to when your web site is hosted on a server along with many other customers' web sites. Don't worry, your users won't know this - your web site is still configured as a separate web site on the server and can still have its own domain name etc. It is simply sharing the server with other web sites.

The benefit of shared hosting is price. Having your own server (otherwise known as a "dedicated server") costs a lot more. Unless you get lots of traffic, it doesn't make sense to pay more for a dedicated server.
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Dedicated Servers

A dedicated server is a server that hosts only your web site (or web sites). This can give you more control over your web site. It can also help in ensuring that other customers' web sites don't impact on your web site. Using dedicated servers is much more expensive than shared hosting, but if your site receives lots of traffic or you have other requirements (such as extra security requirements), a dedicated server could be for you.

You are able to log in to your dedicated server just as you would log in to your own computer. Once logged in, you can install and configure software as you wish.
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Virtual Dedicated Servers

Virtual dedicated servers are a low-cost alternative to dedicated servers. The web host can put many virtual servers on each machine, therefore reducing costs. When you log in to the virtual server, it appears as though you have your own dedicated server (even though other virtual servers are probably running on the same machine).
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Managed Hosting

A managed hosting solution is where you have a dedicated server and the web site hosting provider manages your server for you. Typically, the hosting provider will be resposible for the hardware, operating system, virus protection, patch management etc. You still have total control over the machine (depending on SLA arrangements), and you are still in charge of your own web site content. Managed hosting is usually a lot more expensive, and in some cases, costs will be negotiated between the two parties.

Regardless of which type of hosting plan you choose, you'll want your web host to provide you with a good level of technical support. More about technical support next.