Web Hosting

1. Introduction to Web Hosting

Web hosting is a service that provides the storage, computing resources and network connection needed to make a website or web application available to users over the internet. Website files such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images, videos and server-side application files are stored on a hosting server.

When a visitor enters a website address in a browser, several processes take place. The domain name is resolved to the appropriate server address, the browser connects to the server, and the server returns the requested web resources to the visitor.

Why Web Hosting Is Important

• Website availability: hosting makes website files accessible to users through the internet.
• Storage: the server stores the files and other resources required by the website.
• Server processing: hosting can provide the computing environment required by dynamic websites and applications.
• Database support: many hosting services provide databases for websites that store users, products, posts or other information.
• Email and other services: some hosting plans provide additional services such as email accounts, backups and security tools.

                     VISITOR
                        |
                    [BROWSER]
                        |
                  [DOMAIN NAME]
                        |
                     [DNS]
                        |
                 [HOSTING SERVER]
                    /        \
            [WEBSITE FILES] [DATABASE]
                        |
                  WEB RESPONSE
                        |
                     BROWSER

2. Types of Web Hosting

Different hosting arrangements provide different levels of resources, control, scalability and administration. The appropriate choice depends on the website size, expected traffic, technical requirements and available budget.

Hosting Comparison

3. Domains and DNS

A domain name is a human-readable name used to access a website, while DNS (Domain Name System) helps translate domain names into the addressing information needed to locate internet services.

Common DNS Records

Step-by-Step: Creating a Domain in cPanel

This procedure demonstrates how a registered domain can be added to an existing cPanel hosting account. cPanel itself does not normally register or renew a domain; those actions are handled by the domain registrar or hosting provider. The exact options shown depend on the hosting provider.

Example Screenshot: Create a New Domain

This example shows the domain field, document-root option and Submit button. Your hosting provider's current cPanel interface may look different.

1. Register or obtain the domain: for example, schooldemo.com .
2. Log in to cPanel: use the hosting credentials supplied by your provider.
3. Open Domains: select Domains from the cPanel dashboard.
4. Click Create a New Domain: this opens the domain-creation form.
5. Enter the domain: type the fully qualified domain name, for example schooldemo.com .
6. Choose the document root: for a separate website, use a separate document-root folder when your provider permits it. A common example is public_html/schooldemo.com .
7. Submit: click Submit and confirm that the domain appears in the Domains list.
8. Configure DNS: use the nameservers or DNS records supplied by the hosting provider.
9. Wait for DNS propagation: DNS changes may take time to become visible to all resolvers.
10. Verify the document root: make sure you know exactly which folder will contain the website files.

    REGISTERED DOMAIN
           |
           v
    [ADD DOMAIN IN CPANEL]
           |
           v
    [DOCUMENT ROOT]
           |
           v
    [UPLOAD WEBSITE]
           |
           v
    [DNS POINTS TO HOST]
           |
           v
    [LIVE WEBSITE]

Step-by-Step: Connecting a Domain to Hosting

4. Web Servers

A web server is software, and commonly the computer or virtual machine running that software, that accepts web requests and returns web resources to clients. Common web-server software includes Apache and Nginx.

    [BROWSER]
        |
     HTTP / HTTPS REQUEST
        |
    [WEB SERVER]
        |
        +---- Static file ----> HTML / CSS / JS / IMAGE
        |
        +---- Application ----> SERVER-SIDE CODE
                                  |
                               [DATABASE]
                                  |
                             APPLICATION RESPONSE
                                  |
                             [WEB SERVER]
                                  |
                               BROWSER

5. Step-by-Step: How to Host a Website on a Server

This practical procedure demonstrates how to take a website created on your computer and publish it on a typical cPanel web-hosting server . The exact appearance of a hosting control panel can differ between hosting companies, but the main process is similar. cPanel documentation identifies public_html as the web root commonly used for the main domain, while some additional domains can have their own document-root folders. citeturn1search0turn0search8

What You Need Before Starting

• A completed website on your computer.
• A web-hosting account with access to a server.
• A domain name, or a temporary hosting address supplied by the host.
• cPanel access, if the hosting company uses cPanel.
• The correct website files and folders.
• Internet access for connecting to the hosting server.

Example picture: a cPanel dashboard with the File Manager option highlighted. The exact appearance may differ between hosting providers.

Step 1: Prepare and Test the Website on Your Computer

Before uploading anything, open the website locally and check that the homepage, navigation, images, CSS and JavaScript work correctly. This prevents you from uploading a website that already contains broken links or missing files.

    schoolwebsite/
    ├── index.html          ← MAIN HOMEPAGE
    ├── about.html
    ├── contact.html
    ├── css/
    │   └── style.css
    ├── js/
    │   └── script.js
    └── images/
        ├── logo.png
        └── banner.jpg

Step 2: Log In to Your Hosting Control Panel

Use the login details supplied by your hosting provider to enter the hosting control panel. If the provider uses cPanel, you will normally see management areas for files, domains, databases, email and other services.

1. Open your hosting provider's customer or control-panel login page.
2. Enter your username and password.
3. Complete any security verification or two-factor authentication required.
4. Open the cPanel dashboard.

Step 3: Open File Manager

In cPanel, locate the Files section and click File Manager . File Manager provides a browser-based way to manage files and folders on the hosting account. citeturn0search0

Example picture: cPanel File Manager showing the Upload button. The interface can look different depending on the cPanel version and hosting provider.

Step 4: Open the Website's Web Root

For the main domain in a common cPanel setup, open public_html . This is the directory from which files for the main website are commonly served. cPanel describes the Web Root as public_html or www and allows a domain to have a specific document root. citeturn0search0turn0search8

Step 5: Compress the Website into a ZIP File

If your website contains many files and folders, compressing the site into one ZIP archive is usually easier than uploading every file separately. cPanel File Manager supports uploading compressed files and extracting them on the server. citeturn0search0

On your computer, right-click the website folder and choose the operating system's compression option. The result might be something like schoolwebsite.zip .

    BEFORE:
    SchoolWebsite/
       index.html
       about.html
       css/style.css
       js/script.js
       images/logo.png
    
    AFTER:
    SchoolWebsite.zip   ← ONE FILE TO UPLOAD

Step 6: Upload the ZIP File to the Server

With public_html open, click Upload . Select the ZIP file from your computer or drag it into the upload area. Wait until the upload finishes completely before leaving the page. cPanel's File Manager supports uploading files, while a folder itself cannot be uploaded directly through that interface; a ZIP archive can instead be uploaded and extracted. citeturn0search0

Example picture: cPanel's upload interface with a file-selection/drop area.

Step 7: Extract the Website ZIP File

Return to the public_html directory after the upload finishes. Select or right-click the ZIP file and choose Extract . cPanel supports extracting ZIP archives when the required server support is available. citeturn0search0

1. Locate schoolwebsite.zip .
2. Select the archive.
3. Click Extract .
4. Confirm the extraction location.
5. Check that index.html , CSS, JavaScript and image folders are present.
6. Delete the ZIP archive after confirming the extraction, if it is no longer needed.

Step 8: Check the Website Files and Folder Structure

After extraction, confirm that the structure is correct. For a simple main-domain static website, the result should look similar to this:

    public_html/
    ├── index.html       ← HOMEPAGE
    ├── about.html
    ├── contact.html
    ├── css/
    │   └── style.css
    ├── js/
    │   └── script.js
    └── images/
        ├── logo.png
        └── banner.jpg

If the homepage is buried inside an extra folder, the domain may not display it as expected. Check the hosting provider's document-root arrangement before moving files.

Step 9: Connect the Domain to the Hosting Server

Uploading files alone does not always make a custom domain work. The domain must point to the hosting service using the DNS configuration required by the hosting provider. The exact records depend on the provider and hosting setup.

1. Find the DNS or domain-management instructions provided by your host.
2. Identify whether the provider requires nameservers or particular DNS records.
3. Enter the required DNS configuration at the domain provider.
4. Wait for the DNS change to become effective.
5. Test the domain in a browser.

Step 10: Open the Website in a Browser

Enter the domain in the browser. If the DNS and hosting configuration are correct, the browser should request the homepage from the hosting server.

Step 11: Install or Enable HTTPS

After the website is working, enable HTTPS using the certificate system provided by your hosting company or another suitable certificate service. Let's Encrypt provides free automated certificates, although the exact installation process depends on the hosting environment. citeturn0search12

1. Open the hosting provider's SSL/TLS or security section.
2. Select the domain.
3. Request or enable an appropriate certificate.
4. Wait for certificate installation to complete.
5. Open the website using https:// .
6. Check that important pages and resources also load correctly over HTTPS.

Step 12: Test the Hosted Website

Do not assume that uploading the files means the deployment is complete. Test the complete website from the browser.

Complete Hosting Process

6. Uploading a Website to a Hosting Server

Website deployment involves moving the website files from a development computer to the hosting environment and ensuring that the server is configured to serve them correctly.

Files Commonly Uploaded

• HTML files: provide the structure and content of pages.
• CSS files: control presentation, layout and appearance.
• JavaScript files: provide client-side interaction and functionality.
• Images and media: provide visual and multimedia content.
• Server-side files: provide application processing when the hosting environment supports them.

Step-by-Step: Create an FTP Account in cPanel

An FTP account provides controlled access to website files. cPanel allows an account to be limited to a particular directory. This is preferable to giving a user unnecessary access to the entire hosting account.

Example Screenshot: FTP Accounts

The example shows Login, Password, Directory, Quota and Create FTP Account fields.

1. Log in to cPanel.
2. Open FTP Accounts under Files .
3. Enter a username such as website .
4. Select the correct domain.
5. Generate a strong password.
6. Set the FTP account's directory to the website's document root, for example public_html/schooldemo.com , when appropriate.
7. Choose a quota if required.
8. Click Create FTP Account .
9. Store the FTP connection details securely.

Step-by-Step: Connect to the Server with FileZilla

Example Screenshot: FileZilla Site Manager

The example shows the Host, Port, Protocol, Username and Password fields. Use the secure connection method specified by your hosting provider.

1. Install and open FileZilla or another supported FTP/SFTP client.
2. Open Site Manager and create a new site profile.
3. Enter the server hostname supplied by the hosting provider.
4. Enter the FTP username created in cPanel.
5. Enter the FTP password.
6. Select the secure connection method supported by the host. Prefer SFTP or FTP over TLS/FTPS where available.
7. Enter the port specified by the host. Port 21 is conventional for FTP/FTPS; SFTP commonly uses 22, but your provider may use another port.
8. Click Connect .
9. Check that the remote directory is the correct website document root.

Step-by-Step: Upload the Website Through FTP

1. In FileZilla, use the left side to locate the website folder on your computer.
2. Use the right side to open the website's document root on the server.
3. Select index.html , CSS, JavaScript, image folders and any required PHP files.
4. Drag the selected files from the local side to the remote side.
5. Monitor the transfer queue until the files are transferred successfully.
6. Open the remote directory and confirm the same folder structure exists.
7. Open the domain in a browser and test the website.

    [YOUR COMPUTER]
          |
          | Secure FTP / SFTP
          v
    [FILEZILLA]
          |
          v
    [HOSTING SERVER]
          |
          v
    [WEBSITE DOCUMENT ROOT]
          |
          +-- index.html
          +-- css/
          +-- js/
          +-- images/
          +-- PHP files

Step-by-Step Website Upload Procedure

1. Prepare the website: test the website locally and check that links, images and scripts work.
2. Organize the files: keep HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images and other resources in the correct folders.
3. Access the hosting account: use the hosting control panel, file manager or an appropriate file-transfer method.
4. Open the web root: locate the directory configured to contain the public website files.
5. Upload the files: transfer the website files while maintaining the required folder structure.
6. Check the default page: confirm that the appropriate homepage file is present and correctly named.
7. Test the domain: open the domain in a browser and test all important pages.
8. Correct errors: investigate missing files, incorrect paths, permissions or server configuration problems.

7. Hosting Control Panel

A hosting control panel provides a graphical interface for managing common hosting tasks. Depending on the hosting provider, the available features may include file management, domains, databases, email, backups, security and software configuration.

Hosting Dashboard

A control interface can bring common hosting management functions together in one place.

Website Files

Hosting file managers allow administrators to organize website files and folders on the server.

Common Control-Panel Tasks

8. Website Files and Databases

Static websites may consist mainly of HTML, CSS, JavaScript and media files. Dynamic websites often also use server-side code and databases to generate or store changing information.

    website/
    ├── index.html
    ├── about.html
    ├── contact.html
    ├── css/
    │   └── style.css
    ├── js/
    │   └── script.js
    ├── images/
    │   ├── logo.png
    │   └── banner.jpg
    └── uploads/

Database Example

A database can store information that should not be hard-coded into every webpage. For example, a school website might store student records, announcements or user accounts in structured database tables.

9. PHP and MySQL: Creating a Database and Connecting PHP

Dynamic websites can use PHP to process requests and MySQL to store structured information. The PHP application connects to the database using the database host, database name, database username and password supplied by the hosting environment.

Part A — Create a MySQL Database

Example Screenshot: MySQL Database Wizard

The screenshot illustrates the first stage of creating a database. Current cPanel versions may label this tool Database Wizard.

1. Log in to cPanel.
2. Open Database Wizard or MySQL Database Wizard under Databases .
3. Enter a database name such as sakim_web .
4. Click Next Step .
5. Create a database user such as sakim_user .
6. Generate a strong database password and keep it private.
7. Click the button to create the user.
8. Assign the user to the database.
9. Select the privileges the application actually requires.
10. Finish the wizard.
11. Record the exact database name and username displayed by cPanel, including any automatic account prefix.

Part B — Import the Database Tables

1. Open phpMyAdmin from cPanel.
2. Select the database you created.
3. If you have an SQL backup file, choose Import .
4. Select the SQL file and start the import.
5. Wait for the import to complete.
6. Confirm that the required tables appear.

Part C — Connect PHP to MySQL

Create a PHP configuration file such as config.php . The following is a teaching example. Replace the placeholders with the real values from your hosting account.

    <?php
    
    mysqli_report(MYSQLI_REPORT_ERROR | MYSQLI_REPORT_STRICT);
    
    $dbHost = "localhost";
    $dbUser = "CPANELPREFIX_sakim_user";
    $dbPass = "YOUR_DATABASE_PASSWORD";
    $dbName = "CPANELPREFIX_sakim_web";
    
    $db = new mysqli($dbHost, $dbUser, $dbPass, $dbName);
    $db->set_charset("utf8mb4");
    
    echo "Database connection successful.";
    
    ?>

PHP's mysqli extension provides the connection interface used in this example. PHP documentation shows that the connection accepts values including hostname, username, password and database name.

Part D — Test the PHP Connection

1. Upload config.php to the server.
2. Create a temporary db-test.php page that includes the connection file.
3. Open the test page through the website domain.
4. If the connection succeeds, confirm that the success message appears.
5. If it fails, check the database host, database name, database username, password and user privileges.
6. Check the PHP version and ensure the mysqli extension is available in the hosting environment.
7. After testing, remove or protect the test page so that it cannot expose database information.

    [BROWSER]
        |
        | HTTPS request
        v
    [PHP APPLICATION]
        |
        | mysqli connection
        v
    [MYSQL DATABASE]
        |
        | query result
        v
    [PHP APPLICATION]
        |
        | HTML response
        v
    [BROWSER]

10. Web Hosting Security

Web hosting security protects websites, server accounts, applications and stored information from unauthorized access, malicious modification, data loss and service disruption.

Security Procedure

1. Identify important website files, databases and accounts.
2. Identify possible vulnerabilities and unauthorized-access risks.
3. Use strong authentication and appropriate access controls.
4. Keep the hosting environment and website software maintained.
5. Use HTTPS and suitable security controls.
6. Monitor logs and unusual activity where the hosting environment permits.
7. Maintain and test backups.
8. Respond promptly and systematically to security incidents.

11. SSL/TLS and HTTPS

HTTPS is HTTP carried over a secure TLS connection. It helps protect web traffic against unauthorized observation or modification while the connection is being established and used correctly.

Example Screenshot: SSL/TLS Manager

The screenshot shows the SSL/TLS Manager and Manage SSL Sites option. Current cPanel versions may use a unified SSL/TLS Certificates interface.

Step-by-Step: Installing SSL/HTTPS in cPanel

Most modern shared-hosting environments use an automated certificate system such as AutoSSL . The exact certificate authority and controls depend on the hosting provider.

1. Confirm the domain: make sure the domain has been added to the hosting account.
2. Confirm DNS: make sure the domain resolves to the correct hosting service.
3. Open SSL/TLS: find SSL/TLS or SSL/TLS Certificates under Security.
4. Check certificate status: if AutoSSL is enabled, the server may automatically request and install a certificate for the domain.
5. Run AutoSSL if available: use the provider's AutoSSL control when it is available for your account.
6. Manual installation: if a certificate is supplied manually, use Manage SSL Sites and enter the certificate information as required by the provider.
7. Test HTTPS: open https://yourdomain.com .
8. Check the certificate: verify that the domain is covered and the certificate is valid.
9. Enable Force HTTPS Redirect: after HTTPS works, enable the hosting provider's redirect option where available.
10. Test all pages: verify that images, scripts, forms and other resources load correctly over HTTPS.

Basic HTTPS Deployment Process

Why HTTPS Matters

• It helps protect information exchanged between a browser and the website.
• It authenticates the website through certificate-based mechanisms when certificate validation succeeds.
• It is important for protecting login sessions and other sensitive web traffic.

11. Web Hosting Troubleshooting

Web hosting troubleshooting is a systematic process of identifying why a website or hosting service is not behaving as expected, applying an appropriate correction and verifying the result.

Common Problems and Checks

Detailed Troubleshooting Procedure

1. Describe exactly what the visitor sees.
2. Determine whether the problem affects one page or the whole website.
3. Check the domain and DNS configuration.
4. Check whether the hosting server and account are available.
5. Check website files, folder structure and file paths.
6. Check application configuration and database connectivity when applicable.
7. Review relevant server or application logs when available.
8. Apply the smallest appropriate correction.
9. Test the website again from an appropriate environment.
10. Document the cause and solution.

13. Practical Activities

    WEBSITE ON COMPUTER
            |
            v
    ADD DOMAIN IN CPANEL
            |
            v
    CREATE FTP ACCOUNT
            |
            v
    UPLOAD WEBSITE
            |
            +-------------------+
            |                   |
            v                   v
    CREATE MYSQL DB       INSTALL SSL
            |                   |
            v                   v
    CONNECT PHP           ENABLE HTTPS
            |                   |
            +---------+---------+
                      |
                      v
                LIVE WEBSITE