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What is web hosting and why do I need it?

by John Soares    

Web hosting refers to having your website exist on the internet through a computer server. You can think of the internet as a lot of networks connected together. These networks include web hosting companies. The hosting company owns servers which are connected to the web hosting company's backbone. These servers contain the technical information needed to host each website. Each hosting company contains nodes(your website, for example), that attach to the hosting company "backbone". Each hosting company is connected to other networks on the internet. Once you are connected, anyone with internet access can view the information that is provided on your webpage. Because the web hosting company owns the servers, you do not have to do any system administration. You are responsible only for updating and uploading any changes to your web site.

2. How do I upload changes to my website?

Usually you can use any FTP program for this. If you don't feel comfortable doing this, you can have whoever designed your site do the work for you. Also, some hosting companies might help you with this, depending on which hosting package you buy.

3. How much does web hosting cost?

Here you have to be careful. Web hosting companies range from free to fairly expensive. If you are running a serious commercial business online, go for the more expensive web hosting service. Be sure to check how long the company has been in business. Also, does the company have telephone support after the sale? You need to be able to talk to a live person if you are having technical problems. Does the company allow you to do whatever you need to do to promote your site? Are there any restrictions? In summary, as far as web hosting programs are concerned, you get what you pay for. So go for the more expensive companies; they will service you better in the long run.

4. What other services should reputable web hosting companies offer?

     Most reputable web hosting companies should offer all of the following services:

a. Month to month payments instead of long term contracts

b. Domain name registration services--you really need this to make your commercial site look professional. Compare:

      http://members.tripod.com/~YourName/index4.html

to

      http://www.automated-Smart WebHosting

Which looks more professional? Also, you can easily tell that the latter is some sort of web hosting company site. You have no idea what the former is advertising.

c. Many server options from a small business to large corporations. If the hosting company you are considering offers only a "one-size-fits-all", watch out!

d. Great service AFTER the sale. You should be able to email your hosting companies support team and have an answer back within 30 minutes at most. Better yet, the company should have an toll-free number you can call where you can talk to a live support person. The same level of support should be offered with all hosting options, from the small commercial page to the large corporate site.

e. At least 3 email aliases and more if possible. That way, instead of using your personal email address(which may have nothing to do with the products you want to sell), you can have these email addresses:

1. info@youraddress.com -- clarification or a free report

2. webmaster@youraddress.com-- subscription requests, questions, etc.

3. sales@youraddress.com -- questions on your product

If testimonials from persons you can actually contact via email or phone.

This are only the basic things you should expect from a reliable hosting company. Any hosting company you are considering should have all six of the above qualifications.

Smart WebHosting is a web-hosting service with all of the above qualifications. I resell for Smart WebHosting and believe in their products and service. I use AdGrafix myself for my two web sites. Their hardware is state-of-the-art and constantly updated. Their service is lightning-quick.


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JOHN SOARES , is an active reseller for Smart WebHosting.com EMAIL:       webmaster@automated-Smart WebHosting Website:       http://www.automated-Smart WebHosting Newsletter:       http://www.automated-Smart WebHosting/ahnews1.html