The term virtual hosting can often be misleading. Basically it is another term for shared hosting. Hosting is accomplished by using servers.
Virtual hosting is when numerous domain names are shared on the same server. This one server will share certain features like memory and processing cycles without needing these services to be pointed to the same hosting name.
For example this allows you and a friend to share the same server, but each of you wouldn’t have access to the other person’s files or information. The hosting company provides each of you with a separate log in account. You have access to your own domain names and files but nothing else.
Because of the shared feature， virtual hosting is cheaper than paying for a dedicated hosting account.
A virtual service uses two methods for hosting. Name hosting and IP based hosting. Name based is more commonly used and the cheaper of the two. When a protocol is served it must supply the name at some point.
With IP based virtual hosting， the IP address is used at some point in the protocol. Each domain name must have its own IP address and this is the point that drives the price up for this type of hosting.
Many marketers don’t want to have all their domain names coming from the same IP address. Imagine renting out IP addresses for each domain that you own.
It is also possible to have a virtual hosting account that incorporates a mixture of name and IP based hosting. Again planning your website and business will allow you to see if this is a service you require. Whether you need it immediately or not if you are planning on running lots of domains it might be option to keep open. Check to see if your hosting provider even offers this type of service, so you can upgrade when necessary.
Virtual web hosting is normally taken on by large companies and corporations. Many hosting companies themselves are on a virtual web hosting plan. This is how they offer the service to you as a customer!
Internet and computer technology can sometimes be overwhelming to understand. Hopefully you now have a better understanding of what virtual hosting actually consists of. It is always best to educate yourself ahead of time. You don’t want to be paying for services that you will ever use.