FAQs about Web Hosting

Basic Questions

1. What is web hosting?

Generally, web hosting is a process wherein the web site created by an individual is published on the World Wide Web. When speaking about paid web hosting, this means having your own domain without any ads on your website.

2. What exactly is a domain name?

In general, domain names would determine the address of your website. A domain name consists of numbers and letters. Before your website becomes activated, you need to register a domain name for your website first.

3. What exactly is PHP, SQL, IP, Java, etc.?

These are acronyms that refer to database and programming languages that are offered with various web hosting plans.

4. What is shared web hosting?

Shared hosting or also known as virtual hosting is considered to be the most suitable way of web hosting. In shared hosting, a web hosting company would run a single server that hosts several web sites, thus called shared web hosting. If your website doesn’t need a lot of bandwidth and doesn’t have that much traffic; then, a shared web hosting plan is a very affordable way for you. Your website will have its own IP address and it won’t look different from other websites. On the other hand, there are also other hosting solutions such as co-location, dedicated, and do it yourself web hosting wherein you have your own computer and you can install the software that you need.

5. Is it possible to still keep my old domain name even if I change web hosts?

Yes, it is possible to still have your old domain name even if you will change your web hosts. However, it is recommended to register your domain name using a separate registrar before you choose the appropriate hosting plan for your website. Then, if you are already changing your host, then you can proceed with finding your registration record and contact your previous host to know how you’ll be able to take hold of your domain.

6. Will the type of computer that I am using affect my website?

Actually, there are no effects on the type of computer that you own. What can affect it would be the scripts that you will be using in your website. UNIX or Linux servers also allow FrontPage extensions.

7. Will there be ads on my website?

Paid hosting doesn’t have any forced ads on the website. You can even place your own ads if you want.

8. I am inexperienced when it comes to site development. What can help me?

There are a lot of websites nowadays that are providing easy to follow tutorials for those who would like to create their websites. A simple Google search will point you in the right direction.

9. What exactly is domain parking?

When we talk about domain parking, this simply means that you can reserve a domain name that you can use in the future. The site will have an “under construction” default page in case people would access it. On the other hand, it is still possible to register your domain without having to park it and it will not be accessible by the public until you get a web host. There are some registrars that will allow you domain parking for free.

10. What exactly is full-service web hosting?

Full service web hosting refers to different features offered by a server aside from the basic provision of services such as web space, emails, and transfers used to build a website. Other services can include web design, web content maintenance and a 24/7 customer support service.

11. What do the numbers mean in “space” and “transfer”?

When we talk about space, it simply means the amount of things that you can place in your website. Usually, the space provided by a server would be listed in megabytes or MB. Pictures or other graphics and programs can take up a big space while HTML files are considered as small files. Scripts, stats, and emails may also take up a big space on your server. On the other hand, when we talk about transfer, this would refer to how much your visitors can download from your site. This is actually the transfer rate. Typically, transfer is listed in gigabytes or GB. If in case the transfer limit for one month is already topped, you will be required to pay for any additional transfer at higher rates.

12. What payment options do I have for web hosting?

Methods of payment would usually depend on the server. However, almost all web servers would accept credit card payments such as MasterCard and Visa. These web hosting plans are usually paid in a monthly or yearly basis.

13. How will I upload my site?

In general, FTP is the most common method used in uploading your site to your web host. Once you have signed up with your web server, you will be provided with an FTP account which will let you access your account through FTP. You can use an FTP client to access it or you can also use other FTP software to transfer your files from your computer to your web server.

You can also use an SSH client software to upload your files. The control panel area on your account will also allow you to upload your files.

These methods are all good but the use of FTP software is still the best solution for uploading of files because it does not only have the best user interface, it also supports other advance options that provide convenience.

14. What exactly does uptime?

Generally, uptime refers to the percentage of the time that a web site works. If example a web host has an uptime of 99% then expect that your website will have a downtime or will be down for at least an hour every month. There are some hosts that would offer guarantees for uptime; however, this isn’t of any significance.

15. Is it possible to use Java applets, JavaScript, and Flash pages?

All of these technologies are considered as client-side; therefore, it is not needed for the web host to enable or support them. Browsers that would support these technologies would be enough for these technologies to work. These technologies are already supported automatically.

Advanced Questions

1. What is the operating system that I need to use? UNIX or Windows NT based servers?

The operating system that you will be using will actually depend on your needs. If you are already used to features that run on the Windows operating system, then you should choose the Windows operating system rather than learning how to use the UNIX operating system which will just waste your time and effort. However, do keep in mind that not because your desktop is using a Windows operating system mean that you need to choose a host that runs on the Windows operating system. It is quite noticeable that a lot of web hosting companies run on the Linux based or Apache Web servers because these two have more shared-hosting features, known for its stability, and of course, these operating systems are free. These two operating systems also allow not very common combinations such as features running on a certain operating system like ASP on Linux.

Those who are using FrontPage for their web design can also find hosts running under a different operating system that has support for this kind of extension.

2. What is the exact amount of data transfer that I need?

For you to be able to determine how much data you will need for the data transfer, you have to calculate approximately the average page size of your website and this will include the graphics. You have to multiply this by the number of page views that you have in a month and this will be the approximate data transfer amount that you need. You need to allot an extra so that if your estimation is exceeded, you don’t have to pay for any extras.

3. Is it possible to use a DSL line or a cable modem for hosting my website using my own computer?

Yes it is possible; however, this isn’t a good approach because first of all ISPs wouldn’t allow you to do that and you will be required to get an expensive business package. In addition, these ADSL cable lines also have a lower upstream bandwidth that the bandwidth for downstream, so technically, it will make your site appear slower especially if it has a high traffic. Aside from that, you also can’t enjoy the benefits of data security, back up, UPS power, and technical support, wherein all of which are provided by a web host.

4. Is there a need for stats?

Not really. You can just download the raw data and analyze them on your desktop using a stats program. However, there are some instances wherein log files are too large because of the popularity of the site that is why it is more convenient to have the web server automatically analyze it.

5. Is it possible to use a host with unlimited plan if my site is database driven and only needs 50 GB of data transfer every month?

No. You can’t use the unlimited plan because these plans also have their limits as they are also paying their main server for the transfer. Unlimited plans have their terms of not using excessive amounts of resources and if in case you are going to use this much, you will be required for an upgrade or you will be asked to leave the host.

6. Would it be better to use a host with Cobalt RaQ compared to those that use normal Linux?

No. RaQs are especially developed for hosting and these also contain some preinstalled software that will optimize hosting; however, there are other hosts that can provide the same for a smaller price; although, RaQs are physically smaller and this is considered as an advantage.

7. Is it possible to run my own software?

This feature would actually depend on the hosting plan. Usually, most plans are allowing scripts such as PHP and Perl. On the other hand, there are also other plans wherein you are allowed to compile a program in C or C++ and execute them. There are also some plans in the UNIX operating system which allows you to run cron that enables you to execute programs automatically depending on the time and date that you specified. However, this will require a dedicated or a co-located server rather than a shared hosting plan.

8. Is there a need for a static IP address?

A static IP address may probably be needed because there are also some benefits in having unique IP for your website. Whenever you will be changing your servers, you can direct your users to the IP so that you don’t have to wait for your domain name. The static IP can also help in testing your website before you transfer it to your new server. The SSL set up is also easier with a static IP.

9. Am I obliged to use the search engine submission feature of my host?

No. You don’t have to use this feature because usually big search engines do not also want automated site submissions. You can actually manually submit your site to big search engines such as Yahoo!, Looksmart, and ODP.

10. Is it good to choose cheaper web hosting options?

If you want to have a good customer support, then it is recommended to choose hosting plans that aren’t lower than $2-3 per month.

11. Is there a chance that bandwidth prices would decrease?

Actually, the bandwidth prices are already decreasing. Nowadays, it can be possible to pay less than $1 per GB of data transfer in for every 100 GB. There are now companies that are developing fiber optic networks which deliver increased speeds.

12. How do web hosts earn money by offering cheap hosting?

Web hosts earn because almost all of the sites that subscribe to their hosting services are not using the full amount of data transfer that is why they can still get more subscribers.

13. Do I have to pay more if I want a security encrypted page?

Yes. You need to pay an additional fee for you to be able to get a digital certificate from certificate authorities.

14. Is there a need to worry if my host is a reseller?

No because with a reseller, you can get more technical support as well as better price deals than subscribing from a base company. Resellers are actually smaller companies and they don’t own the server.

15. Which should I choose a smaller company or a large hosting company?

That would actually depend on your preferences. For larger companies, you are assured that it will be staying for long in the web hosting industry and they can also provide you with better deals; however, it is quite apparent that smaller hosting companies provide cheaper deals and great support especially to small business. Small companies also provide new features immediately.

16. Is there a benefit of acquiring a domain name that has Network Solutions rather than a more affordable company?

No.

17. Is there a host that provides 0% down time?

There are no hosts that can provide a complete 100% uptime. Even the most popular websites with high traffic would have a downtime at some point because of a lot of unexpected situations. What you can find are uptime guarantees wherein you will be refunded for downtimes.

18. Is it possible to reduce my data transfer?

Yes. You can optimize the graphics that are on your site. Be sure not to duplicate the graphics and clean up your HTML files. If in case your site is just text-based, you can inquire your host about using an HTTP compression module.