Shared web hosting, as the name suggests, involves multiple websites sharing a single server. This means that the resources of the server, including CPU, disk space, and memory, are shared among numerous websites.
Obviously, there are other options you can look at when you want to host your website and those hosting options include VPS hosting, dedicated server hosting, WordPress, cloud hosting and obviously the topic of this article “shared web hosting”. In my previous blog titled “Types of different web hosting services available in South Africa” I discussed the most common website hosting services available in South Africa.
While shared web hosting may raise concerns about performance and security, it’s a cost-effective solution that is well-suited for small to medium-sized websites with moderate traffic.
Afrihost’s option starts from as little as R59.99 p/m and you can even get a 50% discount off your first bill when you click here.
1. South Africa Shared Hosting Types
Shared website hosting comes in different forms, each tailored to meet specific website requirements and online brand presence needs. Some of the common types include traditional shared hosting, reseller hosting, and shared WordPress hosting.
The standard form is where multiple websites are hosted on a single server, while reseller hosting allows individuals like me to resell their server resources to you. Shared WordPress hosting, on the other hand, is optimised specifically for websites built on the WordPress platform, providing added performance and security features.
2. Top Shared Hosting Service Providers in South Africa in 2023
When considering shared hosting, it’s essential to explore the offerings of reputable providers to ensure a seamless and reliable hosting experience.
Service providers that offer shared website hosting range from global industry leaders such as GoDaddy, Bluehost, and HostGator to local companies that understand the unique requirements of the South African market like Afrihost, Xneelo, 1 Grid, Axxess and Domains.co.za.
My prefer hosting provider at the moment is Afrihost, mainly because of their 50% discount, which I think is an amazing offering especially in the current economic climate – To qualify for their 50% discount of your first month’s bill click here.
3. South African Hosting Server Types
Majority of hosting service providers, if not all – have two server options i.e. Microsoft Windows and Linux shared hosting. In order to decide whether to go for Linux or Microsoft hosting you will have to identify what your website requirements are to ensure that you don’t spend your hard earned money on the wrong hosting plan.
4. Linux Hosting Servers
Linux web hosting is generally a more popular option because of its affordability, security, flexibility, stability, and many features making it a popular choice for many websites.
If you are more technically inclined or understand some technical jargon, this is what Linux supports, PHP, Perl, MySQL, PostgreSQL, CGI Scripts with access via a control panel.
5. Microsoft Windows Hosting Servers
On the other hand, Microsoft Windows is preferred by websites that utilise technologies such as ASP.NET, MS Access, Microsoft SQL Server, VBScript etc. Then Windows hosting would be better for you.
Understanding the specific requirements of your website will guide you in selecting the most suitable hosting server for your website needs.
Conclusion
Both Linux and Windows servers are reliable, stable, and secure. Generally, more viruses are written to attack Windows servers than Linux servers. If you need to host on a Windows Server ensure that your web hosting company continually upgrades their Windows and Linux servers with the latest fixes and patches available.
For a guide on how to choose the right hosting provider for your website, check out this blog article titled “How to choose the best web hosting provider in South Africa“.
In an ocean of web hosting options, shared hosting is a practical and budget-friendly choice for many website owners, especially those managing small to medium-sized sites with moderate traffic and reasonable budget willing to invest on the cheapest web hosting option.
Despite concerns about performance and security due to resource sharing, shared web hosting remains a reliable solution, particularly when provided by reputable companies like Afrihost and Xneelo.
Ultimately, the choice between Linux and Windows hosting is based on understanding the actual needs of your website, ensuring a fit for your shared website hosting requirements.
In essence, shared web hosting, while sharing among multiple sites on a single server, presents an accessible way for website owners seeking an economical yet reliable hosting solution. The option of hosting types, providers, and server options in South Africa offers a diversity, empowering you to align your website’s needs with a fitting hosting environment.
