Choosing a web host for your website is the most important decision for a website owner. But how do you know which web host is good and which is not? WebHostingGoodies.com has carefully selected the best web hosting company on the internet to help you make the right hosting decision.
Web hosting is the process of placing files on a computer, which is connected to the internet in order to make them visible on the world-wide-web. Web hosting is basically the process of displaying files on the internet and is the backbone of the internet. Without web hosting, the internet would not exist. There are various types of web hosting, all with many varying costs and features. Most clients who need hosting services, however, need basic services, which are highlighted on this site.
How do I pick the right web hosting plan? Before choosing the right web hosting service for your needs, you first need to determine the resources your site needs. How much storage space, bandwidth, database requirements and scripting features your site will require. For the vast majority of web site owners, the plans offered on this site will more than handle your requirements and at prices that can't be beat.
I've decided on the web hosting plan, what's next? When you choose the right web hosting service, you then need to sign-up for the hosting service at the particular web hosting company. This is usually a very quick and easy process, which involves submitting contact information, entering your domain name you want to use and submitting credit card information, in order to pay for the service provided. After this has been submitted, you should receive an e-mail with your new hosting account information and details on how to login to your account and beging publishing your web site.
What is a domain name? A domain name is your web identity and address on the internet. It's basically how other potential customers will located your web site. The most popular domain name is the ".com", but there are many other extensions available if your ".com" happens to already be registered by someone else. Luckily, domain names are very inexpensive and easy to register in your name. To register a domain name, you complete a small information form and pay a very reasonable yearly service fee. As a matter of fact, most plans offered on this site actually pay for your domain name yearly service fee. When deciding on a domain name, you should choose one that's easy to remember, pronounce and spelled correctly.
What is bandwidth? How much will I need? Web hosting bandwidth is also referred to as transfer allowance, or how much data transfer your web hosting account can utilize. The amount you need is mostly determined by your type of web site. Graphics and images require more bandwidth/transfer to load up, thus if having a web site with lots of images would require more bandwidth than one with less images. Also, the amount of traffic your site has determines the amount of bandwidth you need. Sites receiving high amounts of traffic require more bandwidth than sites with less traffic, accordingly.
What is SSL and why do I need it? SSL is short for Secure Socket Layer protection. It gives your web pages extra security from potential onseers or hackers. SSL is often needed when your visitors might need to submit personal information, or credit card data for purchases made over the Internet. It's become the standard for many web users and most of whom will not submit their personal or credit card information without being on a SSL protected web page. That said, implementing and maintaining a SSL page is highly important if your web site collects, or sells items/services over the Internet. It's also important to choose a web hosting provider that accepts the use of SSL. Rest assured however, all the web hosting companies we list, accept SSL for their customers.
How do I start publishing my new web site on the Internet? Once you have your new web hosting account established, you can immediately begin publishing your new web site. The basic langauge that web pages are written on is HTML. There are many software programs available to assist with this, you can take a few courses online to get started. Also, many web hosting providers offer HTML programs, or web page editors to make things easier. Once you get your web page HTML completed, you will need to upload it to your web hosting account. This can either be done through the your hosting provider, or we recommend using a FTP upload program, such as Secure Shell, WSFTP, or CuteFTP. Once the HTML files are uploaded to your web host, your site will be live on the Internet.
What are scripting languages and how can I use them? Scripting languages are the functionality backbone of web pages. They instruct the server to perform different functions, such as the entering/processing/storing of data, or many other different processes that normal HTML simply can't perform. They can be divided into 2 categories, client-side and server-side. Client-side being hosted on your account and server-side being hosted on your accounts main server. There are many different types of scripting languages, such as Perl/CGI, PHP, Flash, ASP, Real Audio/Video, etc. If you plan on gathering any information from your visitors, or selling products, you will be using a various scripting language to achieve that. Thankfully, many scripting languages come with support and many web hosts can implement them for you.
How do I transfer my current web site to a new web hosting provider? Don't be afraid of changing to a new web hosting provider. It's really not as hard as it seems and sometimes your new hosting provider will actually assist in getting your site transferred over. First off, after you have purchased your new web hosting account, you will need to go ahead and begin moving your web site files over to your new account. After your files are successfully transferred, you will need to setup any technical aspects for your new account, such as new e-mail accounts, databases, scripts etc. This will make your new site fully operational once it goes live. After this is taken care of, you will need to point your domain name to your new web hosting provider's server. They will provide you with detailed instructions and information to get this done quick and easy. Once the new domain name details are submitted, they will be active within a few hours and your web site will be live with your new hosting provider. Once you verify that everything is transferred and live at your new web host, you can go ahead and cancel your old web hosting account and you're done!
