Website Hosting
Websites are hosted on computers which are connected to the Internet 24/7 and served up to people requesting them via the world wide web. These computers are called web servers and the organisations that operate them are hosting providers.
Most websites share a web server with hundreds if not thousands of other web sites. This is called shared website hosting. Sometimes a business may opt to have their own web server, this is called dedicated website hosting.
Essentials include;
- 'Web Space' to hold the pages
- 'Monthly Data Transfer'. The amount of data that can be transferred to or from the website or server
- 'Email Pop Boxes' to send and receive email
- Data Back Up
Hosting accounts also typically include;
- 'Website Statistics' to monitor visitor traffic
- A cgi-bin for scripts to run some kinds of forms and shops
- Databases. Required for 'database driven sites'
- Anti email spam features
- Anti-virus email protection
Good technical support from the hosting provider is very important.
Website Hosting Packages
There are different website hosting packages and the choice will be determined by the requirements of the new website.
The most simple website hosting takes the form of delivering a webpage as is to the world wide web with no processing. This is sufficient for personal home pages and simple websites and is often the kind offered for 'free' by Internet Service Providers and telephone service companies. (See our Basic Package).
More complex websites require a more sophisticated package that supports scripting (e.g. PHP or ASP), databases for a content management system, and SSL for collecting credit details. (See our Business Package).
Larger websites may require additional web space and/or monthly data transfer. (See our Media Package)
