Web Hosting Services
A Web
host is a
service that stores, or hosts, your Web site
pages on its servers (computers) so others on the Web can access
your material 24/7.
To help you understand better what to look
for in a web hosting service, here are a number of key features
descriptions and questions to ask before you make a decision.
Key Features
Interface
or Control
Panel - Is the account managed
through an easy-to-use administrative interface? I fought with
every hosting service interface until I got a hosting service
with cPanel, which is my control panel dream-come-true.
File Storage - How
many Gigabytes
(GB's) of storage space are
offered to house your Web site files? Files include pages, images,
sound and video clips. The larger your site, the more storage
you will require. Most basic plans offer between 3 and 5 Gigs
to start you out.
Data Transfer - How
many gigabytes
(GB's) of
data transfer are allowed? Fast- loading pages with few graphics
don’t take up much bandwidth, but if you are posting videos on your
site, you'll want to look for a plan that offers a lot of data
transfer.
POP3 email accounts
- How many do
you get? I recommend that you choose
a host that allows an unlimited number of POP3 email accounts. That way
you can create a different email address for different programs
that you join, ie. cj@mysite.com and linkshare@mysite.com. It's
a tactic I use to keep the spammers at bay. Browser Based Email -
Allows access to your email accounts through your Web browser from
anywhere, as long as you have Internet access.
Forwarders and Autoresponders-
Send all email from one account to another email
account with a forwarder. Set up an autoresponder if you want the
sender of an email to receive a message back from you as soon as
they send you an email to a specific address.
WebStats - Can you
access your Web
site's log files and server statistics?
Site Builders and Design Tools-
Some
hosting services offer their own
WYSIWYG online design tools and/or site builders. Look for FrontPage
extensions if you use Frontpage to design your sites. Some examples
of services that offer site builders include SBI and Yahoo! Web Hosting.
Scripting and Database Tools-
Look
for Perl, PHP, MySQL and Server
Site Includes (SSI). Perl and PHP are programming languages that
require
host support if you plan to run those scripts. MySQL is necessary
if you plan to run a database, and SSI allows you to dynamically
include data in your Web pages.
Stated 'Uptime' -The
percentage of
time their server is up and running. This should never be less
than 99.7%.
Scalability - Can
the account be
upgraded with the growth of
your business? Whether you need to add email accounts, more space
or more traffic, it should be as easy as sending an email or making
a phone call.
Value
Best value for your money:
Compare
prices on 3 to 4 services to
make sure you are getting the best value for your money.
Volume discount: Do
you get a
discount if you sign up for a full year?
Upgrade
charges: Does
the company charge setup fees for upgrades?
If they do, I suggest that you continue your search for a hosting
service that doesn't charge for upgrades. Any company that already
has your business shouldn't penalize you for wanting to spend more
money on their service!
Bonus Software and Webmaster
Resource
Center: Do they offer free
shopping cart software? Are additional tools such as guestbooks,
form mail and other scripts provided free of charge? Note: You'll
get a whack of bonus software with a Cpanel host.
Satisfaction
Guarantee: Is there an unconditional money back
guarantee? If
how long is it good for? Choosing the right service the first time is
crucial, because switching hosts is costly, time-consuming and tedious
work. I know because I’ve done it, and don’t ever plan
do it again!
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