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A web site is one or more computer files that are placed in
a machine called a server and these files can then be accessed by interested
people. The server is just a computer. Because of, or based on, the complexities
of the Internet (file management, security, protocols, etc), it is not
particularly easy to simply put a file in any computer and make that file
available to others. There are so many issues involved that various details must
be taken care of (name translation, name resolution, security, etc) before
the file can be accessed by a browser.
Although you can take care of making your web site available
to others, in the beginning, or most of the time, it is better to let another
company worry about this. Putting a web site (which is primarily one or a list
of computer files) on a server is referred to as hosting. A company that takes
care of this is called a host.
Unless you plan to host the web site yourself, after
registering a domain name, you can shop for a host. There are various companies
on the market and dedicated to this business. The Internet is probably the best
place to shop for a hosting company. To proceed, you can open the browser,
access a search engine, and do a search on "web hosting." You should
be presented with various links of different companies. Each company will
present you its products and services.
There are various aspects that will drive you to one
company rather than another:
Type of Plan: As stated already, web hosting consists of
storing the files of a web site on a server. One server can be used for
different sites. In fact, the companies that conduct this business deal with
people and individuals from different parts of the world with different types of
web sites hosted on the same machines without any problem or confusing. This
scenario is referred to as sharing a server and it is cheaper. An alternative is
to have a dedicated server. In this case, only your site can be hosted on a
particular server: no other site is supposed to share your server (of course,
there is no way you can check this). Having a dedicated server is more expensive
and you should consider it only if either you know that that's what you need or
if the company hosting your site suggests it (usually because your site may be
getting too much traffic than the shared server can handle). If you are starting
a web site and don't know yet what is coming, choose a basic plan. You can
always change later.
Hosting Price: Like any other service in a capitalist
system, the cost of hosting a web site varies from one company to another, and
from one hosting plan to another. If in doubt, when shopping for a host, most
companies provide a telephone number you can call. Of course, if you call just
to inquire, they will try to get you to sign with them. If you are
starting a (small) web site, choose the cheapest (basic) plan that allows you to
use your own domain name.
Server Space: Normally, most companies nowadays give you as
much space as possible: memory is not expensive (anymore). Still when the prices
are equal for the same type of plan, choose the company that gives more space.
Bandwidth: The bandwidth is the amount of traffic that a web
server can handle, or the amount of traffic that the host is allowing to your
web site. If you are starting with a small web site made of just a few files,
you may not worry about this. Most companies give you enough bandwidth in the
beginning.
Depending on your intentions, if your site may start attracting more
visitors. Then, the bandwidth will be an issue. Still, when shopping, if two
companies offer the same hosting prices, choose the one with more bandwidth.
Company Reputation: Among the attributes you should
consider from a company are the control panel (it is web page you will be
accessing privately to manage your web site). In the beginning, you may not be
able to distinguish one good control panel from another. Only more experience
will guide you eventually. Another aspect you should check is the so-called down
time. In reality, every company will boast that it's down time is 99.99% (what
ever they think that means). Probably the most important aspect of a hosting
company is its support: it's ability to answer to your support questions the
soonest possible. You may have heard, of you will hear, stories from one person
telling about a company that can be reached easily. Another person would tell
you that the same company replies to emails only a few hours later or only the
following day. Only experience with the company will help you decide for your
self.
Microsoft FrontPage: There is no need to dispute that
Microsoft FrontPage is the most popular software used to develop web pages. One
of the strengths is also that it makes it relatively easy to upload your files
(transfer your computer files to the server that is hosting your site). To make
this possible, your hosting company must do something on your account (they will
usually ask you to do it yourself, which is usually easy).
Other issues that may interest you are the operating system
(hosting on Linux is usually cheaper, requesting Microsoft Windows may be a
little expensive), the database server (MySQL is the most common and is usually
available with most basic/Linux plans), (unlimited) email (most companies offer
this even in their basic hosting plan, so there is no reason your company would
not include it in your plan), photo, video, blogging, forum, etc.
Once you have decided on the company to use, you must create
an account with them and make the (first) payment. When you sign with a company,
you will create an account with them by filling out a form. When doing this, you
will create a username and assign a password (some companies will create a
password for you). All the information you provide or create will/may still be
sent to you by email.
Probably the most tricky aspect about signing with a company
is the payment. Once again, if you have a credit card (Visa or Master Card), you
can easy make the payment. Most companies offer other forms of payment.
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