What is a server or hosting company?
Every web address must reside on a server (host computer) to be accessible on the Internet. A server is a computer that is connected to the Internet and uses specialized software to make web pages available on the Internet at fast speed. Because obtaining and maintaining your own server is expensive and requires specialized skill, small businesses usually rent space on a hosting company's server to store their web pages. When Internet users enter your web address into their browser, the host directs them to your web site.
Can I use my own computer as a server?
Yes, you can, but it's not practical. When you turn off your computer, nobody can access your web pages. Hosting companies use much higher speed internet connections, allowing your web pages to be viewed at a much faster speed than your telephone line.
Can I get free hosting?
Free hosting has many limitations and often provides only limited space for personal use. A major disadvantage of free hosting is that you will have a long address which starts with the provider's name such as http://www.yourprovider.com/yourname/yourfilename.htm. In addition, most free hosting companies place advertising on your web pages that detracts from your message and slows down your pages.
Hosting fees range from $4-$100/month and up, depending on the space and features you need. The average fee for hosting for a basic small business web site is $7-$25/month. You may have to pay extra for a shopping cart, sequential autoresponders and other features.
The following sites provide a list of free hosting options: www.webtimetools.com/free1.shtml and www.freewebspace.net.
To convey a professional image, you must pay for hosting and get your own domain name.
Hosting for a basic business web site shouldn't cost more than $20 per month. You could pay higher fees if you need more features but don't pay for features you don't need.
How do you select a hosting company?
Select a hosting company based on their service and support, the reliability of the company, the speed and quality of their servers, cost, the web space and bandwidth they provide, and the availability of features such as pop email accounts, statistics, and autoreponders.
The easiest way to select a hosting company is by referral. Your web designer can recommend a hosting company and upload your web pages to the server. If you design your own web pages, you will need an FTP program such as WS_FTP to upload your pages.
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Article Source: EzineArticles
