My unique way of explaining web hosting to non-techies

One of the ways I try to explain or teach computer concepts is by illustrations and relating them with something most people already know. It helps me pass my knowledge faster and easier, without speaking unnecessary grammars, most especially with non-techies, as I don’t intend to complicate issues.

So how does internet hosting work?

First of all, to own something — say a website or some files, and have them accessible on the internet. You need a NAME, — say a business name. In computer terms, this is usually referred to as a Domain name or web address.

Every domain name accessible on the internet is unique. The same way you cannot register two businesses with identical names at the Corporate Affairs Commission in Nigeria. It’s not also possible to have two DOMAIN NAMES with the same spelling on the internet.

Now, your business has a name, you need to buy a land or rent an office space, as the case maybe. This is what it means to host your website on the internet. You will need to set up a server or buy a hosting plan from a web hosting company like Heimdall Hosting, Godaddy, or Web4africa to host your website files.

In other words, everything on your land, or in your office, and how you choose to arrange the office or house with furniture or documents is up to you. The same applies to web servers where you host your websites or files. Your website files are hosted on the server and made accessible on the internet.

Depending on the size or location of your land, it will determine the kind of business you can do and how fast sales would come. The same applies to web hosting, You website’s performance is dependent on the package you paid for and the web hosting company providing the service.

Hence, just as you cannot open a supermarket in a rural area and expect an influx of sales. In the same vein, depending on the type of web platform you intend to host your files or websites, you need to make an informed decision as to whether the webserver can host your intended website or platform.

Full knowledge of the above will enhance your site’s performance and ensure it’s scalable.

Got more questions? You can comment below.