Choosing The Right Website Hosting Company

Picking a new web host can be hard for both the beginner and advanced internet user- so care should be taken not to rush otherwise you might regret the choice. There are a number of steps that you need to think about and write down to start with.

What is your webhost for?

First off we are asking why you want a web host. These reasons all need to be taken into account and play a role in how to go about choosing a host. The operating system you wish to use for example- either Windows or Linux. Once you know what the primary function is you have a basis for requirements. E-commerce will need to support things like PHP and MySQL. If you are going to use your own payment gateway then you will need to use an SSL certificate. This is to keep your customers card details safe. As for a blog, most blog software needs PHP and mySQL or similar, but you would not use very much disk space and a relative low amount of bandwidth. Or if you are just using it for personal things then you would need to find out if you wanted anything at all. For email use it's the number of email accounts that is the biggest question on your agenda but also consider bandwidth if you plan on sending and receiving large files regularly.

What is mySQL and PHP?

What are these magical things called mySQL and PHP? During everyday internet use these are all things you use without even realising you are using them. Hypertext preprocessor or those who like acronyms PHP is used for scripts within dynamic websites. MySQL is a common relational database engine, and is used to store and access data stored dynamically. SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer and is a cryptographic protocol that provides a secure communication over networks. SSL has been replaced by TLS or Transport Layer Security but ultimately does the same job as SSL. SSL is still the commonly referred name as this is what people know and understand.

How much bandwidth?

Managed dedicated servers will all come with X amount of bandwidth. We now know and understand the technical terms and usage. We can therefore move onto some more important factors. Your data allowance or bandwidth also needs considering. This will be shown in gigabytes- bandwidth is hard to work out what you are going to use. When you find a potential host ask them about how much bandwidth you will need. Otherwise, if you run out there is normally a charge for the extra bandwidth or your site may be suspended till the end of that month.

Getting your new web hosting company

Now you know the spec, and what your server is going to be for and how much bandwidth you might need, you'll be needing a business host. One of the best things I have been told is to get a computer magazine, remove all the glossy web host ads, then see what has been left, large companies will have really low prices but their customer services can be some what poor. You are far better off searching on the internet for hosting forums and posting up what your web hosting is for. You will then get some information back from users about the companies and should then end up with a reputable company.

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