What is website hosting?
Your website files need to be stored on a computer that is continuously connected to the
Internet and has software installed on it that allows other people to access the files on
it. This type of computer system is referred to as a web server.
Web hosting companies rent out disk space on their web servers to companies and individuals
who don't have their own webservers. This disk space is referred to as web space.
A single server machine at a web hosting company can host many small websites.
Bigger companies may rent their own server from a web hosting company. These servers are
called dedicated servers. Only that company's files will be on that server.
Even bigger companies will rent a connection to the Internet from the web hosting company and
hook their own servers up to the connection. This is called co-location
Really big companies, like CI Host, have their own hosting system and servers, but even large
companies like Microsoft sometimes prefer to use a web hosting company and just rent connections from
them. They do this because the high-end web host companies have top-of-the-line facilities
in terms of speed and security. It's easier to outsource to a specialist than to do it all yourself.
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Do I really need a web hosting service?
You could set up your home computer as a web server with your dial-up or DSL connection, but
this will be a very slow connection for your users. You'll have to buy special software and
equipment, but it can be done.
One of the problems with hosting with your dial-up or DSL Internet Service Provider is that if
their connection goes down, you have no way of checking on your website. Both your website and
your connection will be down at the same time.
Quality commercial web hosting services provide fast, reliable connections and security.
They also provide the web server software and equipment and maintain it. As well, many of them
will provide a number of built-in applications that you can use on your website, like
counters, statistics, guestbooks, and so on.
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I already have free webspace with my Internet account, can I use that?
Yes you can. There are a few drawbacks you should be aware of:
- The size of your website may be restricted.
- You may not be able to install your own scripts for things like guestbooks.
- You probably won't be able to have your own domain name.
- You have to put up with their banners and advertising on your website.
- You may only be able to use their website building systems so you can't really
change your design or set up your website correctly for web marketing.
- You often can't sell anything on a free website service.
- There may be other problems and restrictions that you may not find out about right away.
A critical issue for businesses is that Internet users do not take websites that are hosted
on free hosting services seriously. This is not good for your company's image. It makes
you look cheap. First impressions are really important on the Internet and in sales in
general and you need every advantage you can get.
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Why should I use a commercial web hosting service?
The advantages of using a commercial web host are:
- You can use your own domain name or set up a name under their domain.
- Most allow you to set up email accounts, often as many as you need.
- You can use their built-in applications like guestbooks if they offer them.
- Many offer statistic tracking services or you can install your own.
- They are business friendly and don't place restrictions on selling products
and services. Many do forbid certain types of products such as pornography so
make sure you check this out before you sign up with them.
- Most offer eCommerce capability so you can have secure webpages for taking credit card orders
- They offer varying levels of professional support services for when things go wrong.
- You can upgrade to a larger amount of webspace or lease your own server when you need to.
- They are generally faster and more reliable.
In short, if you intend to run a business website, you want to ensure that you are hosting
with a commercial service that is fast, reliable and offers the features that you will need
now and in the future.
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