Web Hosting

What Is Web Hosting? A Beginner Guide

Web hosting for beginners

Web hosting gives your website a secure place to live and the tools needed to manage it

A domain is the address; hosting stores and serves the website behind that address. UKC shared hosting includes Plesk Obsidian, SiteJet Website Builder, WordPress Toolkit, email, free Let’s Encrypt SSL and security tools.

Compare Hosting PlansSee what hosting includes
CONTROL PANELPlesk ObsidianManage sites, mail and databases
WEBSITE BUILDERSSiteJet and WordPressChoose the way you want to build
SECURITYSSL and ImunifyUseful protection included

How do the domain, DNS and hosting work together?

Domain name

The memorable address people type, such as yourbusiness.co.uk. It must remain registered and renewed.

DNS

The records that tell browsers and email systems which hosting servers should receive requests for the domain.

Web hosting

The server space, processing, database and management tools that store and deliver the website.

SSL certificate

The certificate that enables HTTPS for covered hostnames. It protects the connection, but does not replace website maintenance.

What is included with UKC shared hosting?

Plesk Obsidian

Use one control panel for websites, files, databases, DNS, mailboxes, applications, backups and usage information.

SiteJet Website Builder

Build a responsive multi-page website with visual editing. SiteJet is included with every current UKC shared hosting plan.

WordPress Toolkit

Install and manage WordPress, plugins, themes, updates and common security settings from Plesk.

Email and webmail

Create mailbox addresses permitted by the plan and access them through compatible mail apps or the assigned webmail service.

SSL and security

Use free Let’s Encrypt certificates for eligible hostnames and Imunify scanning to help protect hosted websites.

Backups and support

Configure account backups in Plesk. UKC also runs server-side backups and can assist with account-specific recovery requests.

How do you choose a hosting plan?

Your situationWhat to compareLikely next step
One small brochure websiteWebsite allowance, storage and mailbox needsStart with the smallest plan that comfortably fits
Blog or WordPress business siteStorage, database, mailbox and growth requirementsAllow room for media, updates and backups
Several websitesNumber of sites, storage, databases and mailboxesChoose a multi-site plan rather than several undersized plans
Resource-heavy applicationProcessing, memory, traffic pattern and specialist requirementsAsk support whether shared hosting is suitable

Review the current plan limits, monthly price and VAT on the hosting page before ordering. Start with realistic needs rather than an unsupported promise of unlimited performance.

What happens after you order?

  1. 1
    Read the welcome email

    It identifies the assigned server, Plesk login and nameserver information for the account.

  2. 2
    Connect the domain

    Use the assigned hosting nameservers or carefully update the required DNS records.

  3. 3
    Choose how to build

    Open SiteJet for visual building, WordPress Toolkit for WordPress, or upload an existing compatible site.

  4. 4
    Enable and test HTTPS

    Issue a certificate for the required hostnames, then test the website, forms and redirects.

Web hosting questions

Do I need hosting if I already own a domain?

You need hosting for a full website, application or hosted mailbox service. A parked UKC domain also includes the single-page Domain Website Builder and forwarding tools without a hosting plan.

Can I move an existing website to UKC?

Yes, when its software and requirements are compatible. Plan files, databases, email and DNS separately, and keep the old service active until testing is complete.

Is cheap web hosting suitable for a business?

Affordable shared hosting is suitable for many small-business websites when the plan limits meet the real requirements and the site is maintained. Compare renewal price, VAT, support, backups and security as well as the headline price.

Can I upgrade later?

Yes. Review the account’s current usage and choose the next plan that provides the required site, storage, database and mailbox capacity.

Ready to put a website online?

Compare the current UKC hosting plans and choose the capacity you need

Every current shared plan includes Plesk and SiteJet. Check the complete allowance, price and VAT before ordering.

Compare Hosting PlansAsk UKC Support

Web Hosting Features Explained: Storage, Traffic and Uptime

Web hosting features explained

Choose hosting by the websites and resources you need, not by the longest feature list

Storage holds website files, databases, email and local backups, while data transfer measures traffic moving to and from the account. Uptime describes service availability, but security, backups, support and a control panel you can actually use matter just as much.

Compare Hosting PlansUnderstand the features
STORAGEYour account spaceSites, mail, data, logs and backups
TRAFFICData transferredWeb, mail and FTP activity
CONTROLPlesk ObsidianManage websites and services

What do common hosting features mean?

Storage

The space used by website files, databases, email, logs and any backups stored inside the account. Large media libraries and mailboxes usually consume the most.

Data transfer

Often called bandwidth, this is the data moved by website visits, mail and FTP during a period. It is not the same as connection speed.

Websites and databases

Plans can limit how many separate sites, databases and mailboxes the account may hold. Count current needs and allow room for growth.

Uptime and support

Availability matters, but so does what happens when something fails. Check monitoring, backups, restoration routes and access to knowledgeable support.

What is included with current UKC shared hosting?

FeatureWhat it helps you do
Plesk Obsidian 18Manage domains, files, databases, email, statistics, SSL and backups from one control panel.
Sitejet BuilderCreate a multi-page website with a visual editor. It is included with every shared hosting plan.
Let’s EncryptIssue and renew free SSL certificates for supported hosted names.
ImunifyAdd server security and malware protection alongside secure passwords and current software.
WordPress ToolkitInstall and manage WordPress with central maintenance and security controls.
BackupsCreate account backups in Plesk. UKC also makes daily server-side backups and can handle restore requests.

How should a small business choose a plan?

  1. 1
    Count websites and mailboxes

    Include test sites, future projects and every address that needs its own inbox.

  2. 2
    Estimate storage

    Allow for images, databases, growing mail and local backups rather than website files alone.

  3. 3
    Check the operating tools

    Confirm the plan includes the builder, WordPress, PHP, database and email features you will use.

  4. 4
    Review the live comparison

    Prices and limits can change, so use the hosting page and checkout as the current source of truth.

Hosting feature questions

Does unlimited mean there are no rules?

No. Every hosting service operates under acceptable-use and technical policies. Check the current plan terms for the resource involved.

Can I see my current usage?

Yes. In Plesk, open Statistics to review disk space and traffic by service. Usage can include websites, mail, databases, logs and stored backups.

Is a website builder included?

Yes. Sitejet Builder is included with every current UKC shared hosting plan.

Should I keep my own backup?

Yes. Use Plesk Backup Manager and keep an appropriate off-server copy for important business data, even though UKC also makes daily server-side backups.

Choose useful capacity

Match the plan to your websites, storage and mail needs

You can compare the current limits before placing an order.

Compare Hosting PlansAsk UKC Support

How to Choose Web Hosting for a CMS Website

Hosting a CMS website

Choose hosting that supports the CMS version, maintenance workload and real traffic you expect

A content management system such as WordPress, Joomla or Drupal needs server space, a database, a supported PHP environment, SSL, backups and regular software maintenance. UKC shared hosting provides Plesk Obsidian, application installers, security tools and capacity options for typical small-business sites.

Compare Hosting PlansCheck requirements
RUNPHP and databaseMatch the supported versions
MAINTAINUpdates and securityThe owner still has responsibilities
RECOVERBackups and testingPlan before an incident

What does a CMS need from web hosting?

Supported software versions

Check the CMS requirements for PHP, database type and required extensions before installing or moving the website.

Enough working capacity

Allow for files, databases, email, logs, temporary update space and backups, not just the visible page size.

HTTPS and mail

Use a valid certificate and an authenticated mail route for forms, password resets and business notifications.

A maintenance owner

Decide who updates core software and extensions, reviews security warnings, tests backups and removes abandoned components.

What helps on current UKC shared hosting?

ToolPurpose
Plesk Obsidian 18Manage domains, files, databases, PHP, email, SSL and backups
WordPress ToolkitInstall and centrally maintain WordPress with useful security controls
Application installerInstall supported CMS applications without manually creating every component
ImunifyServer security and malware protection alongside good application maintenance
Let’s EncryptIssue and renew free certificates for correctly pointed hosted names
BackupsUse Plesk Backup Manager; UKC also makes daily server-side backups and handles restore requests

How do I choose a plan for WordPress, Joomla or Drupal?

  1. 1
    Count separate sites

    Include staging, development and future sites as well as the public production site.

  2. 2
    Estimate storage

    Large media libraries, mailboxes, logs and local backups often use more space than the CMS code.

  3. 3
    Check database and mailbox limits

    Confirm the plan supports the number of sites, databases and addresses the business will operate.

  4. 4
    Measure after launch

    Use Plesk statistics and application monitoring to identify real growth instead of guessing from page views alone.

CMS hosting questions

Is an installer the same as managed maintenance?

No. An installer creates the application. The site owner still needs to maintain software, content, users, security and backups unless a separate managed service covers them.

Does a small site need a VPS?

Not automatically. Begin with requirements and measured resource use. A well-maintained small-business CMS often fits shared hosting, while sustained resource or control needs may justify another platform.

Can UKC migrate my CMS?

Migration depends on the platform, access and condition of the existing site. Ask Support or review the current migration service before changing DNS.

Host the site you can maintain

Match the plan to websites, storage, databases and mail

Every current shared plan includes the same core Plesk and security toolset.

Compare Hosting Plans

Beginners Guide: What is Web Hosting?

Having an online presence is crucial, whether you’re running a business, starting a blog, or creating an online portfolio. One of the first steps in establishing this presence is choosing a web hosting service. For beginners, shared web hosting is often the ideal choice. This guide will explain shared web hosting in simple, easy-to-understand language, highlighting how UK Cheapest can be your go-to solution for this service.

What is Shared Web Hosting?

Imagine living in a large apartment building where you share facilities like the swimming pool, park, and laundry room with other residents. Shared web hosting is similar. It involves hosting your website on a server that hosts other websites too. Each website on the server shares the server’s resources, such as memory, computing power, and storage space.

Why Choose Shared Web Hosting?

  1. Cost-Effective: Since resources are shared, the cost is much lower compared to renting an entire server. This makes shared hosting an excellent option for small businesses, bloggers, and individuals looking to establish an online presence without a significant investment.
  2. User-Friendly: Shared hosting platforms, like those offered by UK Cheapest, often come with easy-to-use control panels, making it simple to manage your website, even for beginners.
  3. Maintenance-Free: The hosting provider, such as UK Cheapest, takes care of server maintenance, security updates, and technical issues. This means less hassle for you and more time to focus on your website’s content and design.
  4. Built-In Features: Shared hosting packages typically include useful features like email accounts, website builders, and one-click installers for popular applications and content management systems.

Considerations When Using Shared Web Hosting

While shared web hosting is a great starting point, there are some considerations to keep in mind:

  1. Shared Resources: Since you are sharing server resources with other websites, large traffic spikes on one website could impact the performance of others.
  2. Limited Customisation: There are limits to how much you can customise server settings and capabilities.
  3. Security: While providers like UK Cheapest prioritise security, sharing a server inherently comes with some risks. It’s crucial to follow best practices for website security.

How Does UK Cheapest Fit In?

UK Cheapest understands these considerations and addresses them effectively. With a focus on balancing cost-effectiveness and quality service, UK Cheapest offers shared web hosting solutions that are secure, reliable, and perfect for anyone new to web hosting. They provide an easy-to-use control panel, essential for beginners, and their customer support is geared towards helping non-technical users get their websites up and running smoothly.

Conclusion

Shared web hosting is an excellent, budget-friendly way to start your online journey. It’s perfect for smaller websites, blogs, and businesses that are just beginning to establish their online presence. With services like those offered by UK Cheapest, you can enjoy a hassle-free hosting experience, with all the tools you need to build and grow your website. As your website or business grows, you can always upgrade to more advanced hosting options, but for many, shared hosting remains a reliable, cost-effective solution for a long time.

UKC10 – Server and Performance Upgrades

Security, Performance and Feature Enhancements

In our ongoing efforts to enhance your hosting experience, we will be upgrading all shared hosting accounts currently hosted on UKC10 (Plesk Obsidian) to a new, cutting-edge High-Performance Server Hardware configuration.

This advanced infrastructure harnesses the power of the latest AMD Ryzen™ 9 7950X3D processor based on the Raphael (Zen 4) Architecture, DDR5 RAM, and lightning-fast NVMe SSD storage. We have partnered with Hetzner to power this server using 100% renewable energy sources.

This upgrade is scheduled to take place between 1800 on Wednesday, September 6th, and 2200 on Friday, September 8th, 2023. We want to assure you that this upgrade will be seamless, and there will be no disruption to your services during this period.

Access to the Plesk panel and the recommended name servers remain unchanged:

Panel access: https://ukc10.uk:8443
Nameserver 1: ns.ukc10.uk
Nameserver 2: ns2.ukc10.uk

Please take note that the web server’s IP address will be transitioning from 194.163.188.11 to 94.130.54.52. If you employ custom name servers (as opposed to the recommended name servers, ns.ukc10.uk and ns2.ukc10.uk), we kindly request that you update your DNS A records to reflect the new IP address within a grace period of 7 days. This adjustment will ensure the uninterrupted accessibility of your website.

We’re committed to providing you with top-notch hosting, and this hardware upgrade is another step toward delivering the best performance and reliability for your website. If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team.

Thank you for choosing us as your hosting provider, and we look forward to continuing to serve you with even better performance and security!