What is web hosting? Types of hosting explained
Published on July 4, 2026 8 min read
Web hosting is the space on a server where your website lives. Learn what web hosting is, how it works with your domain and DNS, and the main types.
Web hosting is the space on a server where your website files live, so visitors can view your site day and night. You always need two things: a domain name as the address and web hosting as the place where your website actually runs. In this article we explain what web hosting is, how it works technically with your domain name and DNS, and which types of hosting exist: from shared hosting and reseller hosting to your own dedicated server. After that we show how to choose the right package, how to order and what happens once your order is placed.
What is web hosting exactly?
A website is made up of files: text, images, code and usually a database. Those files have to sit somewhere on a computer that is always switched on and connected to the internet. Such a computer is called a server. Web hosting is renting space on a server like this, together with the software and the connection needed to show your site to visitors.
You can compare it to a shop unit. The server is the building, the web hosting is the rent for the space, and your website is the fit-out you place inside it. Your domain name, for example yourcompany.com, is the address on the front that lets people find you.
How the server, domain and DNS work together
A domain name and web hosting are two separate things that you both need. The domain name is the address people type in. The hosting is where your website actually lives. To link the two, you need a system that translates the address to the correct server. That system is called DNS (Domain Name System), which works like the phone book of the internet.
When someone types in your domain, DNS looks up which server belongs to that domain. This happens through records. The A record points your domain to the server's IP address. With the NS records (name servers) you decide which DNS servers manage your domain's data. At LJPc hosting these are ns1.ljpc.network, ns2.ljpc.network and ns3.ljpc.network. As soon as DNS returns the right IP address, the browser fetches your website from the server and the visitor sees your page.
Which types of web hosting are there?
Web hosting comes in several forms. They mainly differ in how much server capacity you share with others and how much you manage yourself. The three most common forms are shared hosting, reseller hosting and a dedicated server. In between there is also the VPS (virtual private server), a walled-off part of a shared server, but for most websites the following three options matter most.
Shared hosting
With shared hosting your website sits on a server alongside those of other customers. You share the capacity of that server, which keeps the cost low. For most business sites, blogs and smaller web shops this is more than enough, and it is the simplest way to get started.
The shared hosting packages from LJPc hosting come in three sizes: 5, 20 and 50 GB of fast NVMe SSD storage. Every package includes an unlimited number of mailboxes (email addresses), an unlimited number of databases, a free SSL certificate, the latest PHP versions and free migration help. You manage everything in Plesk, a clear control panel. The packages can be cancelled monthly and start from 4.99 euros a month.
Reseller hosting
Reseller hosting is meant for when you want to host several websites under one package, for example if you run an agency or work as a freelancer managing sites for different clients. Instead of taking out a separate package for each site, you divide the storage yourself across as many domains as fit within your package.
With reseller hosting from LJPc you host multiple domains on one package, with unlimited mailboxes and databases and a free SSL certificate on every domain. You manage it all from one modern control panel. Reseller hosting starts from 45 euros a month (excluding VAT).
Dedicated server
A dedicated server is a complete physical machine that runs for you alone. You share nothing with others, so you have the full capacity at your disposal. That is attractive for busy websites, demanding applications or situations where you need maximum performance and control.
The dedicated servers from LJPc hosting are fully managed: LJPc builds the server, manages it and keeps it fast. You choose between Intel or AMD processors and receive a tailored quote, because every server is configured to order. For security reasons there is no root access. The server runs on fast NVMe storage without a shared queue, is monitored 24/7 and is usually ready to use within five business days of your order. If you want to dig deeper, read the detailed article about the dedicated server.
Which package suits you?
Which hosting you need depends on how large and busy your website is, how many sites you manage and how much you want to arrange yourself. The table below helps you on your way.
| Type | Best for | Do you share the server? | Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared hosting | One or a few websites, starters and small businesses | Yes | You in Plesk, server by LJPc |
| Reseller hosting | Multiple sites or clients under one package | Yes | You in the control panel, server by LJPc |
| Dedicated server | Busy sites, demanding applications, maximum performance | No | Fully by LJPc |
If you are starting with one website, a shared hosting package is almost always the best choice. If you manage many sites at once, reseller hosting is more practical. If you run into the limits of shared hosting or have specific demands for speed and capacity, a dedicated server is the next step. Not sure? You can start small and upgrade later to a larger package or heavier hosting.
How to order your web hosting
From choice to order it takes only a few steps. Here is how to go about it.
- Choose the package that suits your situation. Use the comparison above to decide whether shared hosting, reseller hosting or a dedicated server fits best.
- Sort out your domain name. If you do not have a domain yet, you register it together with your hosting. If you already have a domain with another provider, you can transfer it later or point it to LJPc.
- Place your order. A shared hosting package is ordered online through the order process on the website. Reseller hosting and a dedicated server are configured and requested through a quote or through contact, because they are set up to order.
- Complete the order. You receive a confirmation with your login details as soon as your hosting is ready.
What happens after your order?
As soon as your order comes in, your hosting is set up. With shared hosting this is quick. A dedicated server is built to order and is usually ready within five business days. After that you go through a few steps to get your website live.
Setup and access to Plesk
Your hosting account is created on a server and you receive your login details. You manage your hosting through your customer account, from which you continue to Plesk in one click. In Plesk you set up your website, create mailboxes and databases, choose your PHP version and manage your SSL certificate. You do not need any server knowledge for this.
Setting up DNS and activating SSL
To point your domain to your new hosting, you set up the DNS. If you register your domain with LJPc hosting, the name servers ns1.ljpc.network, ns2.ljpc.network and ns3.ljpc.network are already set correctly. If you use a domain that sits elsewhere, you point the A record to the server's IP address or switch over the name servers.
DNS changes are not visible everywhere straight away. It can take around 24 to 48 hours before a change has rolled out worldwide. This is called DNS propagation. As soon as your domain points to the server correctly, the free SSL certificate is activated, so your site is reachable securely over https.
Cannot work it out, or unsure which package fits best? Feel free to contact support and we will be glad to think along with you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between web hosting and a domain name?
A domain name is the address people type in, for example yourcompany.com. Web hosting is the space on a server where your website actually lives. You need both: the domain points through DNS to the hosting where your site runs.
Which hosting do I need for a small website?
For most small business sites, blogs and portfolios, shared hosting is more than enough. A package of 5 or 20 GB is a fine starting point. If your site grows or you get a lot of visitors, you can upgrade later.
Do I need technical knowledge to get started?
No. With shared hosting you manage everything through the clear control panel Plesk, and with a dedicated server LJPc takes on the full management. You do not have to be a server administrator to put a website online.
Can I switch to a larger package later?
Yes. You can start with a small shared package and later upgrade to more storage, reseller hosting or a dedicated server as your website or your number of sites grows.
Is an SSL certificate included?
Yes. All shared and reseller packages come with a free SSL certificate. It provides a secure https connection and is activated automatically as soon as your domain points to the server.
How long until my website is online?
A shared hosting package is ready quickly. After that you set up the DNS, and because of propagation it can still take around 24 to 48 hours before your site is visible everywhere. A dedicated server is usually ready within five business days of your order.