What is web hosting?

Web hosting companies are the connection between an individual or company and World Wide Web readers. To put a webpage online, one must go through a web host.
 
The webpage developer will upload his or her design to the web host according to the company's guidelines and policies, and based on the type of software the webpage designer has used. That upload submits the files to the web host, and then the webpage is published for all to see on the Internet.

Many web hosts offer a number of tools to help their clients not only to simplify the process of uploading files to a webpage, but even offer programs to help build webpages quickly and easily. Virtually anyone can build a webpage with these simple, yet effective, tools. Knowing html code is not important with aids such as "Website Builder" or software like Dreamweaver.

When choosing a web host, it's important to keep your personal or corporate goals in mind. If it's your own personal website, you might not mind if the web host puts banner ads on it. However, if it's a corporate site you're preparing, do you want your web host to advertise similar businesses on your page? Many web hosts offer free web hosting services if the company is allowed to place advertising on it or charge a small fee to keep it clear of outside sponsors.