Learn hosting terminology
Hosting Glossary - 100+ Terms from A to Z
A complete glossary of hosting terms in English. Everything you need to know about web hosting, domains, servers and online security — explained clearly and simply.
What is the hosting glossary and how do I use it?
The hosting glossary is a structured A-Z reference with over 100 hosting terms explained in English — from Apache and cPanel to Zone File. It covers all areas: server technologies (LiteSpeed, Apache, Nginx, PHP, MySQL), security (SSL, WAF, Imunify360, DDoS, malware, XSS), DNS and domains (A record, CNAME, MX, DKIM, SPF, TLD), hosting types (Shared, VPS, Dedicated, Reseller), storage and performance (NVMe SSD, CDN, caching), email technologies (IMAP, POP3, SMTP) and developer tools (Git, Docker). Terms are organized alphabetically with quick navigation by letter. Ideal for beginners learning hosting and professionals looking for precise definitions. BeoHosting hosting plans with all these technologies start at $4.66/month.
- 100+ hosting terms A-Z — from Apache to Zone File
- Quick navigation by letter — easy search
- Expert explanations in English — no unnecessary jargon
- BeoHosting plans with all technologies from $4.66/month
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All hosting terms
API (Application Programming Interface)
A set of rules and protocols that lets different software applications communicate with one another. In a hosting context, an API is used to automate tasks such as managing domains, SSL certificates and hosting accounts.
Apache
One of the most popular open-source web servers in the world. Apache processes HTTP requests and delivers web pages to visitors. An alternative is LiteSpeed, which offers better performance for WordPress sites.
A Record (DNS)
A DNS record that links a domain name to the IPv4 address of the server where the site is hosted. Every domain must have at least one A record so the site is reachable through that domain.
Addon Domain
An additional domain you can host on the same hosting account. Each addon domain has its own folder, database and email accounts, but shares resources with the main account.
Bandwidth
The amount of data that can be transferred between the server and visitors within a given period, usually per month. Higher bandwidth means more users can access your site simultaneously without slowdowns.
Backup
A copy of all your site files, databases and settings, stored in a safe location. Regular backups are essential to protect against data loss caused by hacking, errors or server failure.
Botnet
A network of infected computers that hackers control to carry out DDoS attacks, send spam or steal valuable data. Hosting providers use firewalls and IDS systems to protect against botnet attacks.
Brute Force Attack
A method of cracking passwords by trying a large number of combinations until the correct one is found. Protection includes limiting the number of login attempts, CAPTCHA and two-factor authentication.
CDN (Content Delivery Network)
A network of servers distributed around the world that caches and delivers your site content from the server closest to each visitor. A CDN dramatically speeds up site loading for visitors in different geographic locations.
cPanel
The most popular graphical control panel for managing a web hosting account. It lets you manage files, databases, email accounts, domains, SSL certificates and other settings without technical knowledge.
CMS (Content Management System)
A content management system that lets you create and edit web pages without coding knowledge. The most popular CMS is WordPress, which powers more than 40% of all sites on the internet.
CloudLinux
An operating system for shared hosting servers that isolates each user in a separate environment (LVE). It prevents one site with excessive traffic from slowing down all the other sites on the server.
CNAME Record
A DNS record that creates an alias from one domain to another. It is used for subdomains (e.g. www.mysite.rs points to mysite.rs) and for connecting to external services such as CDN networks.
Cron Job
An automated task that runs on the server on a predefined schedule. It is used for regular backups, sending emails, deleting temporary files and other repetitive tasks.
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)
A language for styling web pages that defines how elements look - colors, fonts, layout and animations. Together with HTML and JavaScript, CSS is one of the three core languages for building websites.
DNS (Domain Name System)
The system that translates human-readable domain addresses (e.g. beohosting.com) into the numeric IP addresses computers use to communicate with each other. DNS is often called the “phone book of the internet”.
Domain
The unique address of your site on the internet (e.g. mysite.rs). A domain is registered through an accredited registrar and renewed annually. It consists of a name and an extension such as .rs, .com or .org.
DDoS Attack
A distributed denial-of-service attack - when a large number of computers simultaneously send requests to a server in order to overload it and make it unavailable. Quality hosting includes DDoS protection.
Dedicated Server
A physical server entirely dedicated to a single user. It offers maximum performance, full control and isolation from other users. Ideal for large, high-traffic sites.
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)
An email authentication method that adds a digital signature to every email sent. The receiving server verifies the signature and thereby confirms that the email genuinely comes from the stated domain and was not altered in transit.
Docker
A containerization platform that packages applications with all their dependencies into isolated containers. It allows applications to run consistently on different servers without compatibility problems.
Email Hosting
A service that lets you create professional email addresses with your own domain (e.g. name@yourcompany.rs). It includes support for the IMAP, POP3 and SMTP protocols, webmail access and spam protection.
Encryption
The process of converting data into an unreadable format using a cryptographic algorithm. SSL/TLS encryption protects data transmitted between the browser and the server, preventing unauthorized reading.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
A protocol for transferring files between your computer and the server. It is used to upload and download site files. The more secure version is SFTP, which encrypts data during transfer.
Firewall
A security system that controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined rules. A Web Application Firewall (WAF) protects a site from hackers, SQL injection attacks and other threats.
Framework
A set of tools, libraries and conventions that simplifies web application development. Popular PHP frameworks are Laravel and Symfony, while for JavaScript the more popular ones are React, Next.js and Vue.js.
Git
A version control system that tracks every change in your project’s code. It enables teamwork, reverting to previous versions and branching code. GitHub and GitLab are popular platforms for hosting Git repositories.
Gzip Compression
A compression method that reduces the size of files sent from the server to the browser. It can shrink HTML, CSS and JavaScript files by 60-80%, significantly speeding up site loading.
HTTP / HTTPS
Protocols for transferring data between a web server and a browser. HTTPS is the secure version that uses SSL/TLS encryption to protect data. Google favors HTTPS sites in search results.
Hosting (Web Hosting)
The service of renting space on a server to store your site files. The server is permanently connected to the internet, so your site is available 24/7. There are different types: shared, VPS, dedicated and cloud hosting.
HTML (HyperText Markup Language)
The fundamental language for building web pages that defines the structure and content of a page. Every web page you visit is written in HTML. It works together with CSS (design) and JavaScript (interactivity).
.htaccess
An Apache web server configuration file that controls settings at the directory level. It is used for redirects, password protection, caching and URL rewriting without changing the main server configuration.
IP Address
A unique numeric identifier for every device on the internet (e.g. 192.168.1.1). Every server has an IP address through which it is accessed. The DNS system translates domains into IP addresses for easier use.
Imunify360
An advanced security system for web servers that provides multi-layered protection - firewall, malware scanner, patch management and protection against brute force attacks. BeoHosting uses Imunify360 on all its servers.
IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)
A protocol for accessing email messages on the server. Unlike POP3, IMAP keeps messages on the server and synchronizes them across all your devices. The recommended protocol for users with multiple devices.
JavaScript
A programming language used to create interactive elements on web pages. It runs in the user’s browser and enables dynamic content, animations, form validation and much more.
Joomla
A popular open-source CMS (content management system) used for building websites and online applications. More flexible than WordPress but requires more technical knowledge to use.
Caching
A technique of storing copies of frequently requested data in a fast location for quicker delivery. Server caching (e.g. LiteSpeed Cache) stores generated pages so they do not have to be regenerated for every visitor.
Kernel
The core of the operating system that manages communication between hardware and software. The Linux kernel is the foundation of most hosting servers and is responsible for managing memory, processes and devices.
LiteSpeed
A high-performance web server that is up to 6 times faster than Apache. LiteSpeed Enterprise is ideal for WordPress and PHP applications because it has a built-in caching mechanism (LSCache) and advanced resource management.
Let's Encrypt
A free SSL certificate that provides encryption for your site. It is issued and renewed automatically. BeoHosting includes Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates free of charge in all hosting plans.
Linux
The most widely used operating system for web servers. It is open-source, extremely stable and secure. Most hosting servers run Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, CentOS, AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux.
Load Balancer
A system that distributes incoming network traffic across multiple servers. It prevents the overloading of a single server, improves site availability and enables horizontal scaling of the infrastructure.
MySQL / MariaDB
Relational database management systems. MySQL is the most widely used database for web applications, while MariaDB is its open-source fork with improved performance. WordPress, Joomla and other CMS systems use MySQL/MariaDB.
MX Record
A DNS record that specifies which server is responsible for receiving email for a particular domain. Correctly configured MX records are essential for email on your domain to work.
Malware
Malicious software designed to damage, infiltrate or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. On websites it often appears through infected plugins, themes or unpatched vulnerabilities in the CMS.
Site Migration
The process of moving a site from one hosting provider to another. It includes transferring files, databases, email accounts and DNS settings. BeoHosting offers free migration for all new customers.
NVMe SSD
The latest and fastest data storage technology. NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) drives are up to 6 times faster than ordinary SSD drives and up to 30 times faster than classic HDD drives. BeoHosting uses NVMe SSD on all its servers.
Nameserver
A server responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses. When you register a domain, you must set the nameservers to point to your hosting account. Usually two nameservers are used (primary and secondary).
Nginx
A high-performance web server and reverse proxy known for efficiently handling a large number of simultaneous connections. Nginx is often used as a reverse proxy in front of Apache or as a standalone web server.
Node.js
A JavaScript runtime environment that allows JavaScript to run on the server. It is used to build fast and scalable network applications. It requires a VPS or dedicated server because shared hosting usually does not support Node.js.
One-Click Install
A feature that lets you install popular web applications (WordPress, Joomla, PrestaShop) with a single click in cPanel. Softaculous is the most popular tool for one-click installations.
OpenSSL
An open-source library that implements the SSL and TLS protocols for secure communication on the internet. It is used to generate SSL certificates, encrypt data and secure connections on web servers.
PHP
A server-side programming language that powers most web applications, including WordPress, Joomla, Drupal and WooCommerce. Newer PHP versions (8.x) deliver significant speed improvements over older versions.
Plesk
A control panel for managing a hosting account, an alternative to cPanel. Plesk offers a modern interface and supports both Linux and Windows servers. It is popular among users who prefer visual management.
POP3 (Post Office Protocol)
A protocol for downloading email messages from the server to a local device. Unlike IMAP, POP3 usually deletes messages from the server after they are downloaded. Useful when you want to keep email locally.
Proxy Server
A server that acts as an intermediary between a client and the target server. A reverse proxy (e.g. Nginx) receives requests from clients and forwards them to the appropriate backend server, improving security and performance.
Python
A popular programming language used for web development (Django, Flask), data science and automation. Running Python applications usually requires VPS hosting with SSH access.
Query
A request for data from a database, most often written in SQL. Query optimization is crucial for site performance - slow queries can significantly slow down page loading and burden the server.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
A server’s working memory, used to temporarily store data while processing requests. More RAM allows the server to handle more simultaneous requests and run more demanding applications faster.
Redirect
A technique that automatically routes visitors from one URL to another. A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect (important for SEO), while a 302 is a temporary redirect.
RAID
A technology that combines multiple physical disks into a single logical unit to improve performance and/or protect data. RAID 1 mirrors the data, while RAID 10 combines speed and redundancy.
Reseller Hosting
A type of hosting that allows you to resell hosting services to your own clients under your own brand. You get WHM (Web Host Manager) to create and manage individual cPanel accounts.
SSL Certificate
A digital certificate that encrypts communication between the server and the browser, protecting sensitive data such as passwords and payment information. SSL is required for the HTTPS protocol and has a positive effect on SEO ranking.
SSD (Solid State Drive)
A data storage device with no moving parts, considerably faster than a classic HDD. SSD drives enable faster site loading, faster database queries and better server performance.
Subdomain
An additional level in the domain structure added in front of the main domain (e.g. blog.mysite.rs). Subdomains are used to organize different sections of a site or for staging versions.
Shared Hosting
A type of hosting where multiple sites share the resources of a single physical server. The most affordable option, ideal for smaller sites, blogs and new projects. BeoHosting shared plans use CloudLinux to isolate accounts.
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
The standard protocol for sending email messages between servers. SMTP is used to send messages, while IMAP or POP3 are used to receive them. Authenticated SMTP prevents abuse for sending spam.
SPF (Sender Policy Framework)
A DNS TXT record that defines which servers are authorized to send email on behalf of your domain. SPF prevents spammers from sending fake emails with your address (email spoofing).
SSH (Secure Shell)
An encrypted protocol for securely connecting to a remote server via the command line. SSH enables server management, file transfer (SCP/SFTP) and tunneling, all protected by encryption.
TLD (Top-Level Domain)
The highest level in the domain name hierarchy - the extension that comes after the dot (.rs, .com, .org, .net). ccTLDs are country domains (.rs for Serbia), while gTLDs are generic (.com, .org).
TCP/IP
A set of protocols that forms the foundation of communication on the internet. TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) ensures reliable data delivery, while IP (Internet Protocol) handles addressing and routing of packets.
TTL (Time to Live)
A value in DNS records that determines how long DNS servers cache a response before checking again. Shorter TTL values speed up the propagation of DNS changes but increase the number of queries to the server.
Uptime
The percentage of time a server (and your site) is available and operational. The industry standard is 99.9% uptime, which means less than 9 hours of downtime per year. BeoHosting guarantees 99.9% uptime.
Ubuntu
One of the most popular Linux distributions for servers and desktop computers. Ubuntu Server is often used for web hosting because it is stable, has a large community and receives regular security patches.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
The complete address of a resource on the internet (e.g. https://beohosting.com/hosting-recnik). A URL consists of the protocol (https), the domain (beohosting.com) and the path (/hosting-recnik).
VPS (Virtual Private Server)
A virtual private server with guaranteed resources (CPU, RAM, disk). A VPS offers more power than shared hosting and full control (root access), but at a lower cost than a dedicated server. Ideal for growing projects.
Virtualization
A technology that splits a single physical server into multiple virtual servers, each with its own operating system and resources. KVM and OpenVZ are the most commonly used virtualization technologies for VPS hosting.
WHOIS
A public registry that contains information about the owners of registered domains - name, address, email, registration date. WHOIS identity protection hides your personal data from the public registry.
WordPress
The most popular CMS (content management system), powering more than 43% of all sites on the internet. It is free, open-source and has thousands of themes and plugins. BeoHosting offers specialized WordPress hosting plans.
WAF (Web Application Firewall)
A security system that filters and monitors HTTP traffic between a web application and the internet. A WAF protects against SQL injection, XSS attacks, file inclusion and other common web threats.
WHM (Web Host Manager)
An administrative control panel for managing an entire server. WHM lets you create and manage multiple cPanel accounts, ideal for reseller hosting and managing multiple sites on a single server.
XML Sitemap
An XML file containing a list of all the pages on your site, helping search engines (Google, Bing) index your site more efficiently. A sitemap is an important part of technical SEO.
XML (Extensible Markup Language)
A universal format for the structured storage and exchange of data between different systems. XML is used in web services, RSS feeds, configuration files and for exchanging data between servers.
XSS (Cross-Site Scripting)
A type of security vulnerability where an attacker injects malicious JavaScript code into a web page. A WAF and proper sanitization of user input are key to protecting against XSS attacks.
YAML
A data serialization format that is readable and easy to write. YAML is used for configuration files in Docker Compose, Kubernetes, CI/CD tools and many modern web applications.
Zend Framework
An open-source PHP framework (now known as Laminas) for building web applications and services. It is used to build robust enterprise PHP applications with a modular architecture.
Zone File (DNS Zone)
A text file on a DNS server that contains all the DNS records for a particular domain. A zone file defines A, AAAA, MX, CNAME, TXT and other records that control how the domain works.
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