Obtaining hosting


Web hosting is often provided as part of a general Internet access plan; there are many free and paid providers offering these services.

A customer needs to evaluate the requirements of the application to choose what kind of hosting to use. Such considerations include database server software, scripting software, and operating system. Most hosting providers provide Linux-based web hosting which offers a wide range of different software. A typical configuration for a Linux server is the LAMP platform: Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP/Perl/Python. The webhosting client may want to have other services, such as email for their business domain, databases or multi-media services for streaming media. A customer may also choose Windows as the hosting platform. The customer still can choose from PHP, Perl, and Python but may also use ASP .Net or Classic ASP.

Web hosting packages often include a Web Content Management System, so the end-user doesn't have to worry about the more technical aspects. These Web Content Management systems are great for the average user, but for those who want more control over their website design, this feature may not be adequate. You can always use any content management system on your servers and modify them at your will. A few good examples include wordpress, Joomla, Drupal and mediawiki.

One may also search the Internet to find active webhosting message boards and forums that may provide feedback on what type of webhosting company may suit his/her needs.

File hosting service


A file hosting service, online file storage provider, cyberlocker or online media center is an Internet hosting service specifically designed to host static content, typically large files that are not web pages. Typically they allow web and FTP access. They can be optimized for serving many users (as is implied by the term "hosting") or be optimized for single-user storage (as is implied by the term "storage"). Related services are video sharing, virtual storage and remote backup.

Types of Web Hosting

When searching for a hosting provider to host your website, you'll probably notice that most hosting providers have more than one web hosting plan. The plan you choose will depend on your hosting needs.

If you're just starting out with your own website, a shared hosting plan is usually fine. Shared hosting is usually much cheaper than other hosting plans. Unless you have a specific need to hire a dedicated server, a shared hosting plan should do the trick.

Here's more about the different types of web hosting:

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Shared Hosting

Shared hosting refers to when your web site is hosted on a server along with many other customers' web sites. Don't worry, your users won't know this - your web site is still configured as a separate web site on the server and can still have its own domain name etc. It is simply sharing the server with other web sites.

The benefit of shared hosting is price. Having your own server (otherwise known as a "dedicated server") costs a lot more. Unless you get lots of traffic, it doesn't make sense to pay more for a dedicated server.
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Dedicated Servers

A dedicated server is a server that hosts only your web site (or web sites). This can give you more control over your web site. It can also help in ensuring that other customers' web sites don't impact on your web site. Using dedicated servers is much more expensive than shared hosting, but if your site receives lots of traffic or you have other requirements (such as extra security requirements), a dedicated server could be for you.

You are able to log in to your dedicated server just as you would log in to your own computer. Once logged in, you can install and configure software as you wish.
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Virtual Dedicated Servers

Virtual dedicated servers are a low-cost alternative to dedicated servers. The web host can put many virtual servers on each machine, therefore reducing costs. When you log in to the virtual server, it appears as though you have your own dedicated server (even though other virtual servers are probably running on the same machine).
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Managed Hosting

A managed hosting solution is where you have a dedicated server and the web site hosting provider manages your server for you. Typically, the hosting provider will be resposible for the hardware, operating system, virus protection, patch management etc. You still have total control over the machine (depending on SLA arrangements), and you are still in charge of your own web site content. Managed hosting is usually a lot more expensive, and in some cases, costs will be negotiated between the two parties.

Regardless of which type of hosting plan you choose, you'll want your web host to provide you with a good level of technical support. More about technical support next.

Web Site Hosting

Web site hosting refers to a service that makes your web site available to your users. In general, most web sites are intended to be viewed by anyone on the Internet, at any time. If you want anyone on the Internet to be able to view your web site at any time, you need to make sure your web site is running on a computer which is connected to the Internet 24 hours per day, 7 days per week (24/7).

To do this you have two options.
Option 1: Hosting the Web Site Yourself

Hosting the web site yourself means that you will need to have the right equipment, including a web server and a permanent connection to the Internet. You would need to ensure that your Internet service provider (ISP) allows this type of usage too. You would also need to have web site administration skills such as managing/configuring a web server, patch management, firewalls, virus protection etc

Most people don't do their own web site hosting. Even if they have the skills or equipment, it often makes more sense to hand this task to a third party who can monitor the web site 24/7.
Option 2: Find a Hosting Provider to Host your Web Site

This is the most common choice for web site hosting. Using a third party hosting provider allows you to concentrate on developing your web site (or whatever else it is you may do), and leave the hosting tasks up to a company who (presumably) specializes in web site hosting.

A good web site hosting company will provide at least the following services:

* 24/7 support
* 24/7 FTP access (so you can update your web site)
* A number of email accounts (i.e. yourName@yourDomain.com)
* Online control panel for managing your web site
* Online traffic statistics (so you can see how much traffic your web site receives)
* A robust database management system, such as MySQL or MS SQL. This is so you can add your own database if required

If you require specialized server application software such as ColdFusion, SQL Server, or PHP, you will need to check that the hosting provider supports this.

Once you start looking for a web site hosting provider, you will notice there is a very large difference in how much they charge. You will also notice that most web hosts have multiple hosting plans, each at different prices. Any good web host will allow you to upgrade a plan later on if required, so don't feel as though you need to start off on a plan that costs more than you need.
Example of a Hosting Provider

An example of a web hosting company with competitive prices is ZappyHost.

You'll also find that you can get special deals by bundling your domain name with your hosting (i.e. purchasing both at the same time). If you're on a tight budget, deals like this can really make a difference when starting out with your website.

How do the free web hosts make money?

The free website hosts often make money in other ways, such as putting banners, popups, or popunders ads on your free webpages. Some free web hosting companies do not put ads on your site, but require you as the webmaster to click on banners in their control panel or signup process, or just display banners in the file manager in hopes you will click them. Some lure visitors with free hosting in hopes you will upgrade and pay for advanced features. A few send you occasional emails with ads, or may even sell your email address. A new method that is becoming popular is requiring a certain number of "quality" forum posting, usually as a means of getting free content for them and thereby being able to display more ads to their website visitors.


Can you really get FREE web hosting?

Yes, there are hundreds of free hosting web sites, as far as not having to pay any money to have your website hosted. Generally they either cost you in time, web hosting restrictions, or modifying your free web pages by adding popups, banners, or other adverts. When looking for free web hosting (especially on search engines), you should beware that there are also a large number of commercial web hosts that claim to offer free hosting services, but those often have a catch, such as paying an excessive amount for a domain name or other service, and therefore aren't really free. The free free hosting guide below will give you some tips for finding the right free webhosting comapny for you.

Virtual Server-godaddy.com

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Webhosting Plans

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Godaddy.com

Go Daddy Domains
Go Daddy has been offering the latest TLDs at the industry's lowest prices since 1997. Little wonder we're the world's premier domain name registrar (RegistrarSTATS.com). Because at Go Daddy, you can register a domain for up to 70% less than other registrars AND get hosting, an easy-to-use site-builder, personalized email account, blog/podcast tool, photo album and more - all absolutely FREE. We get you up and running on the Web for just the cost of your domain registration.

Site Builders
WebSite Tonight® has helped thousands of people build and launch their own websites with absolutely no technical skills. Just choose a professional layout from the dozens of themes available (restaurant, how-to, etc), then click and type right into the text boxes provided. Select photos and music with a couple of clicks, add widgets, plus a forum, guestbook and links to any online photo albums. Go Daddy also sells SmartSpace®, an instant site builder, as well as blog/podcast software and Internet photo hosting for anyone who'd like to share photos online. For those who don't wish to build their own websites, the Go Daddy Dream Design Team is available to create sleek, professional websites.

Web Hosting
According to Netcraft®, Go Daddy is the world's largest hostname provider. In addition to a range of reasonably-priced shared hosting plans, Go Daddy offers Dedicated and Virtual Dedicated servers. All plans come with a 99.9% uptime commitment, round-the-clock support and access to dozens of free downloadable applications through Go Daddy Hosting Connection. All Go Daddy data centers feature integrated monitoring and fire systems, cutting-edge security technology and 24/7 onsite security staff. You can be sure any website hosted by us is monitored 24-hours-a-day by experts.

Email
At Go Daddy, each email account comes with a truly one-of-a-kind address. Forget those strings of nonsensical letters and numbers you get with other email accounts - each Go Daddy email address has your domain name right in it. This makes it super easy for friends, customers and colleagues familiar with your domain name to remember your Go Daddy email address. All Go Daddy email accounts are fast, ultra-reliable and secure. They're protected from spam and viruses and they're advertising-free. You can access your Go Daddy email through your Web browser or popular email clients like Microsoft Outlook® and Outlook Express. You can even send SMS and text mail-right from your compose window! Choose from several email plans, with up to 10 email addresses.

Business
Go Daddy offers a complete line of eCommerce and online marketing tools, all designed for the user with no knowledge of programming. Quick Shopping Cart® has everything you need to sell products online. Whether you use it as a stand-alone storefront or add it to an existing website, all you do is customize your product catalog, design your site and you're in business! Some companies require a monthly fee PLUS a percentage of the total transactions for a shopping cart but not Go Daddy. With Quick Shopping Cart®, you simply pay a monthly fee. The rest is all yours. Go Daddy customers may also order a professional logo, ad banners, a complete business identity and a website design from the experts on our Dream Design Team. They may also list and sell their products in Go Daddy Marketplace®, a bustling center of online commerce.

SSL Certificates
Secure Sockets Layer Certificates-or SSLs, as they're commonly called-encrypt sensitive data as it moves to and from your website. With an SSL on your site, information such as social security and credit card numbers can never be intercepted by an outside party, regardless of their intentions. SSL certificates are the single-most powerful means of reassuring wary Internet shoppers. When they see the distinctive padlock icon in the lower corner of their Web browser, visitors know that information flowing both to and from your site is protected. So there's no need to worry that someone will view the private information they provide to you. It's absolutely safe. Go Daddy offers a variety of SSL Certificates with up to 256-bit encryption-the highest level available. All Go Daddy SSLs come with a warranty and offer 99.9% browser recognition-many can be had in a matter of minutes. All for up to 70% less than the other SSL Certificates out there.

Resell domains and related services
Looking to start a home-based business or add to an existing one? Check out Wild West Domains®, a Go Daddy Group company. Open a Basic, Pro or Super Reseller plan with Wild West Domains and start selling a full suite of Go Daddy products. Domain names, Web hosting, site builders, email accounts, SSL Certificates, eCommerce tools - our reseller plans include over 50 products in all.

About Go Daddy
Founded in 1997, Go Daddy now dominates the domain, website hosting and SSL industries. The Company owns and operates its own services and equipment, which enables it to keep prices low and quality high. Go Daddy is renowned for its controversial Super Bowl® commercials, the comely and accomplished Go Daddy Girls® and our round-the-clock live customer service. CEO and Founder Bob Parsons® produces a popular blog at www.bobparsons.me.

Dedicated Servers-1and1.com

Performance features

1&1 uses only high-
performance components to ensure stable service.

* AMD processors
* Top-tier connectivity
* Highly secure data centers

Security

Elaborate and permanent security management ensures top security, featuring:

* Configurable firewall
* Recovery tool
* GeoTrust certified SSL certificates
* 24/7 Technical Support

10 reasons to choose a 1&1 server

1. High performance hardware at value prices
2. Choice of Operating System
3. RAID-based hardware
4. 24/7 Technical Support
5. 99.9% uptime
6. 1 domain included FREE
7. GeoTrust certified SSL certificates
8. High performance data center
9. SSH shell access
10. FTP backup available as an add-on

Dedicated Servers-Hostgator.com

A HostGator Dedicated Server is more than just a server, it is a fully managed solution designed to take your business to the next level. Not only do we give you management valued at over $100 but we also include cPanel for free with every dedicated server. Your server will be provisioned, secured, and typically delivered within 24-48 hours of purchase.

Having a dedicated server will provide your sites with a higher level of security, speed, and uptime. You will have the capability to go far beyond the resource limitations found in a shared hosting environment.

Dedicated servers-Godaddy.com

Our dedicated server plans feature lightning-fast processors, up to 8GB of RAM and much more, all backed by the best service and support in the industry, available LIVE 24/7. And with our exclusive Server Concierge™, you don't have to worry about setup — our team of experts will help get your server up and running fast! Choose the plan that's right for you, then customize it to meet your unique needs with extra bandwidth, control panel options, backup plans, firewall protection and more.


Unlike normal Shared Hosting plans, which put many customer accounts on a single server, a dedicated server is reserved exclusively for the account and usage of a single customer. This means that the dedicated server customer has exclusive rights to their server's bandwidth, memory and storage space, while performance is not affected by traffic and the usage patterns of other customers.

Unlike collocation hosting, Dedicated Hosting involves the actual leasing of a server box that is configured and set up according to your preferences, but remains at our data center. A dedicated server account provides you with a dedicated IP address and full control of server usage and software installation, with admin (root) access to the server.

You can use a dedicated server for a wide variety of purposes, including gaming, database management, and traffic-intensive Web sites. Dedicated Servers are particularly useful for companies and individuals who run very high-traffic Web sites or applications, and who need the bandwidth, versatility and consistent performance of a dedicated box.

Our Dedicated Servers are perfect for eCommerce, multimedia and other sites that need Managed Hosting featuring advanced performance, reliability and control. Choose from pre-designed Windows 2008 and Linux plans featuring multi-core processors, enhanced options like managed backups and much more – or build your own server for customized results.

Go Daddy also offers assisted Service Plans if you want to save the time, energy and money it takes to set up, monitor and maintain your Dedicated Server. Go Daddy’s team of server professionals will personally set up your dedicated server to deliver maximum performance. Plus, they will also handle select monitoring and maintenance issues that would otherwise drain your time and resources. So save the time and energy it takes to setup, monitor and maintain your dedicated server by letting our expert staff do it for you.

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