difference between web hosting and domain

Web hosting and domain hosting are both crucial components for any website, each serving different purposes. N6 Cloud is a provider which offers both web hosting and domain services. When someone starts their first website, they usually buy both a domain and hosting from the same provider, which due to the similarities between the two services, can lead to confusion. A domain name is the address of a website. This is what users type into the address bar of their browser to visit a website (eg google.com or n6 cloud.com).

The domain name is entered in the address bar of the browser. Conversely, web hosting is where the website’s files and data are stored. Think of web hosting as the home where a website’s files and data live, while a domain name serves as the address that points to that home.

These services can be purchased together or separately. To decide which way is better, you need to know the difference between domain and hosting. In this post, we’ll explain the difference in more detail and provide you with some tips for getting started with domain names and web hosting.

What Do I Need to Build a Website? Domain Name or Web Hosting?

In order to stablish a website, a domain name and a web hosting service are needed. Purchasing a domain name grants you the right to use that particular name for a period, usually one year.

Web hosting is crucial for storing your website files. Once you have hosting, you’d be required to update your domain settings to connect it to your hosting provider.

If you are not experienced enough in building a website, the process may seem like a lot of work. After purchasing web hosting and domain name, you can start building your site. In the next section,  we will explore the relationship between domain names and web hosting.

How do domain names and web hosting work together?

The distinction between a domain name and hosting can often be confusing, but it’s actually straightforward.

Basically, a domain name system functions a massive address book that is constantly updated. Behind each registered domain name, there is an address of the web hosting service storing the website’s files.

You have the option to purchase both domain and hosting from the same company or separately from different providers. In case you choose to acquire them independently, all you just need is to link your domain name to your chosen web host by adjusting your Domain Name System (DNS) settings— this task can be handled by either yourself or your web company.

In the upcoming section, we will address the query if it is possible to switch web hosts without changing the domain name?

Related: Difference Between a Server and a Host

Can I change web hosts without changing my domain name?

Yes, you can do that as well. As the owner of the domain name, you can change its settings to point it to any web hosting company.

For instance, you purchased your domain name and hosting from Bluehost , and now you want to move your web hosting to N6 cloud. You can move your site from one web hosting provider to another by simply transferring files and data. Subsequently, you are required to edit your domain name settings and point them to your new web hosting provider.

If desired, you can change web hosts for any domains you own by simply editing the DNS settings to point to the new hosting company.

Refer to the following section, if you are seeking information on changing your domain name or transferring your website to a different domain.

Can I Change My Domain Name or Transfer My Website to a Different Domain?

Once a domain name is registered, it’s permanent—there’s no way to change or modify it.

However, you can register a different domain name whenever you wish. You can also register different TLDs or domain extensions—for instance, .org or .com.

Related: .co vs .com – What is their difference and which one is better?

But if your business undergoes changes and your current domain name no longer suitable, you might consider moving your website to a new domain. This process requires you to acquire a new domain name and connect it to your website.

Now, let’s explore the distinctions between domain names and web hosting.

How Are Domain Names and Web Hosting Different?

Now that you understand web hosting and domain names as individual concepts, let’s examine how they differ. Web hosting revolves around providing the space and resources your website requires to exist online. Web hosts offer you space to store your website’s files (such as text, images, videos, etc.) on their servers. They also manage the smooth and secure operation of your site and ensure it’s accessible to people searching for it on the internet. On the other hand, the domain name acts as your online identity, the memorable name visitors associate with your site. Think about some of your favorite websites; what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Most likely, it’s the name. That’s the impact of a domain name, highlighting the significance of choosing a concise, catchy, and relevant name for your business. The registration of domain names is handled by domain name registrars.

Conclusion

In today’s digital age, it is very important for any business or individual to have a website. It allows you to reach a wider audience, showcase your products or services, and establish a professional online presence. To create a website, two components are required: domain name and hosting.

A domain name serves as the address that people use to access your website, while hosting provides the the space where your website is stored and accessed by visitors. It is important to choose the right domain name and hosting provider to make sure that your website is accessible, secure, and performing well.

When choosing a provider, it is advisable to opt for a reputable provider, consider the needs of your website, and be aware of any restrictions or additional fees. By obtaining the right domain name and hosting, you can create a successful and effective website that reaches your target audience and achieves your goals.