Web hosting in Kenya has several features, but the following represent top-of-the-range elements. We have classified it based on the 26 alphabetical letters for easy understanding.
A for Apache – it is one of the most stable web servers, thanks to its stability and reliability. Over 60% of all web hosting servers run on Apache.
B for Backup – whatever you are doing online needs a replica in case of erasure or file corruption. A backup is a copy of website files that a user should keep for a rainy day. Web hosting service providers in Kenya have a backup feature. However, it is also advisable to have an offline backup.
C for cPanel – it is the nerve of web hosting in Kenya, providing centralised management of web hosting services. It allows the customers to interact with the administrator and purchase or solve any hosting issues. However, most cPanels are automated and respond promptly to specific commands.
D for Domain Name System (DNS) – when linking the website to your web host, you use DNS. It translates domain names into numbers that the computer can read.
E for e-mail – it is an electronic mail that most web hosts provide. You can customise the e-mail based on the domain name, which makes it more official and relatable. However, you must use the webmail to access the e-mail or subscribe to search engines such as Google to use their facilities.
F for File – just like a physical file, a computer file is a virtual picture, document or program that can be stored on a web hosting. When you click on a link or page, you are extracting a file from the web host.
G for GB (Giga Byte) – it is a unit of measure of virtual storage space in web hosting. A 1GB is equivalent to 1 billion bytes, which is the standard unit of measure for virtual spaces. Therefore, the bigger the GB, the more capacity the storage has.
H for Hacking – it is the process of infiltrating a website security protocol. Most web hosting services in Kenya come with SSL technology as an add-on to prevent cybercriminals from accessing the website. We also have HackAlert Monitoring that analyses the website from time to time for harmful programs.
I for Internet – it is a network of computers linked together through communication protocols to facilitate information sharing. As the primary facilitator of online engagement, the internet allows people and organisations to interact, which makes web hosting viable.
J for JavaScript – it is a website programming language that web developers use to create codes and content for the website. The web hosting service coding language must read the website language for compatibility
K for Kernel – it is a core program within the Linux operating system. Everything that runs through Linux has to find its operational efficiency through Kernel.
L for Linux server – it is an operating system that allows customers to use web hosting services in Kenya. Most people like it since it is free, easy to use, reliable and stable. All HostJaer servers run on Linux.
M for Managed Hosting – this is a closed website hosting package that allows the web hosting administrator to get access to your system. They can initiate administrative tasks, software upgrades and general configuration. It works in a situation where the customer is either too busy to update the server or does not have the technical know-how to make web hosting seamless.
N for Network – a group of computers linked together through communication channels. They are the basis of the internet, which allows sharing of knowledge among computers and other online devices.
O for Optimisation – these are a series of web page improvement processes that increases web ranking on search engines. It is advisable to optimise every page on the website for maximum traction.
P for Packages – these are divisions in web hosting with specific features that allow the customer to equate to their needs. For example, there are 4 web hosting packages on HostJaer from Bronze to Gold, and even customised. Customers settle on a package based on the number of websites hosted, processing speed and SSD space.
R for Reseller hosting – these are web hosting companies in Kenya that buy and redistribute web hosting space to final consumers. They have exclusive rights to resell web hosting services in Kenya at their preferred rates, as long as they abide by the web hosting code of conduct.
S for Servers – these are online data storing spaces where all your files go. They allow the website visitor to access the data when prompted. The servers should have modern features to address the increasingly innovative online engagement, which include faster loading time, large storing space and a 100% uptime guarantee.
T for Top Level Domain (TLD) – it is the suffix at the end of a domain name and is usually an indicator of the type of entity. The .com in hostjaer.com is the TLD. It means commercial. Others are .edu/ac.ke for an educational institution, .net for a network company, and .org for specific organisations, especially NGOs.
U for Uptime – this is the bare minimum time that the web hosting server should be on. On the flip side, downtime is when your website is unavailable. Most web hosting services in Kenya have a 99% uptime, which I still good. However, the best uptime guarantee should be closest to 100%.
V for Virtual Private Servers (VPS) – It is a shared hosting where each customer/user has complete autonomy over their partition. In case there is a viral attack from the other partition, your partition is still intact and virus free.
W for Website – it is the online interface that allows customers to interact with the service or product offered. Owners can customize it to mirror their business plans, products and theme. For complex online businesses such as e-commerce platforms, a website also facilitates online payments for a seamless business process.
Y for Yoast – it is a website plugin that helps optimize the content on a web page. Download and activate it to attach it to every webpage. It shows the SEO score for every page and what you need to do to make it better.
Z for Zimbra – it is an open-source email management platform that helps plan for activities. It connects end users and shares information via a private cloud.