Website 101, Understanding the Lingo: Server and Web Host

What is a server and web host?

A website is simply a collection of files, not unlike files on your own personal computer.  There's a structured hierarchy to those files, that when compiled together, render on a screen as a website.

In order for someone to access your website, their computer needs to be able to access those files that makeup your website. A server is simply a computer that is always on and available to inbound request for data... data such as your website files.  

Your web host is a company that manages a bunch of servers. You in effect rent space on those servers and store your website files on those servers.  Your web host ensures that your files are always up and available (uptime) and that they have sufficient bandwidth to serve your website to all the inbound requests from users.