A Domain Name Service (DNS) server is a crucial communication hub between the computers of end-users of the internet, and the servers where the actual content they are browsing is (your content is on servers handled by your web host – some top examples, if you are looking for a web host in Australia, include Hostinger, A2 Hosting, SiteGround, etc.). DNS servers play a vital role in giving you access to websites and services on the internet that you use every day.

Most of the people do not know what DNS servers are and how they work. We will try to explain in simple terms the role of DNS servers and why they are essential.

Why Do We Need DNS Servers?

Have you ever wondered what happens when you type in a web address in your internet browser? How does the browser know which website to display?

The answer is, it does not. It sends a query to something called a DNS server, which acts like a phonebook or a directory. A DNS server contains a list of all public IP addresses and domain names associated with them.

Domain names allow us to remember the websites we want to visit easily. Still, the servers that store these websites’ contents do not understand “nfl.com.” The server that hosts the content uses an IP address instead of a domain name for that website—something like 102.88.73.15.

DNS servers act as translators as they take the domain names we type into our browsers and translate them into IP addresses of the servers that host those websites. Without DNS servers, our browsing requests would always come back empty.

How Does a DNS Server Work?

Once you enter a domain name into an internet browser, the DNS server starts its journey along which it will contact several servers to execute your query. They are:

• DNS Resolver – It figures out to which IP address your domain name connects.
• Root Server – It returns the information to the DNS Resolver about the Top Level Domain (TLD) server containing the requested domain name. TLD is the .com or .org ending of the domain name.
• TLD Server – DNS Resolver then queries the TLD server to return the information about the Authoritative Name Server of the domain name.
• Authoritative Name Server – DNS Resolver finally queries the Authoritative Name Server to return the requested domain’s actual IP address.

Once the DNS Resolver finds the IP address, the requested website will load in your internet browser. Although it might seem like a long and complicated process, it happens in fractions of a second, and the domain you are seeking displays in seconds.

This process takes place only the first time you try to access a domain. During this initial query, the internet browser will store the IP information in the browser cache, making future browsing requests instantaneous and bypassing the whole process.

What are Primary and Secondary DNS Servers?

There is more than one DNS server available to the public. In most cases, your ISP provider has a preferred Primary DNS Server, configured automatically when you connect to their internet connection. The Secondary DNS server is there to act as a backup if the query to the Primary DNS fails.

Should You Change DNS Server Settings?

In general, the answer is no. Your ISP provider will choose the DNS servers that are most suitable and closest to your location. In some cases, if you are experiencing slow loading times or failed queries from ISP-configured DNS servers, you might consider changing the settings to external DNS servers to deliver quicker loading times.

Malware Attacks and DNS Servers

DNS servers are often the target of malware attacks by hackers, so it is prudent always to run an anti-malware protection software. The way that hackers use malware to cause damage with DNS servers is by instructing the malware to change your DNS server settings and redirect all your traffic to scam/spam websites full of ads.

A more dangerous form of malware attacks is when hackers change the DNS settings to collect your queries to their servers and redirect your traffic to spoof web pages, such as your online banking login page, etc. to collect your data.

Pay close attention that your anti-malware software is working and up-to-date. Make sure that the websites that collect sensitive personal data look legit and nothing seems out of place.

An essential step when deciding on a website host is choosing a control panel that suits your needs. The two most popular options are cPanel and Plesk, the two most utilized hosting control panels that also offer the best solutions.

A web hosting control panel can optimize your website if you know how to use it correctly. It allows you to manage domains, organize your files, manage databases and email accounts, monitor server statistics and security, and install the necessary software.

The control panel is a straightforward interface that enables you to easily navigate your website’s back-end and use tools efficiently.

cPanel has been around since 1996, which explains its high number of legacy users (almost all our recommend web hosting in Australia and hosts in Canada use it). The most current version evolved into a combination of the cPanel and the Web Host Manager interfaces. The new version merged as an interface that covers all bases of account management and server administration.

Plesk is a unique model that was introduced in 2001. The control panel has launched a couple of versions, including the Plesk Onyx and the Plesk Obsidian, which come with various upgrades.

We have unpacked everything you need to know about cPanel vs. Plesk below so that you can see which product will best suit your website.

cPanel vs. Plesk: User Interfaces

Both the cPanel and Plesk user interfaces look similar. The difference lies in the minutiae, and the procedures you use to access and maximize its features.

If you’re a beginner in handling a web-hosting panel, the cPanel interface appears easier to navigate. This is one of the reasons why beginner-friendly hosts like Hostinger, SiteGround, and HostPapa, among many, use it or a version of it. You will find each section visibly labeled and organized, for example. It also allows you to customize the home screen to quickly find the features you use regularly.

Plesk is slightly different. It offers a dashboard that revolves around the individual web pages hosted in your setup, for example. You would first have to select the domain you need to manage before the settings applicable to that location will reflect on your screen.

Plesk has a far more streamlined list of features from the dropdown menu when you click on the left panel, however.

cPanel vs. Plesk: Features, Costs, and Tools

cPanel and Plesk have the same set of essential features for effective server and account management. Both platforms offer:

• domain management,
• file management,
• email management,
• database management,
• statistics monitoring,
• security features, and
• software installers.

Web hosting providers commonly use cPanel, as it costs less. It also allows users to add more apps and obtain SSL certificates at no additional cost. You can also benefit from its automatic back-up and restoration features.

However, cPanel works on fewer operating systems than Plesk. Its advantage is that it is compatible with Amazon Linux; Plesk is not.

Plesk runs on more operating systems, such as Windows, and a wide range of Linux platforms. The Plesk system incorporates support for Git, Node.js, and Docker. If you’re a WordPress user, you can maximize the built-in WordPress Toolkit and Plesk’s extra security measures, and these options come with easy access to SSL certification, too. However, most top-of-the-line, value WordPress hosts in Australia and Canada use cPanel.

cPanel vs. Plesk Choosing Between the Two

Deciding on cPanel vs. Plesk depends on which web hosting control panel will work with your operating system. It will also matter which platform you are more comfortable using and which one will serve your purpose.

Both platforms offer similar features, so it will boil down to which interface you find easier to manage.

cPanel and Plesk both make it possible to maximize your web server’s capabilities and enable you to navigate your website’s back-end effectively. It also provides active userbases who regularly take to forums on how to take full advantage of these web hosting tools.

What Is a Nameserver?

Your domain contains files assigned to something called a DNS (Domain Name System) record. A nameserver functions as an indicator of where you can locate your domain’s DNS records.

Imagine yourself opening an internet browser (like Chrome or Mozilla) to visit a particular website. The process goes like this:

1. You type the web address on the browser’s URL portion. The background DNS servers receive server details about your site through your domain registrar (the company where you bought your domain name);
2. The nameservers activate, pointing out the location of the website’s DNS records;
3. Next, your browser reads and identifies this information from the DNS;
4. Once it is interpreted, you’ll be able to see the website that you entered being loaded onto the screen.

What is a DNS?

To better understand nameservers and why these functions matter, it would serve you well to take a quick look at domain name systems and what these mean for websites.

Whenever you enter a domain name (i.e., “youwebsite.com,” “mywebsite.com,” etc.), your computer needs to convert the information into IP addresses (“1.2.3.4”). Your browser will then be able to locate and make sense of it.

The domain name system (DNS) takes this domain-name-turned-IP-address information into data that you, as the viewer, can navigate (as a complete website).

The DNS system consists of three major parts:

1. The parent nameservers (there are only 13 parent nameservers worldwide).
2. The company where you buy your domain (also known as the domain name registrar). Sometimes your domain is included in the hosting package – in that case, your host is your domain registrar. E.g., Web hosts like HostPapa, Hostinger, and GreenGeeks offer free a domain name with its plans.
3. Your nameserver, an important piece of information if you plan to manipulate your DNS values

What Purpose Do Nameservers Serve?

The internet will only recognize your domain name if it has DNS records. If you’ve ever looked at the dashboard of your hosting provider (these are our top recommended web hosting providers in Australia and web hosts in Canada, just in case you haven’t made a decision yet), you’ll see things like “A,” “CNAME,” “MX,” and more. These are your DNS records.

Since domain names often move, the internet assigns nameservers to specific domain names. It quickly identifies which DNS record applies specifically to these locations.

How to Find a Domain’s Nameserver

Depending on your purpose, there are several methods for a user to search for a domain’s nameserver.

Domain Registrars

The most straightforward method is for people to search for the nameservers and modify their websites. You can do this when connecting to a CDN (content delivery network).

Log into your domain registrar and find your nameserver’s tab there.

Nameservers can appear in the following format:

“Ns1.domain.com”

“Ns2.domain.com”

Website WHOIS

How about investigating another site’s nameservers? For queries like this, your best bet is a search on WHOIS websites that contain domain information.

Another method for searching a website nameserver involves using the term “domain lookup” in the WHOIS query. You can check out the lookup tool in the ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) for even easier access.

Imagine if people had to memorize IP addresses to get to your website. Nameservers eliminate this process, improving your website’s speed, availability, security, and user experience.

Nameservers are clever little mechanisms for simplifying the web user experience, and now you know more about how it all works. Feel free to let us know your other web-related questions in the comments below.

Virtual private server (VPS) hosting is increasingly popular with website owners that need reliable performance and robust security measures. While shared hosting packages offer affordable entry-level hosting features, VPS hosting provides the edge you need to take your website to the next level. As a side note, most quality web hosts (Australia-specific article) such as Hostinger & A2 Hosting offers both to cover the market.

VPS hosting divides a traditional server into “virtual” segments. Each segment is occupied by a website and benefits from a pre-determined amount of bandwidth and storage. While users are still sharing a server with other websites, their segment is protected, ensuring other users don’t impact performance.

Benefits of VPS Hosting

Let’s explore VPS hosting’s unique advantages and why it can help you improve your website, blog, or online store:

• Designated Resources: The primary advantage of VPS hosting is that you have designated resources. This enables you to improve performance and protect the security of your website from external forces.
• Root Access: With VPS hosting plans, you’re often given root access to your server, which provides additional control over your hosting capabilities.
• Scalability: You can easily improve your current memory and bandwidth limits by upgrading your VPS hosting package. This provides scalability that you can’t find in shared hosting packages.

Other Types of Hosting

To understand VPS hosting and its advantages, it’s critical to understand the alternatives. Below, let’s explore the three most popular hosting options.

Shared Hosting

Shared hosting is the most basic form of web hosting and provides users access to a shared server. While shared hosting packages often outline storage limits and bandwidth limits, overuse from other websites on the server can severely impact your website’s performance.

However, because of its low cost, most value-centric WordPress hosting providers (again, Australia-specific recommendations) you see in the market host in a shared environment.

Dedicated Server Hosting

Dedicated server hosting is a step above VPS hosting. In a similar fashion to VPS hosting, dedicated hosting provides you with guaranteed storage and performance – except no one else will be using the same server as your website.

If you’re running a large online store or website that experiences significant traffic, controlling an entire server can prove advantageous. The primary downside is that dedicated hosting costs much more than VPS hosting. Also, it’s hard to scale designated hosting without accessing additional servers.

In short, if you want to run a large-scale e-business, dedicated server hosting is an investment to make! Some of our favorite dedicated server plans come from A2 Hosting and a few others we’ve mentioned in our best web hosting in Australia and the best web hosting in Canada lists.

Cloud Hosting

Cloud hosting is a relatively new form of hosting that uses cloud resources to host your website. Since website owners aren’t confined to a single physical server, scaling a website with cloud hosting is straightforward.

Another advantage of cloud hosting is that you can avoid uptime issues. As you’re not reliant on a single server, you don’t have to worry about hardware crashes impacting your website’s viability.

Again, like all other types of hosting, some of the best cloud packages are sold by our top recommended Australian web hosts such as SiteGround & Hostinger.

Is VPS Hosting Right for My Website?

The answer to this question will depend on your requirements. If you’re searching for an upgrade from a shared hosting package, a VPS hosting package is a clear choice; you won’t have to break the bank to access improved performance.

On the other hand, if your website will experience substantial traffic volume, it might be worth considering dedicated hosting or cloud hosting. Make sure to assess all your options before you make any decisions.

If you’re building a new website or migrating an existing site to a new host, you might be wondering which hosting option is suitable for your needs. VPS hosting and dedicated server hosting are two popular options that are available from most major Australian & worldwide hosting companies and are a step above shared hosting packages (though, still, most Australian companies’ WordPress hosting packages are based on shared architecture).

This post will provide an overview of VPS hosting and dedicated hosting and explore the differences between the two.

VPS Hosting

VPS (virtual private server) hosting is considered an upgrade from traditional shared hosting because it provides designated resources. If you access a shared hosting package, you will have to split a single server’s resource with other websites. Unfortunately, increased traffic from multiple websites can cause severe issues for your site’s performance. In practicality, though, most small to mid-sized sites can easily rely on quality shared plans by hosts such as Hostinger, GreenGeenks, SiteGround, and HostPapa.

VPS hosting designates a pre-determined amount of resources for your website. While you’re still technically sharing a server with other websites, the hosting provider guarantees a storage and performance level. By creating “virtual” divisions on the server, the hosting provider ensures your website has ample capabilities.  

Dedicated Servers

Dedicated server hosting provides website owners with an entire server for their website. While managing a server sometimes requires technical knowledge, it offers many advantages. Users have access to the server’s full capabilities and don’t have to share resources or access with any other websites. One of our favorite dedicated plans comes from A2 Hosting if you are thinking of purchasing one.

Overview of Differences Between VPS Hosting and a Dedicated Server

Generally, VPS hosting is suited for small businesses or large personal sites, and a dedicated server tends to be for more medium to big business sites. Now that you understand the basics of these two hosting options, it’s time to explore the key differences.

Resources

While VPS hosts provide resource assurances that you can’t find in shared hosting, dedicated servers are best if your priority is accessing extensive storage and bandwidth. Since no other websites have access to your server, you can utilize all the power it offers.

Control

Dedicated server hosting provides much more control to website owners. As you have the entire server dedicated to your website, your root access to the server provides you with significant control. If access to your server is a priority, make sure your hosting company includes root access.

Cost

The cost difference between VPS hosting and dedicated hosting is essential to consider. Since VPS hosting splits your server with multiple users, it’s a cost-effective way to access pre-determined resources. While it’s more expensive than shared hosting, you don’t have to worry about other websites’ impacting your server.

On the other hand, dedicated hosting can get quite expensive. Hosting companies must maintain your server, so prices can be much higher than VPS hosting options. Still, if you’re running a large website, the benefits will outweigh the costs.  

Ease-of-Use

If ease-of-use is a major priority for you, VPS hosting is a better option than dedicated hosting. VPS hosting packages often prioritize easy setup processes and other useful features for newcomers to the web industry. If you don’t have experience with servers, using a dedicated server might be more trouble than it’s worth.

For website owners and people with prior experience managing a server, you will get more from a dedicated server.

Scalability

If you’re building a website with a bright future, it’s critical to consider your hosting plan’s scalability. If you’re fenced in because of hosting restrictions, it can take a lot of time and effort to move to a new host or upgrade your existing infrastructure. Fortunately, both VPS hosting and dedicated server hosting provide ample scalability features to website owners.

While it’s easy to upgrade your VPS hosting to include more resources, you’re still confined to your hosting provider’s storage and bandwidth packages. However, dedicated hosting allows you to scale to the full capacity of your personal server.

VPS Hosting vs. Dedicated Server: What’s Better?

When comparing VPS hosting and dedicated servers, the better option will depend on your requirements, budget, and personal preference. If you’re a tech-savvy website owner with a large budget, dedicated website hosting is perfect. On the other hand, if you’re building a new website and don’t have much money to work with, VPS hosting offers excellent performance capabilities at a much lower price point.

Starting a web hosting business sounds complicated, but it’s actually a business that almost anyone can build. If you can source reliable web hosting from a third-party web host, you can resell it to customers online without managing your own data centers – you don’t need any computing or data center experience to build a successful hosting business.

Many people resell web hosting as a side source of income, but there’s no reason you can’t make it a full-time profession. If you develop a platform that your clients enjoy, it won’t take long to expand your customer list.

We’ve developed a step-by-step guide that can help you navigate the world of web hosting reselling:

1. Choose a Web Host

Before you can resell web hosting, you need to choose a web host partner. Many leading web hosts offer reseller hosting packages that can help you streamline the process. Additionally, it’s a good idea to partner with a web host that allows you to add your branding and customizations, helping you to build brand recognition with your customers.

Time and again, whether it’s our best web hosting in Australia listicle or the top web hosting in Canada article, we have mentioned A2 Hosting to be the best reseller host, and we’ll emphasis on it again here!

2. Create a Services List

Create a services list for your clients. It’s a good idea to understand the type of website owners you’ll be targeting. For example, if your target is entry-level website owners with low budgets, it’s good to focus on affordable “shared hosting” plans with minimal frills.

3. Set Up Your Website and Payment Gateway

Now that you have a hosting partner and service list, it’s time to build a website and select a payment processing partner. Make sure to choose a payment processing partner that can help you set up recurring charges. If you’re operating a subscription model, you need a payment processor that can automate monthly or yearly payments.

4. Market Your Services

Once you have a website, hosting partner, and a payment gateway, it’s time to start marketing your business. Using SEO techniques and paid-for advertising can help you gain exposure to new customers. Offering promotional rates during the first few weeks of starting your business is also a good idea.

5. Offer Reliable Support

Once the wheels are in motion, it’s critical to set up a good support system that keeps your customers happy. If you want to maintain your revenue stream, make sure to use online tools to build a support ticket system or live chat portal; it’s the best way to address client concerns in real-time.

Reselling vs. Affiliate Partnerships

You can sometimes earn commissions via affiliate partnerships with leading hosting companies. While this offers an excellent way to profit from relationships with hosting companies, it doesn’t provide the same recurring income stream as host reselling.

Affiliate payments are often issued in a single lump-sum. If you want to build a long-term business, reselling is the better option.

Verdict: Put the Wheels in Motion

If you want to resell web hosting to clients online, there’s never been a better time. There are now plenty of hosting companies that offer reseller plans to eager entrepreneurs such as yourself. Choose a hosting partner and start building your business today.