Web hosting can be full of terms that sound more technical than they really are. For someone launching a first website, that can make the whole process feel harder than it needs to be.
The good news is that most hosting language becomes much clearer once you connect it to what it actually does. Here is a plain-English guide to common web hosting terms you are likely to see when choosing a package or managing your site.
Web hosting
Web hosting is the service that stores your website files and makes them available online.
When someone visits your domain name, their browser connects to the server where your site is hosted and loads the page from there.
Server
A server is a computer designed to store data and respond to requests from other computers.
In hosting, the server stores your website files, databases, email data and other resources. It is connected to the internet so visitors can access your site at any time.
Domain name
A domain name is the address people type into their browser to reach your website, such as example.co.uk.
The domain is not the website itself. It points visitors to the server where the website is hosted.
DNS
DNS stands for Domain Name System.
It translates domain names into the server addresses computers use behind the scenes. DNS records control where your website, email and other domain services are routed.
Nameservers
Nameservers tell the internet which DNS system is responsible for your domain.
If you move your hosting or change provider, updating nameservers or DNS records is often part of the process.
SSL and TLS
SSL and TLS are security technologies that encrypt the connection between a visitor’s browser and your website.
In everyday language, people still often say SSL certificate, even though TLS is the modern protocol. Either way, the result is the padlock in the browser and an https:// web address.
For business websites, SSL is essential.
Bandwidth and data transfer
Bandwidth is often used to describe how much data can be transferred between your website and visitors.
Every image, page, script and file uses data when it loads. A busy site or a site with large downloads will usually need more bandwidth than a small brochure site.
Storage
Storage is the amount of disk space available for your website files, images, databases, email, backups and other account data.
Large media libraries, email-heavy accounts and backup files can use storage quickly, so it is worth keeping an eye on usage.
CPU, RAM and resources
CPU and RAM are server resources that help your website process requests.
CPU is processing power. RAM is working memory. A busy or complex site, especially one running WordPress, ecommerce or membership software, may need more of both to perform well.
Shared hosting
Shared hosting means multiple customer accounts use the same server.
It is a cost-effective option for many small websites and is often the best place to start. The trade-off is that resources are shared, so very busy or demanding sites may eventually need an upgrade.
Managed cloud server
A managed cloud server gives you more resource and control than standard shared hosting, with expert support for the server side of the setup. It is a common next step for growing websites, ecommerce stores, agencies and sites that need more flexibility.
Dedicated server
A dedicated server is a physical server used by one customer.
It offers more control and capacity, but it also costs more and usually requires more technical management.
Control panel
A control panel is the interface used to manage hosting tasks.
In cPanel, for example, you can create email accounts, manage files, add databases, install WordPress, view resource usage, set up redirects, check SSL and update DNS records.
FTP, SFTP and SSH
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It is used to upload and manage website files.
SFTP is a more secure way to transfer files. SSH gives command-line access to a server and is usually used by developers or more technical users.
Database
A database stores structured information for your website.
WordPress, ecommerce systems, booking platforms, forums and many other applications use databases to store content, settings, users, orders and other changing information.
MySQL and MariaDB
MySQL and MariaDB are popular database systems used by many websites and applications.
If you are running WordPress, your hosting package will need database support.
PHP
PHP is a programming language used by WordPress and many other web applications.
Hosting providers support different PHP versions. Keeping PHP up to date can help with performance, compatibility and security.
CMS
CMS stands for Content Management System.
WordPress is the best-known example. A CMS lets you manage pages, posts, menus, images and other content without editing every file by hand.
One-click installer
A one-click installer helps you install software such as WordPress from your hosting control panel.
It saves time and reduces the need to manually upload files, create databases and edit configuration files.
Backup
A backup is a copy of your website, database, email or hosting account data.
Backups help you recover if something is deleted, corrupted, hacked or broken during an update. Always check how often backups are taken and how they can be restored.
CDN
CDN stands for Content Delivery Network.
A CDN stores copies of static files, such as images, CSS and JavaScript, across a network of locations. This can help pages load faster for visitors who are further away from your main server.
Uptime
Uptime refers to the amount of time your hosting service is available online.
No hosting provider can honestly promise that nothing will ever go wrong, but a good host monitors infrastructure carefully and responds quickly when issues occur.
Email hosting
Email hosting lets you send and receive email using your own domain name, such as hello@example.co.uk.
Business email looks more professional than using a free personal address and gives you more control over accounts, forwarding, filtering and deliverability settings.
SPF, DKIM and DMARC
SPF, DKIM and DMARC are email authentication records.
They help receiving mail servers check whether messages claiming to come from your domain are legitimate. Correctly configured records can improve trust and reduce the chance of your email being treated as suspicious.
Hosting terminology does not need to be a barrier. Once you understand the basics, it becomes much easier to compare packages, talk to support and make sensible decisions about your website.