Thursday, August 14, 2008

Picking Your Hosting Provider

By Ricardo d Argence


If you want to work or talk online, you will of course want a web page, although first you needa webhost. Essentially, a webhost will provide you with a server that connects to the internet and allows your site to be accessible to web surfers. Since a webhost is a large influence if people are able to get to your site, it is important that you choose a good company.

How will you be able to determine if the webhost you're thinking about will do the job for you? The first thing to find out it how many people know about it. Check how it is on Google's rank system; the higher up on the list the better it is. Similarly, ask around. If you know people with their own websites, find out who they use and if they are very reliable. In this business, reliability is the preeminent factor that you are looking for. A dedicated server will make sure that your site nevers goes down and have many back ups just in case.

There are a wide variety of webhosts out there, and it is best if you find one that meets your needs. Most basic webhost simply provide you with the ability to upload content to your site via an FTP or web interface. Others work with processing and refining the content a little bit, and still others are specifically meant to help you deal with ecommerce in terms of processing payments and dealing with complaints. Think about what your needs are. Are you simply uploading family pictures to share or are you actively looking to start an online business?

One of the sharp divisions out there between webhosts are the ones that are paid for and the ones that are free. You may wonder why you want to pay a webhost when there are free ones available, but the thing to remember is quality. How fast are your questions answered? How seriously are your complaints taken? Will your site be reliably accessible? For the most part, with a free webhost, these questions go unanswered.

Services that you pay to use are generally going to be higher level of quality than those you don't pay for. Webhosting, like most things, is on a quality costs basis.

When you are looking to put something online, the first thing you have to think about is how it is going to get there. Make sure that the webhost you choose has your best interests in min and make sure that you find one that suits you.

About the Author:

No comments: