Webhosting Articles

The next step you should take after purchasing a good domain name is to shop for an affordable web hosting service. Take note that we didnt say free web hosting, although beginners who are still experimenting with web development like to use these first. We stressed on affordable web hosting which means paying a reasonable amount of money only for services which you will actually need.

Storage Space

A web host is basically your websites nest. The entire data of your website sits on their storage area until a visitor types in the website address. All the data from the web host relating to your website will then be projected onto the visitors browser once the address has been types onto the browsers address box. When youre shopping for an affordable web hosting service, you need to remember that not all web hosts are built the same way. Some of them may offer more storage space than others. Other web hosting services also only allot a limited space for every file that you upload.

Knowing this is essential especially if youre planning to upload graphic enhancements onto your website. A free website hosting service would also allow you to upload photos and some form if GIF animation. However, youre bound to be given less storage space compared to a paid website. Free web hosting services arent completely free, either. Basically, the company is allowing you to build web content around their ads. If youve chosen a free web hosting service, expect to see a pop ups and banners on your pages. Most of the time these free web hosting services specify this condition. You just need to make sure that the ads dont make you feel uncomfortable as a web developer. Anyway, the service is free, and you can always choose to simply move out when youre dissatisfied.

Also, make sure that youre not lured in by an overly big storage space. A simple website can survive with just 5MB of space. At most, people only maximize 50MB of their web hosts storage space when they upload animations and videos. If the web host offers 500MB of space, think twice before making this bonus your purchasing point.

Control Panel

If youve chosen a free web hosting service, chances are, youll get a pretty complete control panel on your database. You should also look for an extensive control panel even if youre paying for your web host. While the support system of paid web hosting services is a plus side, you wouldnt want to be bogged down with an incomplete control panel. Who wants to have to call the support center and wait for hours just to upload a photo? When youre looking around for affordable web hosting services, ask for the list of all the controls you can manipulate as a webmaster. As much as possible, you should have a free hand on as many controls as you can, web site design alignments included.

The fine line with the bandwidth allotments

With free web hosting services, you have no problem when it comes to bandwidths. At the very worst, the page will just fail to be downloaded onto the visitors browser. If youre paying for your web hosting service, you may be in big trouble when youre too complacent about bandwidth limitations. When youve exceeded a certain bandwidth level, you could end up paying for double than what youve signed up for.

When youre choosing among affordable web hosting services, make sure that you read the fine line about bandwidth limits. Most of the time, unlimited isnt really accurate. If you want to strictly limit your bandwidth so that you wont have to pay extra once your website becomes too popular for the package youve signed up for. When youre getting negative feedback because of bandwidth limitations, weigh the consequences of purchasing a bigger web hosting package. See if this will generate profit for you, or if you will only be adding unnecessary expenses on your list.