If you’re new to websites, the words servers, hosting and domains, can sound confusing, overly technical or even intimidating. But the truth is, they’re simple and you cannot build a website without them — they are the foundation of every website on the internet. Let’s break it down in the most beginner-friendly way possible, once you understand them, building your first website becomes much easier.
What is a Server?
When you build a website, it doesn’t live on your computer. If it did, the website would only be visible when your laptop is on, connected to the internet, and open. That’s obviously not how websites work. Instead, your website lives on a powerful computer that stays online 24 hours a day, every day. That powerful computer is called a server. Unlike your laptop or phone, a server: Stores website files and sends your website to visitors when they request it. Whenever someone types a website address into their browser, a server is what sends that website to their screen.
What is Web hosting?
To put your website online, you rent space on that powerful computer (server). That rental service is called hosting. A hosting platform allows you to: Store your website files (text, images, videos, and code) so people can access them online, Keep your website online 24/7 and make your site accessible from anywhere in the world. In simple terms: Hosting is the place where your website lives. And without hosting: There is nothing for a domain to point to, your website cannot go online, and no one can access it.
What Is a Domain?
Your domain is your website’s unique name on the internet. Examples: Facebook’s domain is www.facebook.com, Google’s domain is www.google.com, our domain is www.firstsiteever.com. Your domain is your digital address. It is what people type into their browser to find your website easily, instead of typing long numbers (called IP addresses). No two websites can have the same domain — because your unique domain name is how your site is uniquely identified online.
How Does a Domain Work?
Behind the scenes, something called DNS (Domain Name System) acts like the internet’s phonebook. It translates your domain name into the server’s IP address so the browser knows where to go. In Simple terms;
- Domain = Human-friendly name
- DNS = Translator
- Server = Where your website lives
Why You Need All Three: Server, Hosting, and Domain
Here’s the simplest way to understand it:
- Server = The House
- Hosting = Renting space in the house
- Domain = The house address
You need all three for your website to exist. Without a server, there’s no computer to store your site. Without hosting, you don’t have space on the server. Without a domain, people can’t find your website. All three must work together.
Choosing a Beginner-Friendly Hosting Provider
Not all hosting companies are beginner-friendly. Some are: Confusing to use, overpriced and designed for developers, not beginners. A good host should be:
- Affordable
- Come with a free domain
- Easy to use for beginners
- Work well in your region
- Have good customer support
- Allows 1-click WordPress installation
Understanding servers, hosting, and domains is one of the most important steps in building your first website. Once you understand these basics:
✔ Websites become less intimidating
✔ Tools make more sense
✔ You make better decisions
✔ You avoid costly mistakes
If you want to learn how to build your first website step-by-step — without confusion — join First Site Ever for free.
