| It can be a daunting thought to
choose
a web host.
Generally speaking, it is probably best to do a little homework
first. Recommendations from friends, work colleagues or some
other trusted source can be an invaluable asset.
Another option is to look through some of the Internet & Computing
magazines available (most have their own websites) in order to
get a 'feel' for the kind of web host you are looking for. Explore the
internet.
Common
Web Hosting Packages
Generally, the most common hosting packages available are what
is called 'shared hosting'. This is where multiple domains are
held on the same server and as a result, the hosting company is able
to offer reasonably priced packages.
The added benefit of this type of hosting is that the company will
maintain the server and server security so all you have to worry about
is what appears on your website!
Another type of hosting package, much less common than shared hosting
is what is known as 'dedicated server hosting'. Unless you have a huge
amount of internet traffic, have set yourself up as a reseller, or have
special security requirements, dedicated server hosting is something
you will probably never need.
What to look for in a web hosting package?
Things to look for in a hosting package are the types of service
you will be offered, what support is available should you get
into difficulties and of course, cost.
Email
At the very least, your hosting package should include at least one
email account. Often, though not always, a hosting package will give
you several accounts; for example, account1@yourdomain.com, account2@yourdomain.com,
etc.
FTP access
FTP (file transfer protocol) access is how you publish
your website to your domain. There are many different ftp programs available,
several of which are completely free.
HTTP access
If you choose a web publishing program such as Microsoft's FrontPage,
you will publish your website using Http access rather than
FTP. FrontPage is excellent web authoring software for the beginner
to get to grips with. |
