I wanted to take a moment and explain webhosting. Most of my small businesses clients, who have no experience with websites, get very confused by this. Sometimes what they think is their website is really just their registrar.
First we have to look at how a user gets to a website. Let me explain it as if there different parties involved were people:
Your Internet Service Provider
You may know him, as AOL, Comcast, ATT, Verizon, Earthlink, or several other names. When you can to go someplace on the information super highway, this is the guy that takes you there. Think of him as your personal chauffeur, which is exactly what he does. You tell him, “hey, I’d love to go see our Friend Youtube to see if there are any new silly cat vidoes around,” and he’ll take you on your merry way.
The Registrar
No matter how fast of a driver you have, your ISP (internet service provider) still needs directions. That’s when he talks to the registrar. He’s best imagined as a tour guide for your journey on the web. Your driver will let him know what street Facebook lives on, or how to get to that Netflix site.
In terms of web hosting, the domain your purchase goes through the hands of the registrar. Not only is he the tour guide, but also the keeper of the address book! If it seems like a lofty job for one person, don’t worry–there are over 500 registrars in the world working to tell your ISP where to go.
The Webhost
If you host a website, somewhere the files themselves live on a computer. This computer is managed by the webhost. I like to think of the webhost as your concierge once you arrive at your destination. You talk with them to check in you and your web files, forward any incoming calls to your hotel room, and call for a menu when you’re hungry for more bandwidth.
A webhost comes in many shapes and sizes. They also maintain the computer your website lives on–think of it possibly as a hotel. Sometimes you may stay at a four star resort, sometimes an economy suite. Please note that like with any service, you get what you pay for.
The Domain Name Server
The DNS (Domain Name Server) is another person you should be aware of. He is best personified as a bus boy. Sure, the registrar may know where your hotel is, but the busboy know what room when you get there and check in.
A confusing aspect to the DNS is that sometimes this busboy is working with our concierge web host, and sometimes he’s working with our tour guide registrar. It really depends on what service you get, but often times but the registrar and the webhost provide their own DNS.
Same Person, many hats!
Although all these people represent different jobs people have to get you to your destination, there is nothing stopping one person to do every job! Sometimes, your ISP will offer web hosting with Registrar and DNS included. The largest registrar at the time of writing this, Godaddy, offers webhosting as well. Furthermore, it is common practice for web host of offer registration of domain names through a offered registrar.
Just know that to host a site all you need to pay web hosting and a registrar. To view a site, all you need is an ISP.
