 Every
web site must be hosted on a "server," a computer
set up to accommodate connections from other computers accessing
its files via the Internet. It is the temporary "living
place" for your web site, although you can choose to
move your web files to a different host server anytime you
want to.
The server hosting your web files will be hosting other
web site files as well (a "shared server"), unless
you're willing to pay big money for a "dedicated server" that
hosts only your site's files.
How much will it cost?
Hosting costs for shared servers start at less than $5 a
month. Although you don't necessarily want to use the cheapest
service available, neither do you need to think that the
most expensive options are the best. Stiff competition and
improved technology have provided the opportunity for nearly
anyone to afford hosting services. Look for a hosting business
that has been established for a while, and then use the following
information to help you decide if it will meet your needs.
Question: What about using
a free hosting service?
Answer: In this case, you do get what
you pay for. A free service may be just right for someone
who wants an easy way to post a personal site, but will
be too limiting for much more than that. Free services
typically display ads on your pages and don't allow for
too much flexibility in customizing your pages. Bottom
line: Don't use free services for your business web site.
How much file space are you allowed?
The amount of disk space you are allotted was more of an
issue at one time, but with today's low hard drive costs,
you'll find that most host providers give you more space
than you can use. Even the cheapest hosting packages often
offer 100 MB of disk space, which is more than enough for
the average small business need of less than 5 MB.
What e-mail options will you have?
A good hosting service will allow you to set up multiple
email addresses. Many services will give you more options
than you'll likely ever be able to use.
Is there a usage limit?
Server usage is defined as "bandwidth allotment" which
defines the limit of total transfers allowed to/from your
server. Most new sites require less than 3 GB per month,
but your needs may increase over time as your site grows
in size and popularity. Make sure you know what you're allowed
to use.
And be cautious of services advertising "unlimited
bandwidth." Be sure to read the small print to make
sure this is really true.
Can your account be easily managed?
Does the hosting service provide you with tools that let
you manage your site easily? Do you have some kind of Control
Panel available that lets you administrate the various aspects
of your account?
What kind of support do they offer?
You will eventually need support. What kind of
reputation does this hosting service have? How will you be
able to contact them? By phone? Email? Online chat? Is technical
support available 24 hours, or only during certain times?
Make sure you'll be able to get the help you need when you
need it.
What kind of operating system does the server use?
The two standard operating systems used on servers are Windows
and Linux. There are significant differences in the two systems,
but either can be used to build your web site. However, your
web designer will likely have a preference based on the kind
of coding he/she prefers to use.
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