If you want to have a web site, you have to have access to a computer that is physically a part of the Internet. These kinds of computers are generally called "servers". They contain specialized software dedicated to performing various kinds of Internet processes. In addtition to the "server" computer, various other pieces of hardware are required such as routers, dedicated lines, etc. The "server" is where the files that comprise your site physically reside. Generally, your site would not reside on your own computer because the cost of equipment, software, and personnel would be prohibitive.

For small sites (e.g sites for artists, sites for single product businesses, sites for community organizations), it may well make more sense financially to be hosted as part of another site. Califmall, Earthlink, AOL, GeoCites, and many others host sites in this manner. Sites that are hosted in this manner typically have an address such as: http://www.califmall.com/rafnel. If this client wanted his own domain name - perhaps something that reflected what he did - he might have chosen to have his own domain with an address such as http://www.gellerart.com.

It is a little bit less expensive to do this because there is no InterNIC registration fee or annual fee owed to InterNIC. Really, the only drawback is that the URL (the site's address which a user types into the browser) is longer. This may also be a consideration for printing a web site address on a business card or stationery, etc.

Today, most hosting is done on fairly large computers that support multiple domain names. In most cases this works well because the cost is lower as dulication of software and equipment can be avoided. However, large sites that receive a lot of traffic may require dedicated servers in order to be highly effective.

Sometimes client prefer to design and maintain their own sites. In that case they may have specific requirements (such as Windows Front Page extensions, CGI libraries, etc. WebWind productions can satisfy any client's needs easily and conveniently.