1. GCE Applied ICT G053: Lesson 02 Web Structure and Hosting
Mr C Johnston

2. Learning Outcome
Understand the role of a web server in order for the internet to provide content
Know different hosting options available to people wishing to present content on the internet
Can select an appropriate hosting option for your own website and justify its choice

3. Web Structure Watch the video
What are the main components of the internet?
What is the difference between the internet and the www?

4. The Web Server
A website needs a home so other people can access it – this is known as a host
Most common hosts are Web Servers – computers running special software which can handle requests and deliver content to others
Servers are normally powerful computers with multiple processors, lots of memory and huge storage capacity
A Web Server in addition requires a permanent internet connection and a static IP address / alias for each site its running

5. Hosting Choice Factors
Server specification,
Connection speed (upload speed)
Backups
Cost – equipment / electricity / management vs rental
Reliability of service - Service level agreement?
Tech Support
Mailboxes / database support / other technology support
Storage space
Adverts
Bandwidth allowance
Shared or dedicated service – what about IP is this shared
Type is most suitable for….

6. Hosting Option 1 Host From Own Premises Discuss Server specification,
Connection speed (upload speed)
Backups
Cost – equipment / electricity / management vs rental
Reliability of service - Service level agreement?
Tech Support
Mailboxes / database support / other technology support
Storage space
Adverts
Bandwidth allowance
Shared or dedicated service – what about IP is this shared
Type is most suitable for….
Host From
Own Premises

7. Hosting Option 2 Host From School Discuss Server specification,
Connection speed (upload speed)
Backups
Cost – equipment / electricity / management vs rental
Reliability of service - Service level agreement?
Tech Support
Mailboxes / database support / other technology support
Storage space
Adverts
Bandwidth allowance
Shared or dedicated service – what about IP is this shared
Type is most suitable for….
Host From
School

8. £ Hosting Option 3 Host From A Free Service Discuss
Server specification,
Connection speed (upload speed)
Backups
Cost – equipment / electricity / management vs rental
Reliability of service - Service level agreement?
Tech Support
Mailboxes / database support / other technology support
Storage space
Adverts
Bandwidth allowance
Shared or dedicated service – what about IP is this shared
Type is most suitable for….
Website #1
Website #2
Website #3
Website #4
Host From
A Free
Service

9. £ Hosting Option 4 Host From A Paid Shared Service Discuss
Server specification,
Connection speed (upload speed)
Backups
Cost – equipment / electricity / management vs rental
Reliability of service - Service level agreement?
Tech Support
Mailboxes / database support / other technology support
Storage space
Adverts
Bandwidth allowance
Shared or dedicated service – what about IP is this shared
Type is most suitable for….
Website #1
Website #2
Website #3
Website #4
Host From
A Paid Shared
Service

10. £ Hosting Option 5 Host From A Paid Dedicated Service Discuss
Server specification,
Connection speed (upload speed)
Backups
Cost – equipment / electricity / management vs rental
Reliability of service - Service level agreement?
Tech Support
Mailboxes / database support / other technology support
Storage space
Adverts
Bandwidth allowance
Shared or dedicated service – what about IP is this shared
Type is most suitable for….
website
Host From
A Paid Dedicated
Service

11. Publishing Content
Your content needs to be transferred to the web server in order for others to be able to view it on the internet
This process is simple if you are hosting your own as files and folders will be just copied to the wwwroot folder
Other hosting options require files to be moved to a remote location using FTP – file transfer protocol
This service is accessed using a form provided, typing in the ftp servers address, or using an ftp client
In order to use FTP you normally require a username and password which takes you to your files
You will need evidence of using FTP to publish your site within you folder

12. Activity
Visit the links for the further reading and read them. They will help you complete this topics exercise.
Write a short report explaining:
What web hosting is and the possible options you could adopt for publishing your own site – include any prices,
Describe the relative advantages and disadvantages for each of the hosting options.
Justify why you will host your site on my server rather than use any of the other hosting options.
These may be useful:
I will host my website on xxxxxx rather yyyyyy because
I will host my website on xxxxxx rather zzzzzzz because

13. Topic Reading List
n.php?artno=4652

14. Mark Scheme Mark Band 1 The preferred home-page location is identified
The preferred home-page location is identified and the reasons for the choice are clearly explained
Mark Band 3
The preferred home-page location is identified and the reasons for the choice are clearly explained. Appropriate
alternatives options are given with reasons giving for not choosing.