Sorry for the inconvenience, but our server is currently full.
There are many web servers out there that can host your web site. But which one is right for you? Don't go with what you read is a good deal just because you got a e-mail saying that it is, or read it on their web site. Like I had mentioned earlier under the Web Site Design do your homework. Pull several Hosting Companies that are in the price range of your buget. Compare what each one has to offer to the next and see who has the best deal.
Things that you want to look for are:
- Tech Support
- Test several different companies before you sign up with them by sending them an e-mail with a couple of questions. See how fast they respond (The faster the responce is a good sign of good service). Did they answer your questions or leave you scraching your head trying to figure out what they are saying.
- Uptime
- The more uptime that you can get the better it is for your. 99% is the minimum acceptable standard.
- Disk Space
- All your site data is stored here. You want to make sure that you have more then you need but don't go overboard and get too much that you really don't. If you get too little then you don't have room to grow.
- Bandwidth
- Most people over look this until it's too late. If you go over your alloted bandwidth, you will get a hefty bill. Downloads and images will eat up a lot of your bandwidth.
- CGI Bin
- With most hosting companies this is standad. If you don't have access to your CGI Bin you can not install scripts and prorams on your site.
- Perl
- Many good scrpts that you may buy or get for free are in perl. If you don't have perl option then you can not run these scripts.
- SSL
- If you are looking at accepting credit cards orders directly from your website, you will need Secure Socket Layer (SSL) included in your option plan. This is over looked like the Bandwidth. In order to use this feature you will need a merchant account. If you are not looking to accepting credit cards orders then you do not need to make this a priority. You can usethird party credit card processor instead.
- SSI
- Server Side Includes are great if you want to spend minimal time updating your site.
- MySQL
- Some programs require a MySQL database to run (like if you have members joining your site or E-zines being sent to peple).
- PHP
- Many new scripts and programs require PHP support. Most good host offer it standard.
- Domain Name
- What's the point of having your own webpage if you have to use another name? You would want a name that reflects your site or product.
- FTP Access
- Unlimited and unrestricted FTP access to your site is a must (of course you would need an FPprogram to do this).
- Control Panel
- Some control panels are easier to work with then others.
- Statistics Program
- This is handy if you want to keep an eye on how many vistors you are getting, where they are coming form, referrers, top entry and exit pages and so on.
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