If you plan to start an internet business, you will most likely need a web host. A web host is a company with powerful computer servers that remain connected to the internet as much as possible. Your website files are stored on one of their computers. When someone enters your domain name into a web browser, the IP address of the domain name calls up your website on the server computer. That’s how your website is delivered.
You usually pay a monthly fee for web hosting, but there are free hosts out there. I recommend not using a free host. They will have low quality service and will likely put ads on your website.
Shared hosts are the most affordable option. On a shared host, your website is kept on a server with others. However, that means there are more limits in place because the computer’s resources are shared. When your website gets more popular, you will need to move up to a private server. On a private server, your website will be the only one on the computer. That will allow you to use much more computer resources and to have more configuration control over the computer’s settings.
Whatever you do, do not just sign up with any old host. Choosing a bad host will mean your website loads slowly and will be offline a lot. You want a reliable, good host. Look for one that offers an up-time guarantee. Before ordering from any host, search online for information about the host from third-parties. Look for customer reviews. You will get to find out the real pros and cons before signing up.
What do you think?
March 25th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
I cannot stress enough how much research needs to be done before choosing a web host. I found out to my cost by signing up to a host and getting scammed by them. As well as checking out review sites, just do a websearch for the name of the company you’re looking into.
The main thing I have found is to avoid companies that advertise “unlimited bandwith”. There is no way that they can live up to their promise.