The Difference Explained
If you’re planning to create a website in South Africa, you’ll need two essential components: a domain name and web hosting. These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different aspects of building a website. In this article, we’ll explore the difference between them, how they’re related, and whether you need both to build a website. Astrihost is a reputable provider that can help you register a domain name and offer web hosting services to store your website files on a server, making them accessible on the internet.
Web Hosting
What is it?
Web hosting is the service that allows you to store your website files on a server so that they can be accessed on the internet. Web hosting providers offer space on their servers for individuals and organizations to host their websites. When you sign up for a web hosting service, you’ll be given access to a control panel where you can manage your website files, install applications, and configure settings.
Standard features include
Astrihost offers one-click installations of popular CMS platforms like WordPress and Joomla.
Astrihost Web Hosting and WordPress Hosting plans to suit all your needs. From personal blogs to large e-commerce sites. You can easily reserve your desired domain name and get started on building your website.
Domain Name
What is it?
This unique address requires registration and identifies your website on the internet. For example, astrihost.com is a domain name. It’s the part of your website’s URL that comes after the “www” and before the “.co.za” or “.org.” and should be human-friendly, easy-to-remember names that are used to identify websites on the internet. They consist of two main parts: the top-level (TLD) and the second-level (SLD).
The top level is the last part, such as .co.za .com, .org, .net, or .edu. The second level is the part that comes before the TLD, such as Astrihost or Google.
Standard features include
- Access to a control panel, where you can manage your settings, such as DNS, nameservers and WHOIS information.
How does it work?
When you type it into a web browser, the browser sends a request to a Domain Name System (DNS) server to find the IP address associated with it. The browser then connects to that server and requests the website’s files, which are then displayed in the browser. If you have a name in mind, you can go to our domain name registration page and secure it now!
Check out our guide on choosing a good domain name for some guidance.
Get Started! Search for your perfect domain name
How Domain Name and Web Hosting are Related?
There is a difference between the domain name and website hosting, but they are related because your website needs both to be accessible on the internet. Your domain name is the address that people use to find your website, and your web hosting service is the place where your website files are stored.
You can buy them separately or together. We specialise and offer both, while others concentrate on one or the other. If you buy them separately, you’ll need to change the DNS settings so they can work.
Unlimited Web Hosting from only R825.00 annually, with free domain registration.
Unlimited web traffic, Pure NVMe, Enterprise Litespeed, 99.99% Uptime and more! Free .CO.ZA Domain name is included, for any newly registered .CO.ZA domain or on the transfer of any .CO.ZA domain.
Can They Be Transferred To Another Service Provider?
Yes, you can transfer one or both to another service provider. Here are the general steps you’ll need to follow:
- Choose a new service provider: Research and choose a new service provider that suits your needs.
- Check eligibility: Most domains can be transferred, but some restrictions may apply based on your domain extension.
- Backup: Back up your files and databases. This will ensure that you have a copy of your website in case anything goes wrong during the transfer.
- Unlock your domain: Contact your current domain registrar and request to unlock your domain.
- Get authorization code: Obtain the authorization code or EPP code from your current registrar. This code is required for domain transfer.
- Initiate transfer: Initiate the domain transfer process with your new service provider. Follow the instructions provided by your new provider, and provide the authorization code when prompted.
- Confirm transfer: Confirm the transfer of your domain with your current registrar when you receive a transfer request. This confirmation will typically be sent via email.
- Update nameservers: Once the transfer is complete, update the nameservers for your domain with your new service provider.
- Upload website: Upload your website’s files and databases to your new service provider’s server.
It’s important to note that domain transfers can take up to a few days to complete, and your website may experience some downtime during this process. Be sure to plan accordingly and communicate with your users about any expected downtime.
Frequently asked questions
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