What is a Web Host?

A web host stores the web site you create on their servers and transmits it to the internet so that when someone types in your domain name, your web site appears.  A server is just a fancy computer that "serves up" your web site to the internet.

Choosing your Web Host

Choosing your web host is a tricky and speculative task.   In order to choose a good hosting service, you must know what you need.  And that's most likely why your here.  You probably don't have the foggiest idea of what hosting or their capabilities you need right now.

Suffice it to say that you should, no mater what your short term plans are, make sure the hosting service has at least the following:

  • A good amount of  file storage - at least 50 meg (this is a bare minimum).

  • Their support line must be easily reached, and have techs that are ready to help.  This one is a crap shoot if you never been in the business before.

  • They support database applications - at least 10 databases - more is better (mine now has 100).

  • Host additional domains - does the hosting service allow additional domains?  This may not be important now, but could be later.  With this capability, you would not have to buy another or additional hosting if you wanted to have another domain.  Say you wanted to have a website to make a family site, but also wanted one for business.  With additonal domains allowed, you can make this happen with one hosting package.

  • Forwarding Email Accounts - can I build an email name, and have it forward to another name?  For instance you want email to come to your email account you have had forever, but you don't want it displayed on the web.  Well, you could have info@mydomain forward to your existing one.

  • Email Autoresponder - can I go on vacation and my emaill responds automatically with a message stating that?

  • Account "Control Panel" - your hosting package will have a control panel where you make choices of site settings, build email accounts, etc.  This is critical - some control panels just plain suck.  They are difficult to navigate, and you end up in continual loops.  C-Panel is a good one.  Ask your prospective host to show you their control panel first.

  • Other items to consider - Iw ill not explain each, if you need help use my contact form.

    FTP Access Shell Access (SSH)
    Override .htaccess Support
    Anonymous FTP
    Webmail (Browser Based Email)
    Log Files + Site Stats
    Customizable Error Pages
    Web File Manager
    Custom Cronjobs
    Hotlink Protection
    Spam Assassin Protection

  • You should get extra's for free - such as..
     - Shopping Cart (Ecommerce)
     - Content Management System (CMS)
     - Survey
     - Blog
     - Bulletin Board
     - Classifieds
     - on and on....

Here is a link to a site that does fair and equitable comparisons:

Hosting Reviews

 

My host of choice (I only tell you this because I like them.  I am not recommending them, and would never - you must choose.)

 

bluehost    their features