Shared web hosting or simply shared hosting as it is sometimes called is one of the most common hosting options available and typically comprises multiple users on a single server.  It doesn’t always have a dedicated IP and runs on either Windows or Linux operating system.

For users accustomed to full control over a web server, this form of web hosting might prove to be a bane rather than a blessing as this function is managed by the hosting vendors. On the flip side, users with a limited grasp of system administration will be glad to leave that responsible to the web hosting providers.

A little known fact about shard hosting is the similarities it shares with cooperative hosting. This is largely in part to its share of costs and server maintenance. There are also two types of shared web hosting services.

IP-based: Sometimes referred to as dedicated IP hosting, this is whereby each virtual host is assigned a different IP address. This is normally the best approach for sites looking to use their own SSL certificate (security verification).

Name-based: As indicated by the name, this works by providing users on a single server with a single IP address – especially handy for determining which website to show the user.

There are however host vendors that can provide a mix of both web hosting services.

Some examples of the best Shared web hosting providers include:

Award Space: This requires no setup fees with a daily data backup part of the package.

1&1: you are given the first three months free as well as three free domains.