Web Hosting
In order to make your website viewable on the internet, you need two things: A Domain, and Webhosting.
A domain name is a text name that points to a server (your webhost) on the Internet; it is your “address” or URL on the world wide web - the "address" that those looking to visit
your website will find you with. Domain names run anywhere from $8.95 per year and up. We recommend purchasing domain names through GoDaddy.com.
Webhosting is your "rented space" on a server which allows your site to be available on the world wide web. You pay a monthly or yearly fee to a
webhosting company and they allow you to upload your website files and images to their server so others can view your website.
So, if you have an online presence, two things you can count on are yearly fees for your domain and your webhosting.
Tips when Webhost Shopping:
- cPanel - Look for a host that has cPanel as their control panel. There are many types of control panels out there, but this one is the easiest for you to use and navigate through, including setting up your own email accounts.
- Fantastico - Fantastico is a program often bundled with cPanel. Installing a blog or a forum is completely painless for either you or your web developer with Fantastico.
- PHP - Many programs today require PHP in order to function on the webserver, such as Wordpress, osCommerce, etc. Find a webhost that utilizes PHP 4.2 or higher. Most are upgrading to PHP5 right now.
- mySQL - Again, many programs require mySQL database on the server, including WordPress and osCommerce.
- Linux / Apache server - There are two types of servers webhosts offer - Windows, and Linux. This is completely different from your Windows/Mac computers. Most programs such as Wordpress, osCommerce and Photo Gallery software need to be run on a Linux Server. When you purchase hosting, you have your choice between Windows and Linux - so ask your web developer which one they need in order to make your website function properly. (this can usually be changed if you purchase the wrong one)
Hosts We Recommend:
HostMonster
view live demo
LiquidWeb
SiteGround
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