What is web hosting? A lot of people aren’t sure. If they have a website, they may have a vague idea, but if they are starting up a blog or an online business, they usually have no idea what it is. This article offers a number of tips that anyone can use to learn more about web hosting and choose the best hosting solution for them.
When deciding between a Linux and Windows hosting package, you should consider the technologies that your website will be utilizing. If you plan on using PHP, Perl, MySQL databases, or other technologies that are generally associated with the Linux operating system, then you should obtain a Linux hosting solution. On the other hand, if you plan to use ASP, Cold Fusion or Microsoft Access databases, then Windows will be the ideal solution for you.
Give a web host a limited time to meet your expectations. Do not settle for a company and then stay there no matter what. Three months is adequate time to judge whether a web hosting company meets your needs. If you are not satisfied, start shopping for a new host well before the terms expire.
You should know that not all web hosting services support Flash plug in. Using Flash on your site allows you to create a more interactive experience for your visitors, for instance with videos, games and new design possibilities. If you are not planning on using Flash, this is not a feature you should worry about.
Choose a hosting service that allows you to instantly and easily view your web statistics. You will want to know things such as how many people are visiting your website and what pages they are viewing. You can even find out how long they stayed on your site, and what search words they used to find you. These can be important in the long run, so use a server who has these tools.
Do not neglect the value of user reviews when it comes to choosing a web hosting service. There are often others who have had experience with the company you are considering, whether it is good or bad. It will never hurt to do a quick check on what others have to say, then you can make your decision accordingly.
Be sure to pay for your host by the month. Avoid being sucked into a discount plan where you would have to pay for several months in advance. You never know what could happen with the host or what issues you may encounter. By paying on a monthly basis, you will be able to switch hosts quickly if needed.
You should always back up your data on your own, instead of relying on your web host to protect your information. The more backups you keep of your data, the more protected you will be. Before paying a hosting provider, ask them about their backup services and how much redundancy protection they have available.
If you have a small to mid-sized company and want to cut hosting costs, you should go with a shared server. If you do not get lots of traffic or do not wish to have control over your server resources, then go with a shared host. Just keep in mind that you will be sharing CPU, disk space, and bandwidth.
You should never pay in advance for hosting services. Many companies will offer you a discount to sign up for a longer term. What if the hosting company goes bust? Worse yet, what if you do not like something about the hosting company and wish to switch? It is better to pay as you go with web hosting.
Finding the right host will require a good deal of research on your behalf, unless you want to risk making a bad judgement. A decision like this may not have as important of a meaning when dealing with personal websites, but if the host behind a highly popular site collapses, that business will likely lose a lot of customers.
If possible, pay for your web hosting with a credit card. Every year, several web hosts go out of business and just disappear without a trace. When a host disappears, its customers are typically left out of pocket. The customers that paid for their hosting with a credit card, however, are able to get a full refund of their annual hosting costs from their credit card provider.
Be aware of what type of storage the web host offers. This is only relevant for certain site owners, though. If you have a site that requires a lot of videos and music, then you need to ensure the host offers the space necessary. Decide how much space you need in advance to ensure you are getting a host that supplies you will just what you need.
Consider registering your domain name with a separate company, instead of your web host. This way, if things go awry with your web host, there will not be the possibility of your domain name being held for no good reason. As well, web hosting companies often do not have the most robust organizational tools for domain names. A company dedicated to domain names may be better suited if you have a lot of websites.
Before you decide on a web host, find a reason to call or online chat with their customer support. This is the best way to figure out if you have a legitimate safety net for times when things go awry. If customer support takes too long, is rude, or seems to lack knowledge, consider looking elsewhere.
Make sure to do very thorough research when looking to purchase hosting services. You do not want to rely on only one or two recommendations when it comes to this. By doing thorough research on the intended host, you will be able to read about both the good and bad experiences. Choose the one that has the fewest of the bad ones.
There is a lot to learn about web hosting. It can’t be learned in a day, but the tips in this article provide a hefty wealth of information so that anyone with a website can start with a great foundation. Think of these tips when you come across hosting issues, and you will be able to make smarter choices.