Training for Book Authors
|
|
Other Resources for Book Authors & Publishers
|
|
Please Support Our Advertisers
|
|
|
|
|
Important Features to Consider When Choosing a Web Host
Copyright (c) 2007-2023 Harold Leahmon
(See This Article in its Original Format.)
In this article we explore the various features to consider when selecting a web host and associated hosting plan.
Operating System
Web hosting companies provide plans that run various operating systems. The most common are Linux and Windows, although you can also find UNIX, Solaris and Mac OS X operating systems too.
The operating system you select is important because it determines which web servers, databases and programming languages you can use. For example, if you want to develop your website using ASP or ASP.NET, then you will need a Windows operating system. Unix and Linux hosting plans are often less expensive than those running Windows.
The operating system you choose should be one that you and your web site developer(s) are experienced and comfortable.
Bandwidth / Data Transfer
In website hosting, bandwidth or data transfer is the amount of information downloadable from the web server over a prescribed period of time. Web hosting companies often quote a monthly bandwidth limit for a website, for example 100 GB/month. When the monthly bandwidth is exceeded, then additional bandwidth charges are incurred, which can be expensive. It is best to choose a plan with enough bandwidth to avoid these charges. You will need to check out the hosting company's policy and costs when bandwidth is exceeded.
Be wary of web hosting companies that tout "unlimited bandwidth" as they will have some sort of "fair use policy" or "acceptable usage policy" that somehow defines "unlimited bandwidth" to be limited, so you should ask for their policy on bandwidth and read it carefully.
Disk Space
Getting ample disk space should not be an issue with any hosting plan or dedicated server unless your site has a lot of multimedia or graphics files or very large forums. Currently, you can find $4.99 a month plans with 100 GB of disk space. This is more than enough space for most websites. What is important is to know the space you need prior to signing up for web hosting, so that you buy the right plan.
Databases
Many websites require one or more databases to store the information to be shown on the website and information users enter on the website. Which database you need will depend on the development languages used for your website, the operating system used and in some cases personal preference. If the web hosting company is setting up the database, then it must be one that they support. So, before choosing a web host, you need to decide which databases will work. If you are using a web development company, they should be consulted to make sure that they have experience with the database selected.
Programming Language Support
You may need your host to support multiple programming languages for your website needs. Here are a few to consider: CGI, Perl, PHP, ASP, ColdFusion, and Ruby on Rails. Also, you should make sure the host supports the version of the language(s) you need.
Domain Names
Independent Domain Names
In the past, some hosting companies would give you a domain name off of their domain name, like www.hostcompany.com/yourwebsitename. Today many hosting companies include one or more domain name registrations with your hosting plan. We recommend that you use a company different from your hosting company. This way, if you change hosts you will not have any issue with transferring your domain name to the new host.
E-mail Accounts and Features
E-mail Accounts
There are two main e-mail account types: POP3 and IMAP. You should make sure that the hosting plan supports the e-mail type you want to use.
E-mail Alias
Your host should provide E-mail Alias accounts which forward all e-mails to another e-mail account. Using e-mail aliases is a way you can have unlimited e-mail addresses to meet your needs with only a few actual e-mail accounts.
E-mail Catch-all
E-Mail catch-all is a nice feature where incoming e-mails with misspelled or incorrect names will go to an e-mail account you select rather than being returned as undeliverable. This way, e-mails to you will always be delivered, even with a typo or the wrong address.
E-mail Auto-responders
An e-mail auto-responder allows you to automatically generate customized responses whenever a specific e-mail address receives a message. If you are on vacation, unavailable, or just want to let your customers know that you have received their e-mail, you can set up an auto-responder.
Spam and E-mail Virus Filters
Most hosting companies provide Spam and E-mail Virus Filters for the removal of spam and computer viruses. Bulk E-mail / Mailing List Features Many web hosting plans provide tools for you to setup and maintain a mailing list of customers or friends so you can easily send e-mails or newsletters to your list.
Webmail
Webmail is a Web application that allows users to access their e-mail through a Web browser from any internet connected computer.
Server Side Includes (SSI)
Server Side Includes is a server-side scripting language primarily use for including the contents of a file into another, via a Web Server. If your web site uses SSI, then you need to make sure that the web hosting plan you purchase supports SSI.
FrontPage Server Extensions
Microsoft FrontPage is a WYSIWYG HTML editor and web site administration tool from Microsoft for the Windows operating system. FrontPage Server Extensions are server-side scripts that extend the functionality of FrontPage. To use these extensions, make sure that the hosting plan you select supports them.
FTP
FTP or file transfer protocol is a protocol for exchanging files over any network that supports the TCP/IP protocol (such as the Internet or an intranet). FTP is a way to transfer files between two computers independent of the operating system that each computer is using. For web hosting, it allows web site files and data to be easily uploaded to or downloaded from the web host server.
Web Analytics
Web analytics tracks the behavior of visitors to a website. For businesses, it is important to track which aspects of the website work towards the business objectives; for example, which landing pages encourage people to make a purchase. Many hosting companies provide web analytics software.
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a cryptographic protocol which provides secure communications on the Internet for such things as web browsing, e-mail, Internet faxing, and other data transfers. The protocol allows client/server applications to communicate in a way designed to prevent eavesdropping, tampering, and message forgery. If you plan to process credit cards or similar secure transactions over the internet, then you will need a hosting plan that supports SSL.
Shopping Cart / E-commerce Features
Shopping cart or e-commerce features are software used to assist people making purchases online. Similar to an actual retail store shopping cart, the software allows online shopping customers to "place" items in the cart. Upon "checkout" the software calculates a total for the order including shipping and handling and taxes, if applicable and allows for payment via credit cards or other electronic means.
Harold Leahmon writes for Ingenuity Network. This article is part of The Ultimate Guide for How to Choose a Web Host. Please note that our community of WebHostingUsers is continually updating this guide and making it better. View the latest, unabridged guide here: http://www.webhostingusers.com/article2-unabridged Visit our website at www.webhostingusers.com for user to user web hosting ratings and web hosting help.
|
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Internet Articles || Related Categories: Computers Articles and Technology Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Harold Leahmon
Web Hosting Types – Choose the One that is Right for Your Website
Written by: Harold Leahmon |
Distributed: 2007-01-08 |
Word Count: 1139 |
Page Views: 5593
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 1.50
It is important to choose the right type of hosting for your
needs. The hosting types presented represent a range of web
hosting. We start with the least expensive with Free Hosting and
move through Shared Hosting, Virtual Private Server Hosting and
Dedicated Hosting to get to the most expensive which is Managed
Hosting. In addition, depending on your needs, Co-located
Hosting or Reseller Hosting might be what you need so those
options are discussed as well.
All of Author's Articles on this site: Harold Leahmon Articles
Most Recent "Internet" Articles
How Important Is Wikipedia In The Grand Scheme Of Things?
Written by: Bill Platt |
Distributed: 2013-07-09 |
Word Count: 1613 |
Page Views: 8995
| Votes: 29 |
Rating: 2.55
Wikipedia is the center of the online encyclopedia universe.
Millions of entries on every conceivable topic makes this website
an authority source that many young students and adults turn to
from all corners of the globe.
Gaming Laptops - The Last Thing You Should Check Before You Buy One
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2011-09-13 |
Word Count: 725 |
Page Views: 7084
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 0.63
If you're considering buying a gaming laptop, there are
many features you must check out before you buy. But there
is no last thing you must check before buying. Find out
exactly what this is...
Why Have Online Fax Services Become So Popular?
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2011-06-27 |
Word Count: 695 |
Page Views: 6000
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 0.60
Why have Internet or online fax services become so popular
in the modern workplace? Here are five or six reasons which
not only explains its popularity, but also gives you some
good reasons why you or your company should be using online
fax.
Build a Six-Figure Affiliate Business - Starting Right Now!
Written by: Marcus Blalock |
Distributed: 2011-06-24 |
Word Count: 565 |
Page Views: 5580
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 0.25
Affiliate marketing is a great way to make money by simply
repeating the same processes and work strategies. .
Internet Fax Services - Which One Is Right For You?
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2010-02-11 |
Word Count: 878 |
Page Views: 4778
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 0.50
Internet fax services are becoming very popular with
companies and home business owners. But which one is right
for you or your business? Read this informative article to
find out...
How The Internet Has Changed The World...
Written by: Braxton Heitz |
Distributed: 2009-11-10 |
Word Count: 1379 |
Page Views: 9127
| Votes: 17 |
Rating: 2.29
As most of us sit down at our computers each day, we might
realize that we have begun to take this Information Age for
granted. What would we do if we did not have 24/7 Internet
connections to keep us connected to the world?
How Online Marketing Consultants Can Supercharge Your Sales
Written by: Paul Marshall |
Distributed: 2009-11-06 |
Word Count: 891 |
Page Views: 4057
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 2.00
Starting an online business, we all need to spend our money
carefully, often doing the work ourselves. But getting the
help and advice of Online Marketing Consultants could
actually save us money, by avoiding costly mistakes and
becoming profitable much faster. We understand the reasons
people should buy what we are selling. But can we
successfully explain that to our website visitors in
convincing language they relate to, instead of jargon and
lingo related to our industry?
Don't Destroy Your Online Marketing Results with Bad Website Design
Written by: Paul Marshall |
Distributed: 2009-11-03 |
Word Count: 1111 |
Page Views: 4178
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 2.55
Many online marketing consulting firms look at SEO and
search engine advertising in a vacuum. They don't consider
the big picture. The idea behind all search engine marketing
is increased revenue. That requires conversions, not just
more traffic. And certain website design problems can kill
your conversions!
A Simple Guide To Online Fax
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2009-07-28 |
Word Count: 615 |
Page Views: 4331
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.33
Online or Internet faxing has become extremely popular in
recent years. Here's a simple guide to this new way of
faxing...
Internet Telephone Calls: VoIP Basics
Written by: Nermine Shaker |
Distributed: 2009-07-08 |
Word Count: 944 |
Page Views: 5182
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 2.20
You've seen the commercials and read the news advertisements for
telephone service using your computer: very cheap monthly fees;
make all the calls you want; keep your telephone number forever;
and voice quality as good as a landline. You've heard the claims
and you've heard the term "VoIP." Here's the scoop.
Most Viewed "Internet" Articles
Break Your Search Engines Habits To Get Better Information
Written by: Bill Platt |
Distributed: 2008-08-06 |
Word Count: 1475 |
Page Views: 11625
| Votes: 23 |
Rating: 2.26
Many online searchers get stuck in a rut, by focusing all of
their attention on only one or two search engines. But for the
person willing to expand his or her search horizons, new and
sometimes better information can be found by using some of the
alternative search engines available on the internet today.
How The Internet Has Changed The World...
Written by: Braxton Heitz |
Distributed: 2009-11-10 |
Word Count: 1379 |
Page Views: 9127
| Votes: 17 |
Rating: 2.29
As most of us sit down at our computers each day, we might
realize that we have begun to take this Information Age for
granted. What would we do if we did not have 24/7 Internet
connections to keep us connected to the world?
How Important Is Wikipedia In The Grand Scheme Of Things?
Written by: Bill Platt |
Distributed: 2013-07-09 |
Word Count: 1613 |
Page Views: 8995
| Votes: 29 |
Rating: 2.55
Wikipedia is the center of the online encyclopedia universe.
Millions of entries on every conceivable topic makes this website
an authority source that many young students and adults turn to
from all corners of the globe.
Gaming Laptops - The Last Thing You Should Check Before You Buy One
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2011-09-13 |
Word Count: 725 |
Page Views: 7084
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 0.63
If you're considering buying a gaming laptop, there are
many features you must check out before you buy. But there
is no last thing you must check before buying. Find out
exactly what this is...
Web Marketing 2.0
Written by: Kim Roach |
Distributed: 2006-10-10 |
Word Count: 1645 |
Page Views: 6709
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 2.50
If you're like me, then you are probably tired of hearing the
word Web 2.0 passed around the net like a buzz word on steroids.
Google alone currently shows 126,000,000 results for the search
term "web 2.0" at the time of this writing. However, although
this term may be overblown, it does have significant influence on
the current changes taking place on the Internet. Most
importantly, it has many implications for the online marketer.
Creating Your Own Online Radio Station
Written by: Kim Roach |
Distributed: 2006-11-27 |
Word Count: 1138 |
Page Views: 6593
| Votes: 23 |
Rating: 1.91
Podcasting has leveled the playing field for people around the
world. With just a few tools, you can quickly and easily set up
your own talk show on the topic of your choice. All you need is a
computer, a microphone, and a passion to share your knowledge
with others.
Exploring Domain Expired Name Register To Find Best Domain Names
Written by: John Khu |
Distributed: 2007-11-29 |
Word Count: 511 |
Page Views: 6583
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.56
Before dealing with expired domains, you will need to learn and
understand how you can use a domain expired name register to find
the best and profitable domain names. A domain expired name
register is a powerful tool that helps you in searching for the
most meaningful expired domain names. It will also make the
process of finding such names easier and flexible.
Voip Is It Better Than Traditional 'Copper Wire' Telecommunications?
Written by: Gavin Lively |
Distributed: 2008-01-16 |
Word Count: 821 |
Page Views: 6486
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 0.56
VoIP still has a ways to go before it dominates the
telecommunications industry. When it is good, it is the best
thing available to subscribers. The problem is that it is not
always good when it is delivered via the public internet as it's
backbone (something Simply Bits of Tucson AZ has eliminated).
The Life or Death of Your Dream - Forums Can Make The Difference!
Written by: Al Smith |
Distributed: 2004-05-13 |
Word Count: 0 |
Page Views: 6479
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
Do you use online Forum areas for enjoyment, entertainment,
business, relationships, . . . For your goals program?
Are you stuck somewhere on a plateau; you have achieved some
good things, but can’t seem to get past your present
situation for some reason?
Meeting a Girl Online
Written by: Arnold Kligermann |
Distributed: 2007-03-07 |
Word Count: 1109 |
Page Views: 6465
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 2.60
The first question you ask is Why would I want to meet a girl
online? Why try to meet girls online when you can spot a chick
you like, approach her, start talking - and actually get a date?
Highest Ranked "Internet" Articles
Authors - Publishers Avoid Internet Scams
Written by: Bob Miller |
Distributed: 2007-08-01 |
Word Count: 391 |
Page Views: 3418
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 3.00
Bob Miller reports that he received an email and telephone call
from a person claiming to represent a venture capital
organization that had a strong interest in investing in his
company.
Web 2.0 - or is it more like Web 16.0?
Written by: Julian Stone and Peter Hodge |
Distributed: 2007-10-04 |
Word Count: 2568 |
Page Views: 3884
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 3.00
With people generating many new phrases and terms in modern
technology, it has become hard to keep up with what they all
mean. One of the most commonly used terms on the world wide web
(www) today is the phrase 'Web2.0'.
Should Your Company Use Internet Fax?
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2008-04-23 |
Word Count: 797 |
Page Views: 4582
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 3.00
In the modern workplace the traditional fax machine is being
replaced by Internet Fax. Is this a good business move? Should
your company use Internet Fax? Read this article to find out...
The Web of Tomorrow
Written by: Jason OConnor |
Distributed: 2007-02-01 |
Word Count: 1885 |
Page Views: 5413
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 2.81
By looking at the trends of today we can begin to develop a image
of what the Web of the future will look like. I believe the Web
will improve and grow in a way that will dwarf its present
existence and will improve and enrich everyone's lives way
beyond what we can imagine today.
Becoming a Power Player with Online Game Sites
Written by: T.C. Gaity |
Distributed: 2008-04-17 |
Word Count: 1057 |
Page Views: 5501
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.63
By participating in various online game sites on the web today,
it is easy to build various skill sets, network with other online
gamers, and win some great prizes. Online game sites have evolved
from simple card games and picture contests to full-fledged
casino-style games, tournaments, and competitions. More and more
online game websites now feature interactive platforms for word
games, puzzles, unique prize drawings, and even company-sponsored
contests for terrific prizes.
Meeting a Girl Online
Written by: Arnold Kligermann |
Distributed: 2007-03-07 |
Word Count: 1109 |
Page Views: 6465
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 2.60
The first question you ask is Why would I want to meet a girl
online? Why try to meet girls online when you can spot a chick
you like, approach her, start talking - and actually get a date?
New Internet Marketing Tools
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2008-04-01 |
Word Count: 1288 |
Page Views: 4858
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 2.57
New Internet marketing tools are coming online each and every
day. Are you taking advantage of these marketing tools or are you
losing your online competitiveness because you're not using
them? Read more....
Exploring Domain Expired Name Register To Find Best Domain Names
Written by: John Khu |
Distributed: 2007-11-29 |
Word Count: 511 |
Page Views: 6583
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.56
Before dealing with expired domains, you will need to learn and
understand how you can use a domain expired name register to find
the best and profitable domain names. A domain expired name
register is a powerful tool that helps you in searching for the
most meaningful expired domain names. It will also make the
process of finding such names easier and flexible.
Multiple Uses Of An Expired Domain Name
Written by: John Khu |
Distributed: 2007-12-13 |
Word Count: 521 |
Page Views: 4337
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.56
An expired domain name could be very precious and invaluable, as
it has had a considerable amount of time and effort spent on
advertising and promoting it over the web. The combined effect of
time and effort gives you a host of benefits and advantages, as
soon as you register a particular expired domain name.
Email Marketing Formula, The Beginning - Get Your Emails Read
Written by: Kimberly Clay |
Distributed: 2008-03-19 |
Word Count: 766 |
Page Views: 5011
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.56
Is your email marketing campaign not as effective as you'd like?
Here's what I do for about 90 percent of the email messages I
receive: Delete, Delete, Delete... Some days it's so bad, I
think my finger's going to get jammed from pressing the
"Delete" button so much.
|
|
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|

This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
Article Statistics
|
Word Count: 1161
Total Views: 4354
Article Rating: 1.40 of 5
Votes Cast: 10
More Articles By Author:
Articles On This Website
Last Distribution Date:
2007-02-13 11:00:00
Internal ID: #4382
|
|
|