Web Hosting Getting Started Guide 6 

Chapter 1: Understand Web Hosting Basics 

What Is Web Hosting? 

Before you working with your plan, take some time to familiarize yourself with your web 

hosting plan. Let s start with a few definitions:  

server 

A server is a computer attached to a network whose function is to provide (or serve 

up) data or other resources to client computers. A web server, for example, sends 

web pages to the Internet when asked for them by a browser. Other kinds of servers 

you might encounter are email servers (which manage email distribution), 

application servers (computers that run applications used by other computers), and 

workgroup servers (which allow multiple users to share data).  

web host 

A web host is an interconnected group of web servers containing web site data that 

other computers can access through the Internet. Web hosts, such as Yahoo!, may 

also provide technical resources and site maintenance. 

web site 

A web site is a collection of web pages, usually linked to each other, that are made 

available on the World Wide Web by an organization or individual. 

(For more helpful definitions, please see the glossary at the end of this guide or in our 

online help center at 

http://help.yahoo.com/help/us/webhosting/glossary/

.) 

You might think of a web host as a landlord. A landlord builds and maintains the structure, 

then rents storefronts to other businesses. Each business designs and operates its store 

differently and leaves building maintenance to the landlord.  

Likewise, a web host such as Yahoo! rents space on a web server to businesses and 

individuals like you. Each web hosting customer builds his own web site, while Yahoo!, the 

host, maintains the network of servers. Paying for a web hosting service means you don t 

have to invest lots of money or endure technical headaches to create and maintain a world 

class network like ours. We monitor the network and protect your data so you can focus on 

your web site.  

About Your Plan 

Yahoo! Web Hosting Starter  

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