What is the typical purpose of a web host?

The typical purpose of a web host is to provide storage space for websites. Web hosting services offer the infrastructure necessary for websites to be accessible on the internet. This includes server space where website files, such as HTML, CSS, images, and other resources, can be stored.

When someone creates a website, those files need to be stored on a server that is connected to the internet. Web hosts ensure that these files are available for users who visit the website, enabling them to view and interact with the content. Additionally, web hosting often includes features like bandwidth allocation, domain management, and security measures, all of which support the functioning and accessibility of the hosted websites.

The other options - connecting computers via LAN, developing web applications, and facilitating online payments - involve different kinds of services and functionalities that do not define the core purpose of web hosting. These activities may be related to web development and internet services, but they are distinct from hosting a website.