Need to get your website online?
Web Site Hosting Provider Options
Getting a website online for the first time can seem like a daunting task. You're presented with lists of features and packages. If you're trying to get a basic site online, the amount of information can be intimidating. It's much easier to understand what you're signing up for when you understand some of the basic terminology. So in this article, I'll explain some of the basic web site hosting provider options you should understand before signing up for service: domain names, SFTP, dedicated IP's and support. With this basic understanding of web site hosting provider options, it's easier to find what you need.
Domain Names - Web Site Hosting Provider Options
Before your site can be seen on the web, you're going to need a domain name. It's the web address you have to enter in order to view the site (eg: example.com). Most people know about the ".com" domain extension, but other extensions like .org, .net, and .us also exist. Once you pick your domain name, it can't be easily changed, so pick your domain name carefully. People will be typing in your domain name into their computers to see your site, so make sure it's easy to spell.
SFTP & Dedicated IP's - Web Site Hosting Provider Options
When a visitor types in your domain name in their web browser, their computer is going to look it up in the domain name server so it can find your site's numerical address. Once it has this numerical address, it can "call" your site for the web page. Having a dedicated IP means that your numerical IP address never changes and isn't shared with another web site. SFTP stands for "Secure File Transfer Protocol". This is one of the web site hosting provider options that protects your site as you make changes to it. When you upload new files to the server, SFTP will encrypt your transaction, making it difficult for hackers to steal your site's password. Make sure you have web site hosting provider options like SFTP for security.
Email - Web Site Hosting Provider Options
When you buy a domain name, it's good for more than just your web site. With the proper web site hosting provider options, you can create email accounts too (eg: yourname@example.com). There are different ways to do email from your own domain name. Standalone email programs like Microsoft Outlook operate using POP ("Post Office Protocol") or IMAP ("Internet Message Access Protocol") in order to work. Make sure you have these web site hosting provider options if you wish to use a standalone email program. If you don't want to use a standalone email program, webmail allows you to use email from any web browser. Check your web site hosting provider options if you wish to use webmail.
Support - Web Site Hosting Provider Options
Good technical support can take the stress and hassle out of setting everything up. When you're choosing a web hosting company, see what kind of support options they offer. Most offer support over email. Better companies offer support over the phone as well. If you're signing up with a company with phone support, check their business hours, and make sure you know what time zone they're in.
If you're looking for an inexpensive web hosting with plenty of features, check out Hurricane Electric. Plans start at just $1 / month for basic sites. You can find out more about Hurricane Electric's web site hosting provider options at http://www.he.net/hosting.html