1) What is web hosting and why do I need it?
Web hosting refers to having your website exist on the internet through
a computer server. You can think of the internet as a lot of networks
connected together. These networks include web hosting companies. The
hosting company owns servers which are connected to the web hosting
company's backbone. These servers contain the technical information
needed to host each website. Each hosting company contains nodes(your
website, for example), that attach to the hosting company "backbone".
Each hosting company is connected to other networks on the internet.
Once you are connected, anyone with internet access can view the
information that is provided on your webpage. Because the web hosting
company owns the servers, you do not have to do any system
administration. You are
responsible only for updating and uploading any changes to your web
site.
2. How do I upload changes to my website?
Usually you can use any FTP program for this. If you don't feel
comfortable doing this, you can have whoever designed your site do the
work for you. Also, some hosting companies might help you with this,
depending on which hosting package you buy.
3. How much does web hosting cost?
Here you have to be careful. Web hosting companies range from free to
fairly expensive. If you are running a serious commercial business
online, go for the more expensive web hosting service. Be sure to check
how long the company has been in business. Also, does the company have
telephone support after the sale? You need to be able to talk to a live
person if you are having technical problems. Does the company allow you
to do whatever you need to do to promote your site? Are there any
restrictions? In summary, as far as web hosting programs are concerned,
you get what you pay for. So go for the more expensive companies; they
will service you better in the long run.
4. What other services should reputable web hosting companies offer?
Most reputable web hosting companies should offer all of the following
services:
a. Month to month payments instead of long term contracts
b. Domain name registration services--you really need this to make your commercial site look professional. Compare:
http://members.tripod.com/~YourName/index4.html
to
http://www.automated-Third Sphere Hosting
Which looks more professional? Also, you can easily tell that the latter
is some sort of web hosting company site. You have no idea what the
former is advertising.
c. Many server options from a small business to large corporations. If
the hosting company you are considering offers only a
"one-size-fits-all", watch out!
d. Great service AFTER the sale. You should be able to email your
hosting companies support team and have an answer back within 30 minutes
at most. Better yet, the company should have an toll-free number you can
call where you can talk to a live support person. The same level of
support should
be offered with all hosting options, from the small commercial page to
the large corporate site.
e. At least 3 email aliases and more if possible. That way, instead of
using your personal email address(which may have nothing to do with the
products you want to sell), you can have these email addresses:
1. info@youraddress.com -- clarification or a free report
2. webmaster@youraddress.com-- subscription requests, questions, etc.
3. sales@youraddress.com -- questions on your product
If testimonials from persons you can actually contact via email or phone.
This are only the basic things you should expect from a reliable hosting
company. Any hosting company you are considering should have all six of
the above qualifications.
Third Sphere Hosting is a web-hosting service with all of the above qualifications.
I resell for Third Sphere Hosting and believe in their products and service. I use
AdGrafix myself for my two web sites. Their hardware is
state-of-the-art and constantly updated. Their service is
lightning-quick.
Click Here to Email Bob Smith