Web hosting

 

What is “Web hosting”?

Your Web site consists of a number of linked computers files.  These files need to be connected to the Internet in order for Web surfers to be able to view them.  A “Web hosting” company maintains your Web site on its computers, or “servers”, which are connected to the Internet.  For example, see www.pcsworld.net. (top)

Can I host my site myself?

Unless you are a large company doing a lot of business on the Internet (such as Amazon.com), there is no need to host your site yourself.  The capital outlay is formidable; you need to purchase expensive computer equipment, hire IT personnel and pay for a connection to the Internet “backbone”.  With competition bringing cost down and quality up among Internet Presence Providers, the most cost-effective way for most small businesses to get online is to use a Web hosting company, or “Internet Presence Provider”. (top)

What is an Internet Presence Provider (IPP)?

Internet Presence Provider rent space on “servers” (computers connected to the Internet) to clients who wish to establish a presence on the Web without spending large amounts of money on personnel and equipment.  The price paid is usually linked to the amount of space desired, as well as the amount of data relayed back and forth from the Web site.  For example, see www.pcsworld.net. (top)

What should I look for in a Web hosting company?

The Web hosting industry has grown as quickly as the Internet itself, so it is important to shop around for a reliable Web host.  Here are some of the features you should look for: (top)

  • Fast and reliable network infrastructure.  As the minimum, the IPP should have a DS3 or OC3 connection to an Internet backbone provider. WE DO!

  • Outstanding customer service and technical support.  Some IPP’s, such as Virtualis.com, guarantee to respond to your needs within a short timeframe.

  • Effective software applications.  Many of the better Web hosting companies offer tools to help you build your site, such as shopping cart systems and Web site management applications.


How much does Web hosting cost?

Competition among the growing number of Web hosting companies has brought about a wide range of pricing differences.  The cheapest provider may not offer high-quality support and reliability; conversely, the one that provides the most options may charge on an “a la carte” basis, inflating your monthly fees to unacceptable levels.  As with all your other business decisions, shop around. (top)

What is “domain forwarding”?

You may have a free Web site with you Internet Service Provider, but the address (URL) is long and cumbersome (for example, http://members.aol.com/username/index.html).  For a small fee, some Web hosting companies will set up domain name (i.e. www.yourcompany.com).  This ensures that visitors are automatically rerouted to your Web site when they type in your domain name. (top)

How can I find out which Web hosting companies are the best?

There are a number of online sources for comparing Web hosting companies.  One of the most known is CNET’s, which regularly rates companies based on reliability, service and price. PCS WorldNet will also help you compare companies if you have any questions(top)

What is a “server”?

In plain terms, a “server” is a software program that connects the different computers on the Internet.  For instance, a Web server “serves” a Web site’s HTML files to other computers.  Similarly, mail servers provide e-mail service, and news servers manage Usenet discussion groups. (top)

What does “bandwidth” mean?

In Internet terms, “bandwidth” refers to the amount of data sent through a network connections, and is usually measured in bits-per-second.  For instance, a 56k modem theoretically allows connections of 57,600 bits per second.  Some Web hosting companies charge clients for the amount of bandwidth used per month (in other words, the amount of data transferred back and forth from the client’s Web site per month). (top)

What are “UNIX” and “Windows NT” operating systems?

Like your personal computer, servers have an operating system (OS) that runs “behind the scenes”.  Most Web hosting companies run either UNIX or Windows NT/2000 operating systems.  When shopping for an IPP or ISP, you should be aware of which OS the company runs their servers on, and which is most compatible with your own equipment. (top)