Hosting and Name Server Updation: Full Guide

When it comes to creating a website, there are several crucial steps involved, including choosing a hosting provider and updating your name servers. Hosting and name server updation are vital aspects of getting your website up and running. So, let’s start with the guide to hosting and name server 

What is Hosting?

Hosting is the process of storing your website files and making them accessible on the internet. When you sign up with a hosting provider, they allocate space on their servers to store your website’s files, databases, and other content.

Hosting providers offer different types of hosting plans, such as shared hosting, virtual private servers (VPS), dedicated servers, and cloud hosting. Each type has its own advantages and is suitable for different website needs and budgets.

Choosing a Hosting Provider

Choosing the right hosting provider is very important to the success of your website. So, consider the following factors:

1. Reliability and Uptime

Ensure that the hosting provider guarantees a high uptime percentage, ideally 99.9% or higher. A reliable hosting service will minimize downtime and ensure your website remains accessible to visitors.

2. Performance and Speed

Opt for a hosting provider that uses fast servers and provides technologies like solid-state drives (SSDs) and content delivery networks (CDNs) to enhance website speed and performance.

3. Scalability

If you expect your website to grow in the future, choose a hosting provider that offers scalability options. This will allow you to easily upgrade your hosting plan as your website’s needs increase.

4. Customer Support

Make sure the hosting provider offers reliable customer support through various channels like live chat, phone, or email. Good customer support can help you quickly resolve any technical issues you may encounter.

Updating Name Servers

After signing up for a hosting plan, you will need to update your domain’s name servers. Name servers are like the phone book of the internet, translating domain names into IP addresses that computers understand.

1. Obtain Name Server Information

When you sign up for a hosting plan, your hosting provider will provide you with the name server information. It usually consists of two or more addresses (e.g., ns1.example.com and ns2.example.com).

2. Access Domain Registrar

Login to your domain registrar’s website, where you initially registered your domain. Common domain registrars include GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Google Domains.

3. Locate DNS Management

Find the DNS management or name server settings section within your domain registrar’s control panel. The location may vary depending on the registrar.

4. Update Name Servers

Replace the existing name servers with the new ones provided by your hosting provider. Save the changes, and the updated name servers will propagate across the internet. This process can take up to 48 hours, although it often happens much faster.

Testing the Website

Once you have updated the name servers, it’s time to test your website to ensure it’s working correctly. Follow these steps:

1. Clear DNS Cache

Clear the DNS cache on your computer to ensure you are viewing the latest version of your website. You can do this by flushing the DNS cache through the command prompt or using tools like DNS Flusher.

2. Visit Your Website

Type your website’s domain name into the address bar of your web browser and press Enter. If everything is set up correctly, you should see your website loading successfully.

3. Check Functionality

Examine your website’s various features, such as links, forms, and interactive elements, by clicking through it. Check that everything is working properly.

4. Test Across Devices

Access your website from different devices and browsers to ensure its responsiveness and compatibility. Check how it appears on desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices.

Final Thoughts

Hosting and name server updation are crucial steps in launching a website. By carefully choosing a reliable hosting provider and following the proper steps to update your name servers, you can ensure that your website is accessible to visitors and functions smoothly. Remember to regularly monitor your website’s performance and address any technical issues promptly. With the right hosting and properly updated name servers, you’re on your way to a successful online presence.

Thank you for reading our comprehensive guide on hosting and name server updation.