Web Hosting

Choosing the Right Web Hosting Plan

In the process of choosing a suitable web hosting plan, several essential aspects must be considered, including:

• Required space
• Available budget
• Used application
• Daily visitor count
• Resource consumption generated by the application

After evaluating this data, you can choose either a shared web hosting package or a virtual private server (VPS), depending on the resources offered by each.

However, it is possible to encounter situations where the available budget is too small for the site’s requirements or where a hosting package that exceeds its actual needs is chosen. Additionally, there may be cases where one of the criteria mentioned earlier is much more important than the others, and the decision to choose the plan may be based on that.

Examples:

• Requires little space, but high resource consumption.
• Low resource consumption, but requires a large space.

The offers for shared hosting and the available resources can be consulted on the following pages:

• Web Hosting
• Hosting Resources

Regarding the offer for virtual private servers, it is available on the dedicated page: VPS.

If you have questions regarding the choice of a hosting package, the Hostico team is always available to provide you with support and personalized advice.

Shared hosting or găzduire partajată is a web hosting solution in which an ordered hosting package is placed on a server that hosts multiple accounts. Each account uses the resources of the same server, having a predefined amount of resources allocated, such as: bandwidth, RAM memory, disk space, number of processors, and others. Shared servers are managed by the Hostico technical team, which means that the client's responsibility is limited to managing their own website.

Web Hosting, also known as web hosting, is the ideal choice for those looking for a simple, affordable, and easy-to-use hosting solution. This type of hosting is usually suitable for blogs, small and medium business websites, or personal websites.

To optimize the performance of a WordPress site, caching systems are essential. They store copies of database queries, dynamic pages, and static resources of the site, to load them faster for visitors, thus reducing load times and server load. Caching involves saving a copy of the site's content in a temporary location, called “cache,” to be delivered faster on future visits.

Installing a caching plugin for WordPress is a simple and effective method for improving website speed. After activation, the plugin saves various elements of the site (HTML files, CSS, JavaScript, etc.) on the server. When users access the site, they receive the already cached files instead of the server processing the pages from scratch. This reduces the processing demands on the server and improves page load times. Some plugins work at the server level, while others use browser caching. Essentially, caching in WordPress involves temporarily storing website data, such as images, scripts, and pages, for faster delivery to returning visitors.

Caching Types in WordPress:

WordPress supports multiple types of caching, each with its own benefits and limitations:

• Page caching: This method saves the site elements (images, web pages, multimedia) after the first loading of the page. On subsequent visits, these saved components are retrieved quickly, speeding up the browsing experience.
• Database caching: This type of caching saves the results of database queries, reducing the need to repeat these queries on each page generation, thus improving loading times.
• Caching via Content Delivery Network (CDN): A CDN utilizes a network of servers located in various locations to deliver web content more efficiently, bringing it closer to the user.

The simplest method for implementing caching in WordPress is using a dedicated plugin. There are numerous free and premium plugins that optimize the site through caching of pages, objects, and files, thereby improving loading times. Installing and activating the plugin that suits the site's needs are essential steps.

Examples of caching plugins for WordPress:

1. WP Rocket: Ideal for beginner and advanced users looking for a complete performance solution

WP Rocket is a premium caching and performance optimization plugin for WordPress, with advanced features. It includes page caching, cache preloading, GZIP compression, browser caching, and database optimization, significantly speeding up the site. Additional features such as CSS/JS minification, lazy loading of images and videos, and seamless CDN integration further enhance site performance. Designed for e-commerce sites, WP Rocket ensures the efficient operation of dynamic pages such as the shopping cart and checkout process. With simple implementation and multiple customization options, WP Rocket is ideal for users of all levels looking for a comprehensive solution to improve site speed.

2. WP Super Cache: A simple solution for blogs and small sites

WP Super Cache is a free and popular plugin that improves the performance of WordPress sites by generating static HTML files for fast page loading. It offers three caching modes—simple, expert, and customized—to meet various technical needs. Features include page caching, browser caching, scheduled cache cleanup, and support for CDN. Easy to configure and use, WP Super Cache is an excellent choice for blogs and small sites that need a simple and effective caching solution.

3. W3 Total Cache: Ideal for advanced users who require detailed control over caching settings

W3 Total Cache is a comprehensive performance optimization plugin for WordPress, aimed at advanced users. It supports various types of caching, including for pages, databases, and objects, as well as integration with CDN. With additional features such as CSS/JS minification, lazy loading, and support for opcode caching using tools like Redis or Memcached, W3 Total Cache offers detailed control over optimization and caching. This plugin is ideal for high-traffic sites or eCommerce platforms, but requires technical knowledge for proper configuration.

4. LiteSpeed Cache: The best for sites hosted on LiteSpeed servers

LiteSpeed Cache is a powerful and free caching plugin, optimized for sites hosted on LiteSpeed servers, but also compatible with other types of servers. It offers server-level caching for improved performance, including image optimization, CSS/JS minification, lazy loading, and database optimization. LiteSpeed Cache is perfect for WooCommerce and other e-commerce platforms, providing advanced cache management for dynamic pages. With seamless integration with CDN and extensive customization options, it is an excellent choice for users looking for a robust and feature-rich caching solution.

Depending on the hosting control panel, two types of free SSL certificates are offered:
- cPanel: Free SSL certificate provided by cPanel/Comodo. The certificate is installed and renewed automatically.
- ISPConfig: Free SSL certificate provided by Let’s Encrypt. The certificate is installed and renewed automatically.

It may take a few hours until the SSL certificates are automatically installed on hosting.
For the free SSL certificates to be generated, it is necessary for the nameservers set on the domain to be those corresponding to the hosting purchased from us.
Certificates are generated/installed automatically on all domains/subdomains existing on hosting.

To redirect a site to the secure HTTPS version, we can use the .htaccess file in the root directory of the site. This file can be edited either through the File Manager available in the control panel or via FTP.

Once we have opened the file, we will add the following lines:

RewriteEngine on
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule (.*) https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI}

After saving the changes, the domain will be redirected to the secure HTTPS version.

In case we are using CMS applications (Wordpress, Prestashop, Magento, etc.), we will need to modify certain settings for everything to work correctly.
Below you can find dedicated tutorials for the most common CMSs:

SSL Wordpress Settings
SSL Prestashop Settings
SSL Magento Settings

On our servers, whether they are shared or VPS (managed by Hostico), you have the option to install any PHP-based CMS (Content Management System). Among the most popular options are:

• WordPress: Ideal for creating websites and blogs. Easy to use, with a wide range of themes and plugins available.
• PrestaShop: A specialized platform for creating and managing online stores.
• Magento: A robust and scalable solution for complex and large online stores.

These applications can be installed in different ways, depending on preferences or needs:

1. Manual installation

• Access the official website of the application and download the source files.
• Upload the downloaded files to your server using an FTP client (such as FileZilla) or via cPanel (File Manager).
• Create a MySQL database from cPanel, remembering the database name, user, and password.
• Access the domain where you want to install the application and follow the specific installation steps for the chosen CMS.

2. Automatic installation with Softaculous

• Access your hosting account's cPanel.
• In the Software section, find and open the Softaculous App Installer application.
• From the list of available applications, select the desired CMS (WordPress, PrestaShop, Magento, etc.).
• Fill in the necessary fields, such as the domain, site name, and administrator credentials, then launch the installation.

Detailed guide for installing applications using Softaculous: Installing an application through the cPanel Softaculous plugin.

Less known applications

If you want to install a less-known CMS or a specific application that is not included in the standard list from Softaculous, the installation process may require additional steps. In these cases, we recommend that you:

• Check the application requirements (PHP version, necessary modules, storage space).
• Contact the Hostico team for detailed assistance and customized setup.

For additional support or questions, don't hesitate to contact us. Our team is available to assist you with any information or necessary setup.

Each hosting package comes with a primary domain attached to it. Usually, this is chosen during the order placement.
If you wish to change the primary domain, a request must be sent regarding this to help@hostico.com either directly via email or by opening a ticket from the customer account. The message will include:
- the name of the current primary domain as well as the name of the new domain that is desired to be set as primary
- specifying the need to keep the existing information on the current domain (website, emails, databases) or complete deletion of this information.

Before requesting this change, the following must be considered:
- the new main domain will need to have Hostico's nameservers set.
- it is recommended to perform a complete backup of the data. This can be most easily done by accessing cPanel -> Backup -> Download a Full Website Backup.
- in the event that the new domain is set over the files of the current domain, it is possible that it will not load the website correctly under the new name. This is in case you have chosen to keep the files on hosting.  To make everything functional, it is necessary to update the initial links  in the files and databases with the name of the new domain. This can be done from the administration interface of the owned application/site and/or directly by editing the files and the database.

What is an IP?
An IP address (short for Internet Protocol) is a unique address that identifies a device on the Internet or in a local network. The IP address is the fundamental component on which any network is built. It is a logical address used to identify the location of a device in a network. The IP addresses of certain devices can be changed by the network administrator (for example, the IP allocated to a hosting account).

What is IPV4?
"Internet Protocol version 4" (IPv4) is the fourth version of the "Internet Protocol" (IP).  It is one of the core protocols of Internet networking and was the first version implemented for production in ARPANET in 1983. Most internet traffic is still routed through IPV4, although the newer version of IP (IPV6) has been launched since 2012. The major issue with IPV4 is the exhaustion of available IP addresses, which has led to the need for the development of a new IP version (IPv6).

What is IPV6?
"Internet Protocol version 6" (IPv6) is the latest version of "Internet Protocol" (IP). IPv6 was developed by the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) to address the issue of IPv4 address exhaustion. IPV6 will completely replace IPV4 in the future.

What is the difference between IPV4 and IPV6?
An IPv4 address consists of a sequence of 32 bits, while an IPv6 address consists of a sequence of 128 bits. Consequently, IPV6 has many more IP addresses than IPv4.
The IPV4 notation is obtained by writing each octet in decimal form, separated by dots, while IPv6 addresses are most often written in the form of 8 groups of 4 hexadecimal digits, each group being separated by colons (:)
The coverage of IPv4 is much broader compared to IPv6 on a global scale.
There are many technical differences between the two protocols that cannot be covered in this article, but the main purpose of both versions is to identify the location of a device in a network.

Do you offer dedicated IPv6?
Yes, all hosting packages come with dedicated IPv6 included. The exception is the VPS hosting packages with the Webuzo panel, which do not yet support this protocol. VPS with cPanel or Plesk supports this protocol.

What should I choose between IPv6 and IPv4?
There is no need to choose between the two types of addresses:
-each hosting package comes with both addresses allocated: IPv6 and IPv4 (shared or dedicated)
-if a website visitor has an internet connection and a router that supports IPv6, they will connect via this protocol. If there is a network or router issue and the connection via IPv6 is not possible, the site visitor will connect via IPv4. In conclusion, the connection will be made through the visitor's available protocol.

Do I need dedicated IPv4?
Information regarding dedicated IPv4 can be found at the link Resource Usage, section Dedicated IP vs Shared IP.

The files related to the website are typically uploaded to the root directory public_html. This directory represents the main location where files visible to the public are stored and where the web server accesses them to display the content of the site. Essentially, any file placed in this directory becomes accessible through the browser using the main domain associated with the hosting account.

If addon domains or subdomains are used, their files are uploaded to a separate root directory specified at the time of their configuration. The configuration process is done in cPanel or another similar control panel, and the location of this directory can be customized by the user to fit the desired structure. Additional details about this process are available in the dedicated guide for adding domains.

Implicit, for addon domains, the root directory structure follows the format /home/user/domain_name.tld. For example, if you add an addon domain named siteexemplu.ro, its files will be stored in the /home/user/siteexemplu.ro directory. This structure helps to clearly separate the files between the different websites hosted under the same account, facilitating management and avoiding conflicts between the resources of the sites.

In addition to this, it is important to remember that proper management of the root directory and file structure ensures optimal performance and efficient organization of web content. If you encounter difficulties or have questions about file uploads, the Hostico team is available to provide technical assistance.

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It is a protocol used for encrypting information between the user and the server or between two servers on the same network.

SSL certificates use a pair of keys: one public and one private. These keys work together to establish an encrypted connection. Certificates also contain information about the identity of the certificate and the site owner.

At the moment of accessing a site, securing the connection is done automatically by the browser and server, without the need for the user to intervene (this is in the case where an SSL certificate is installed and configured correctly).

The main purpose of information encryption is to prevent monitoring, specifically the interception of traffic between the server and the user, by unauthorized individuals. If a site is secured, browsers will display a green lock before the accessed domain.

Installing a certificate can be done from the hosting control panel.