Detail of Hosting Components

1. Web Server:-
The web server is a relatively simple piece of software that accepts requests over HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and delivers HTML pages and Image files.
2. FTP Server:-
FTP is the means of which a web master can transfer files to and from the server. To put our HTML and image files on a server we will generally use FTP to upload (transfer to) our files to the server running the web server.
3. Mail Server:-
The mail server consists of two parts POP (Post Office Protocol) and SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol). POP is where email is received into our mailbox and SMTP is what is used to send and receive email between mail servers.
4. Database Server:-
If we are using server side scripting on web server (we use something like Microsoft Internet Information Server) then instead of providing ?static? data only on web pages we can provide data from a database allowing our users to search and view the data in different and dynamic way. Also, a Database server is used to gather data from visitors to our site; orders, feedback, discussions and the like. Each one of the above components are software programs running on servers in the web-hosting environment. We can interact with each of these with special software programs we use on our computer.
5. Web Browser:-
When viewing the web we use a web browser like Internet Explorer. Many web hosting companies provide a ?Control Panel? to administer ywe web host account, whichweu use with our web browser. Most allow us to configure most aspects of our account using a simple web browser.
6. Web site/Page editor:-
Today many web servers allow editing of WebPages over HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol) based on Microsoft FrontPage technology. These special editors allow we to essentially look at our web site as if we were using a web browser and edit the pages directly as we see them using WYSWIG (What we see if what we get) technology. Most web hosting environments support this, and if we are starting out, make sure it is available. One tip: make sure the web host providing this really does understand this technology ? it is the main area of which many hacks and security intrusions occur.
7. FTP Client:-
This is a very simple piece of software that allows us to view the server folders and files in wer web host account as if they were files and folders on wer own computer. We can then drag and drop files between we computer and wer web host account.
8. Email Client:-
If we are on the internet we would already be using an email client to send and receive wer email. The most common are Outlook Express, Eudora and Web based mail clients like Hotmail.
9. Database Administration Client:-
The most common databases used with web servers are Microsoft SQL Server (available only on Windows) and MySQL (commonly found on Linux and UNIX but also available on Windows). SQL Server comes with it's own administration client where we can view wer databases, edit them, backup data and do all the administration functions we need. MySQL has an active online community where there is a range of administration clients available. Choosing a web host is, again, similar to choosing a house to live in or commercial premises to do business. We need to define what it is we require: how much space we need and what features and facilities we need.
If we have been reading this article because this is new to we, then it is likely at this stage we only need minimal space and basic facilities. Once we have worked with the basic facilities we will learn more and become aware of greater facilities and features and then we can simple move from one web ?hosting environment to another ? paying more or paying less. Moving in cyberspace is much easier, faster, and more seamless than physically moving house or commercial premises. Initially we may use the web-hosting environment offered by wer ISP (internet Service provider), the company we use to connect to the internet. But remember these companies main business is connecting many thousands of people to the internet ? not managing web hosting environments. We will generally find they offer less than basic facilities and minimal space. If we are just starting out with wer first web site the first major choice we will be faced with is ?Unix? or ?Windows?. For a person just starting out on the internet, both are equally capable and will offer the facilities we need to have wer place in cyberspace. If we have a web designer or technical person to help we, we only need to consider how much space we really need. With this simple idea in mind, when we are just starting out, owning wer piece of cyberspace will not cost anymore than $8 per month. Many web-hosting companies will offer what we need for as little as $3 per month. If we are going alone and doing it all werself we may want to consider an account with a web hosting company that offers and prides itself on it's support and customer service, 24/7 support access and the experience, knowledge and skill of it's server administrators. Remember, these are the gardeners and the guards who take care of wer environment. Web hosting is very simple and straightforward an once we obtain wer space in cyberspace we will never want to let it go and we can easily move it where we want as a turtle carries it's shell on it's back. Always remember we are not stuck in the first web-hoisting environment we choose. Web hosting iswer space in cyberspace and it is imperative to have a place in cyberspace in our modern society, just as it is to have an office to do business.