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Choosing a Host for Your Site
A Web Host is a company that provides you with server space for your web site. This includes all your web files like html pages, graphics, scripts and media if any.
When your web address is typed into a browser, your web host is being contacted to locate and display the requested page.
It is good to make the right choice the first time, because if you have to move to another hosting service, it will cost you time and you will lose some of your valued customers due to the downtime setting up with another host.You will also have to pay set up and hosting fees for a new account.
Let's talk first about types of Hosting Services
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Free Hosting
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Virtual Hosting: (also known as shared hosting).
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Get your own domain name hosted proffessionally
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| Pros |
It’s Free
For small non business sites, sites that are small and do not expect much traffic
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Low cost
Great for the average business sites
Good technical support
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There is no fixed length contract, so you can terminate your contract at any time. You can choose your commitment, month to month or yearly although you often will get a discount if you sign up for 1-2 years.
They are Reliable and efficient and it may contribute to the success of your business for many years to come.
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| Cons |
No usage of domain names
Limited technical support
Unreliability of servers, software
Limited web space, technical support
Host may shut down due without notice
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Multiple sites on server
Sometimes slow updates
Limited security and control due to the large number of sites on 1 server
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There are no cons but there are some guidelines to follow when choosing a hosting company ( see below ) |
In order to establish credibility, you must be willing to invest in your own domain name and professional web hosting. Web sites hosted on free servers are not taken seriously and will suffer a serious loss of business.
Here are some basic features you should look for when selecting a web host:
Make sure they have a high-speed connection
(preferably T3 or higher) to the Internet.
Effective Bandwidth Management or Unmetered bandwidth
ask for unlimited bandwidth for your site.
Backup Systems
Good hosts will have back up systems in place to guard against power failures,
which will cause you to lose data and customers.
Technical Support and the quality of their support services
Make sure you can contact them 24/7 by phone or email. Test the quality and efficiency of response by sending them an email pertaining to some question you may have before you sign up
POP3 E-Mail Accounts
Email Forwarding
Email Auto-responders
Email Aliases
FTP Access
FrontPage Support
Own CGI-Bin Access
Free Perl, CGI
Server Side Includes (SSI)
Password Protection
Reseller/referral program
30 day money back guarantee
Stability
You do not want your hosting service to go out of business (like what happened to many of the free hosts) and leave you stranded.
Background check
Check how many years they have been in business.
If you have any specific questions about our web site design tips,
or if you would like permission to republish this design tip on your web site or newsletter,
please use our contact form or email us at webmaster@nadweb.net.
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