Introduction
Today you will find that there are a lot of hosting services available to choose from. These hosting services have a lot of different services that they offer. It is important to take the time to find one that will fit your web site’s specific needs.
Step 1
Make sure that the hosting services provide you with a sufficiently fast connection to the Internet. While a T3 is optimal, a T1 will work for most web sites but a dial-up connection is way too slow. You’ll also need to know how many machines share your server since you don’t want their traffic slowing your web site down.
Step 2
Whenever you’re looking for hosting services there are some things that you’ll want to make sure that you’re being offered. These things include:
- Bandwidth limits. You don’t want to face severe charges from getting a lot of traffic so make sure to get a reasonable, flat monthly rate instead of one that is based upon your usage.
- Space. This will depend upon what type of a web site you are building but you also need to give yourself room to grow.
- CGI bin access. You’ll want to make sure that this is adequate for any forms that you intend to use. It’s also good to have your own director with unlimited access.
- Web-based administration. This is best for those who don’t know web programming, as it’ll make it easier for you to do web site maintenance.
- FTP. This makes it easier for you to upload files and edit your CGI scripts.
- Email services. While some hosting services offer POP mailboxes, others simply offer aliases that are rerouted to your existing email account. Make sure that you have enough email aliases.
- SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). This is important for businesses that will be dealing with people’s credit card information.
- Some hosting services also offer other special features (i.e. anonymous FTP, mailing list management, email auto replying, statistical data) that you’ll also want to take note of.
Step 3
Find out what kind of support the hosting services offer. You should expect 24-hour support and quick replies. However, you shouldn’t pay for it.
Step 4
Look for hosting services that offer virtual hosting. This lets you use your own domain name as your URL instead of having a vanity domain (i.e. YourName.Host.com) or a directory within the host’s domain (i.e. Host.com/YourSite). Some hosting services will pay for and handle your domain name registration. Be careful! Make sure that the domain is registered in your name and that InterNIC has you listed as the administrative contact so that you don’t have difficulty switching hosts later on.
Step 5
Make sure you know exactly what you’re getting before you sign a contract or pay any money. Keep in mind that you don’t want to buy into a long-term contract just to be able to save money. You want to be able to switch hosts whenever you want to do so. Also, make sure to ask about reduced rates or free services if you are a student or non-profit organization.
Tips
Take time to shop around. Doing so will not only ensure that you find precisely what you need and may also save you money too.
Sources and Citations
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