Internet terms can be frustrating for those who do not know their definition. Web hosting is filled with terms that could cause a bit of headache for anyone trying to navigate through their domain and hosting services. Here are 25 of the most common web hosting terms and their definitions.
1. Auto Responder – An auto-responder is an automatic message sent to a person when they email you. It can also be used for telephone services as well. Such auto-responses include "Thank you. We will get back to you shortly" and "Out of Office". However, you can customize the auto-response to whatever you wish.
2. Backup – Backups are what the name suggests. They are copies of the data and files that you have. When talking about the top-rated web hosting platforms, backup refers to backing the data up of your site and the code and serves needed to host your site. Backups should be performed regularly.
3. Bandwidth – The bandwidth is how fast your data transfers. The bigger the bandwidth, the faster it will be. When looking at domain and web hosting services, try to find bandwidths rated in the gigabytes per second for the best results.
4. cPanel – cPanels are becoming the standard hosting panel for website content. cPanels allow you to access and customize account settings and content quickly. All A2 types of hosting use cPanel platforms. Godaddy is perhaps the most popular of cPanel hosting.
5. DDoS – DDoS stands for Distributed Denial of Service. This is viewed as an attack on a target system or network. Typically, a DDoS occurs when multiple computers flood a specific server or network. The flood of traffic may cause the system to have performance or configuration issues. If you are aware of a DDoS error on your site or server, contact your domain and web hosting services provider immediately.
6. Dedicated Server – Dedicated servers are different than any other server. This is because you have your private server dedicated to your site and all the data needed for that site. These are generally more expensive due to the server only hosting one person's data. Dedicated servers are intended for those who wish for maximum security and the fastest performance, such as banks and large corporations.
7. Domain name – The domain name is a unique name and extension given to a website to be found on the internet. The domain name is a string of numbers (known as the IP address) that tells a computer which server to access to retain their required information. Domain names are typically not numeric but textual such as johndoe.com
8. DNS – DNS stands for Domain Name System. DNS is the service that tells the computer the textural names of a domain name into the numeric IP address. When you purchase a USA domain name, the server records the DNS. Once recorded, other computers can access your site if they know the Domain name and DNS.
9. HTTP – Hypertext transfer protocol, better known as HTTP, is the protocol used to transfer the data of a website. It is a security measure that is also the base model of the internet. Google has started to penalize any sites that do not use the HTTP protocol, raising security risks. The top domain name registration services will offer HTTP as part of the domain name purchase.
10. IMAP – IMAP is a protocol for retrieving email messages from an email server. IMAP is the standard for most email servers. It should not be confused with the POP system, which is also a part of email retrieval and sending. IMAP is used in Microsoft Outlook.
11. IP Address – IP is the unique number that tells a server where to access the information for your hosted content. IP addresses are the numeric form of your domain name.
12. Managed Hosting – Managed Hosting is the most popular hosting choice. With this, the coding and the upkeep are maintained by parties other than yourself. In most instances, the managed hosting will use cPanel platforms. The top-rated web hosting services will configure changes, update software and applications, and perform backups to data. Managed hosting is best for most small to medium businesses.
13. PHP – PHP is a scripting language that creates dynamic website content. The PHP language is becoming the standard in websites that seek to create organic and engaging content for their viewers. Other languages include Java, C++, and Python. All A2 hosting packages include a level of PHP.
14. SPF – SPF stands for Sender Policy Framework. This prevents spam from creating messages to impersonate users from another domain. SPF uses your DNS records to understand where your email is housed. The IP addresses which are located within the same server are allowed through. However, if the SPF sees that the email is being sent outside of the DNS records, it is blocked as potential spam.
15. SSL – Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) provides secure communications across various networks. The servers and the browsers use this. This language/communication allows for sharing pages, data, and other content with minimal risk for hacking and interference. SSL can also be used within email messages. Most top domain and web hosting services offer SSL certificates for websites. These SSL certificates increase your site's SERP (search engine result page).