The two kinds that are offered are name based shared hosting and IP based shared. The first type consist of a number of websites on a server with one IP address that is shared among all. All of the sites have a name that is unique to them, but their IP address is not something that is different from others on the server. Generally, this was a problem, but has changed throughout the years.

Anytime IP sharing takes place, this equates to more security for the individual sites. This has to do with the sites capability of obtaining SSL certificates, due to their unique individual IP address that they have. Over the years, many have began to see this as more important and have changed over to this type of hosting. In response, more servers have opted to change to this type of hosting for the people who buy web hosting from them.

Mainly, most of the advantages of choosing hosting that is shared has to do with the price. In addition, this option works well for those who are not technologically savvy enough to host their own site. With this option, the websites are not responsible for the server administration as they would be in the case they used a single server, however there is the disadvantage of having less control. When this route is taken, extra privileges is not an option for a website that is shared among many.

Overall, shared hosting provides the cheapest alternative for smaller companies. Additionally, individuals have the added benefit of not having the responsibility of administration of the site on their own. In the end, whenever a site is chosen it should consider all factors of the companies need. This should relate to the end decision of the type of hosting and company that someone chooses.