If you want to create a website of your own, you need to know the basic differences between Domain Name and Web Hosting. Domain names can be simply thought of as a street address that will help people find out where you live- in this case, help them locate your website’s location. But apart from a free domain, you also need to store data and information for your website (with a top-level domain) will have enough codes and data that would be necessary to store.
This is where Web Hosting comes to play as this is the space in the server where every single bit of data and codes is saved for further use. And this data includes HTML, Document, and media. But, this is not all that we can infer as there is a lot that goes behind a custom domain name like a domain extension, or a domain registrar- something that needs to be looked upon. For that will help us understand the difference between a domain name and web hosting.
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As reiterated above, a domain name is simply the name that any website has on the Internet. To look up any website, whatever the user types in the web browser bar is the domain name for it leads us to a landing page of the website. There are millions of examples that we can draw from- like google.com, hotmail.com, gmail.com, etc. Every domain name comes with its DNS Servers, and it is imperative that you have a domain name before you are thinking of creating a website. But the process is extremely simple- you just buy it from a domain registrar. Once you have engaged in domain registration, you will be allowed to purchase the domain. This entails sole ownership over that domain on the entire Internet- no one would be able to use the same domain name as yours for their own website. A distinctive identity will be created for your website using the domain name that you have. And this leads on to the next step of the domain name and web hosting.
How Much Does a Domain Name Cost to Buy and Renew, When It is Used In The Context of Domain Name and Web Hosting?
If you are worried about the price of a domain name, there are a few factors you need to keep in mind. You need to check which domain registrar you are using, along with the domain name you are choosing. The prices of domain names can fluctuate when the options are a new domain name, or reusing an old one. Remember, older domains, especially ones that have a single word are quite expensive and difficult to manage. On the other hand, if you want to buy a new domain, you should be able to get ownership for $10-$15 annually.
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Also, it must be kept in mind that the renewal depends on which domain registrar you are choosing. Every single domain registrar would have its own renewal fee, which, surprisingly isn’t all. You also need to check the TLD (top-level domain) that you have, and the duration of your contract. Usually, if you have a long contract for renewal with the same registrar, your monthly rate will be cheaper. Here, you would be able to truly see how important a domain name and web hosting is when it comes to building a website.
What Are The Main TLDs for a Domain Name and Web Hosting?
A top-level domain is what comes at the last bit of an URL, which is usually the small part after the dot. TLDs have always been thought of as domain suffixes. ICANN, which is the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, usually looks after the domain names and the IP addresses that are strewn throughout the Internet. And according to ICANN, the TLDs are-
- Generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD)
- Country-code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD)
- Sponsored Top-Level Domain (sTLD)
- Infrastructure Top-Level Domain (iTLD)
Generic Domains usually are the most widely used TLDs. Out of them, some of the most popular TLDs are-
- .com – Commercial
- .net – Commercial
- .org – Commercial
- .edu – Educational Institutions
- .mil – Military
- .gov – Government Agencies
In the DNS (Domain Name System), the names have a very distinctive hierarchy. Top Level Domains are usually this set of generic names that form a hierarchy- COM, NET, ORG, EDU, BIZ, etc. The top-level domains have an official list which is always maintained at the Root Zone Database by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA).
Incidentally, while a lot of the TLDs are actually open to the public for their own use, there are extremely high profile regulations on certain other TLDs. Like, the registration of a ccTLD is completely restricted and prohibited for the citizens of that country. In the event of any malpractice, the cyber law regulates the workings of said TLDs.
Regulations on ccTLDs
There are several regulations that come up when purchasing a TLD. In the case of ccTLD, it becomes very important to note that the entire registration process might be all about trying to determine if the user is from that country itself. For example, a person not having any residential proof of being an American won’t be allowed to purchase the domain name (.us). If they are Americans, only then will they be able to truly purchase the domain name. And this brings us to a secondary point that users would do well to remember. When talking about domain name and web hosting, it is important to note that certain domain names need a certain requirement to be enforced before selling the domain name. If you aren’t an organization, you wouldn’t be allowed the domain name ‘.org’ for your online presence. And these requirements are legally binding- so if you bail out on any of the requirements when you are registering for your domain name and web hosting, the domain name will be sent out into the open for authenticated users to purchase. You will have to cancel out your payment and choose a new one if you still want a website. It is also important for you to remember that while signing up, you would do better to gather your information from the web host, so you have all the authentic information that you might need during your registration.
The information from the web host would be useful when providing DNS and MX information records. And these records would actually help one determine as to the identity of the web host whose content would be displayed after a user navigated to their domain.
What Are The Most Popular Domain Registrars When Talking About Domain Name and Web Hosting?
As of today, the three most trusted domain registrars are:
- Domain.com
- GoDaddy.com
- Namecheap.com
When you are looking for good domain registrars to create the perfect domain, there are a few things that should be kept in mind-
- Every single domain registrar has its own price ranges which you should be familiar with. And you should also read their Terms and Conditions to make sure there aren’t any secret payments that might be conducted without your knowledge.
- Although domain owner transfers are pretty free for most domain registrars, there are some that might complicate it. In many ways, they might just make it more complex for you, or ask for a fee to do it themselves. In that case, read up on the services provided before signing up for anything.
- Every domain name comes with an expiry date. And if you don’t renew the domain before the expiration date, you might just lose out on ownership and the expired domain would be out there for anyone else to use. This is exactly why you need to be aware when dealing with domain names and web hosting, and choose a registrar that automatically renews the domain name- or one that allows some time even after the expiration period is over.
- You could also browse through the add-on services that some registrars provide. All you need to do is be patient and see when these services are actually needed for use.
Domain Name and Web Hosting: Can I Buy a Domain Name Without Hosting?
There is no way you can buy a domain name if you don’t have a web host. People would only be directed towards your website when you have a proper domain name and web hosting. The rationale is pretty simple- you will have to procure for web hosting services- for that will store your website’s data that comes from the domain name. Although if you are more curious about the domain name and web hosting is from the same company- don’t be. You can choose different plans, service providers, and registrars for both.
Can I Use My Domain Name With Any Host?
This is indeed a solution, for multiple domain names of one registrar that will allow the user to use the web host of any other service provider. Although, it must be mentioned that most users do apply for the 2-in-1 package that most registrars provide, to each their own, as to some it is easier for both the domain name and the web host to be of the same company- for others, they would like to keep it separate.
How Domain Name Registration Works
This is how a typical domain name registration should look like from the perspective of a user.
- First, you have to think of a pretty memorable name for your website.
- Since the possibility of your name being taken by someone else is ridiculously high, you might as well prepare a few backup names.
- Search for the name on the website of the registrar.
- In the event that your domain name hasn’t been taken by anyone, go ahead and purchase it.
- You have to pay the registration fees, which depends on the TLD you are using.
- Your registration is done.
- Next, simply point your domain name in the direction of your web hosting- after you change its DNS record.
Domain Name WhoIs Data
This becomes important to maintain accountability and transparency. In the event of some malpractice, or fraud, one would be able to look up the owner of a particular website by just visiting the WhoIs directory. Every single domain name is listed there, and all it needs is a simple search to determine who owns what.
Domain Name and Web Hosting Plan: How Do I Connect My Domain to the latter?
- You absolutely need to register a premium domain name for your website- you can go for website builder assigned names.
- Fix a web hosting provider plan and sign up.
- You need to check up on the DNS setting of the web host.
- You need to save the web host with the registrars using your name.
- Next, wait as the DNS propagation takes place.
Domain Privacy: Something Extremely Vital When It Comes To Domain Name and Web Hosting
Since it is very easy for someone to check up on a website’s personal information, registrars provide Domain privacy services. Instead of the information that is provided by the WHOIS privacy, domain privacy services replace that with proxy server information. This ensures that every piece of personal data that you have on the WHOIS is hidden from anyone with a nefarious mind. This will also protect using their strong SSL certificate certain personal information from hackers or thieves who would be willing to sell your personal information in lieu of money.
Domain Name and Web Hosting: Domain vs Sub-domain
There is quite a bit of difference between domain and sub-domain for a domain name is a unique id that is registered with a registrar. On the other hand, a sub-domain is simply any extended list of add-ons that can be placed over a domain if the web host provides all the services. Interestingly, while sub-domains usually consider themselves as third-level domains, search engines usually see it as completely independent of primary domains.
Domain Name and Web Hosting-Differences
The basic difference between a domain name and web hosting is that your domain name is basically like the address of your house and website hosting is the space where you keep your furniture. In case of naming a website, a set of numbers or words are used instead of an area code or street name. As for the web hosting, computer memory and computer hard disc are used to store and process all your files.
The reason behind the confusion between domain name and web hosting is because often the same hosting provider allows domain registration as well as web hosting services.
Previously the companies providing services like domain registration now provide web hosting services. At present, most of the hosting services allow users to opt for domain registration. Nowadays domain names are given for free or almost free by several hosting providers.
If you’re thinking of getting a domain name free of cost, your gene is here! GreenGeeks and InMotion Hosting are offering free domains to their first customers.
This brings me to the next question as to whether you should select the same company as the provider of your domain name and web hosting.
Two opinions come forth in this context. They are:
- Avoid registering significant domain names with the same web host. For example, you can use Name Cheap to register your domains and choose a different hosting provider to host your website. As for this site, InMotion hosting is used to host it. This helps in ensuring that the domain name is in your control even if discrepancies occur with your hosting provider. When you choose a third party for your domain name, it is easier to transfer to a new hosting provider. If not, you will have to wait for your hosting company to free your domain name. This can put you in a tricky situation and your process might be delayed as your hosting company will be losing your hosting business.
2. However, if your hosting provider is a reputable company and is well-known for its business, you can use it as the host as well as register your domain name there. Several webmasters opt for a domain name and web hosting from the same hosting company.
There are several opinions when it comes to opting for a particular method for digital marketing. It depends on what suits your website best and which mechanism benefits you the most.
In case you have already opted for a domain name and web hosting from the same company, this is what you should do:
- Accept and move on
- Select a third party and transfer your domain name there…