Every website that you visit when browsing online exists on a computer somewhere. Those computers are called servers because they 'serve' information to other sources (sources such as your own computer). It is how data is exchanged online.
When someone offers to rent or lease their server for the purpose of providing access to the files that comprise a website, then that person and their computer become a web host. A host being any computer that, like a party host, has guests. Web hosting has grown into a large and complex industry with its own jargon and standards. For the average person, though, web hosting is basically renting a space on a computer somewhere so you can erect a website accessible to everyone online.
Not all web hosting companies charge you a fee. Some sites are free and make a profit by placing ads throughout your website. But, most web hosting companies do charge some fee, sometimes as low as only a dollar or two.
The actual cost of the hosting plan will be largely dependent on the types of website services that are available. Some of these options are very technical and are only of interest to professional designers or programmers. Most of these advanced features deal with scripting languages designed to add interactivity and functionality to static websites. Many web hosting companies have also installed programs called content management systems on their servers. These are programs that directly interface with your website. The nice thing about content management systems are the simplicity of use.
Using only a web browser to access the program, it becomes very easy to upload website files, update content on the site, and even drag and drop scripting language elements to add basic levels of interactivity.
The proliferation of online forums is an example of this. In only a few short steps it is possible to have a web based user forum up and running. There are many other aspects of web hosting that are more advanced. Information such as the exact way that multiple users are sharing a single web hosting server, the specifications of the server itself, the type of operating system used. All of these are important for sites that require a high level of performance from the host.
A basic personal site, though, used to show pictures or post information for friends and family to read requires almost nothing to set up. Just some empty server space and something to say. For sites like that, very little knowledge of web hosting is needed.
GVO sets the standard for great web hosting. If you want to find out more, go to http://www.gogvowebhosting.com.
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