Difference between Hosting and Server

Key Difference: Hosting refers to a service that is associated with internet hosting. The companies that offer this service, provide their server computers to store web sites. Server, the term can be used in two contexts. In software, a server is used as an adjective for a server operating system. It is intended to run on server applications. In hardware, server is a special computer that has the ability to host websites and web based tools.

Hosting can be explained by understanding the need of acquisition of space in the server to store the web pages. The web pages are stored in a server so that the website can be accessed through the internet. A web hosting service is a kind of service that makes a website available on the internet. It means that through a web hosting service, one gets space on a server for his/her website. This space can be owned by some other party. The facility for a leased connection may also be available for providing the space. Thus, we can also state that the space is generally owned or leased to be used by the clients.

Server, the term can be used in two contexts. In software, a server is used as an adjective for a server operating system. It is intended to run on server applications. In hardware, server is a special computer that has the ability to host websites and web based tools. It works on client-server architecture. It provides a specific type of service to the client software. For example, Apache HTTP Server is a software that can be used as a web server. The computer, on which the Apache is running, can be termed as a web server.

Comparison between Hosting and Sever:

	Hosting	Server
Definition	Web hosting refers to a service that is associated with internet hosting. The companies that offer this service, provide their server computers to store the web sites.	In software, a server is used as an adjective for a server operating system. It is intended to run on server applications. In hardware, server is a special computer that has the ability to host websites and web based tools.
Types	Internet Service providers – It refers to the hosting of a website through an ISP. Free web hosting – There are various hosts that provide a good option for smaller and personal websites. Paid Hosting – A fee is paid for the space and services of a web hosting provider’s server. Domain hosting – It provides the feasibility to host the site anywhere; to an ISP, own server, etc. Collocation - Owned web servers and machines are used. However, the maintenance is handled by the ISPs or by some other hosts. Direct Internet Access – One hosts the website on his own web server.	Application Server – It is commonly used to connect the database servers with the users. Chat Server – It exchanges the data in real time. FTP Server – It is used for secure transfer of files between the computers. Proxy Server – It is a mediator between a client program and external servers. Groupware Server – It enables the users to work together irrespective of their locations. There are many other types of servers too.
Example	GoDaddy.com provides the facility of hosting the websites.	A blade server is a stripped down server that is designed to be fully modular.
Advantages	Cost saving Provides all the services that an ISP does Helps in establishing a web presence. Ability to set up a secure server Closely monitored server security	More powerful processors Support advanced RAM Generally higher storage capacity Redundant power supplies Support large cache memories Servers are manufactured and optimized for 24X7 Hours, etc.