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HOSTING GUIDE
CPU, RAM, storage and I/O: how to read hosting specifications
A large storage figure does not tell you how quickly your website will run. What matters is the combination of capacity, performance limits and the rules that apply during sustained load.
Storage capacity tells you how much data you can keep. Find out whether emails, databases, logs and backups count towards the allowance. A description such as fast storage identifies a technology, but does not guarantee that your particular application will be responsive. Shared resources, database performance and the way the website works also matter.
RAM is space for processes that are currently running. The CPU processes their tasks. Shared hosting may express limits as a number of processes, a share of CPU time or memory for one application. A VPS usually lists virtual CPU cores, but two services with the same number of cores can behave differently under load. Ask about sustained use and what happens when a limit is exceeded.
Look beyond the headline figures
Check the terms for database counts, maximum file size, concurrent requests, file operation speed and data transfer limits. An online shop making many small database queries may hit a different ceiling from a website serving large downloads. An 'unlimited' plan is usually still subject to fair use rules.
Compare plans against your own workload
Write down which application you use, how much data it holds and what traffic peaks you expect. If the website already runs, ask your current provider for real usage figures. Only then decide how much headroom you need. For a small new website, a clear upgrade path is often more useful than a large number whose meaning is unclear.
Practical question: Which limit will you reach first, and how will you know you are approaching it? Verify the answer before ordering.