A domain name is the human-readable address of your website, like example.com. It acts as an easy-to-remember alias for the numerical IP address of the server hosting your site.
When you type a domain name into a browser, the Domain Name System (DNS) translates it into the server’s IP address, allowing your browser to locate and load the website.
Domains come with various extensions like .com, .net, or country codes like .uk. Domains are registered through registrars such as GoDaddy or Namecheap and must be renewed periodically.
Web hosting is the service that stores your website’s files and makes them accessible on the internet. Without hosting, your website cannot be viewed online.
Hosting options include shared hosting (multiple sites sharing server resources), VPS (virtual private servers with dedicated resources), dedicated servers (entire physical servers), and cloud hosting (scalable, multiple servers).
Good hosting ensures fast load times, reliable uptime, and often includes additional features like backups, security, and control panels.
Email hosting services provide you with professional email addresses using your domain name, e.g., yourname@example.com, rather than generic free providers.
They offer features like spam filtering, large mailboxes, security protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and easy integration with devices and apps.
Popular email hosting includes Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or standalone providers offering dedicated email servers.
The DNS (Domain Name System) is a hierarchical system that translates domain names into IP addresses so browsers can load internet resources.
DNS servers include root servers, TLD (top-level domain) servers, and authoritative servers that handle your domain’s records.
DNS records include A (address), CNAME (aliases), MX (mail servers), TXT (text info like SPF), and others. Proper DNS configuration is crucial for website accessibility and email delivery.
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates encrypt data exchanged between users and your website, enhancing security and trust.
Websites with SSL display https:// in the URL and a padlock icon in browsers.
Certificates are issued by Certificate Authorities (CAs). Let's Encrypt provides free SSL certificates, while others offer paid options with warranties.
A control panel provides a user-friendly interface to manage web hosting features, such as file management, databases, email accounts, and DNS settings.
Popular control panels include cPanel, Plesk, and DirectAdmin, offering dashboards to configure your hosting environment without deep technical knowledge.
Control panels enhance productivity and simplify website maintenance tasks.