Web Hosting 101

WEB HOSTING SETUP

What is a Web Hosting Company?

A Web Hosting company stores your web files on their servers (computers), and are operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  There are many web hosting companies, and a few of the national companies include:

• Web.com (formerly Interland)  www.web.com

• Network Solutions  www.networksolutions.com

• Register.com  www.register.com

• Go Daddy  www.godaddy.com

How do I choose a Web Hosting package?

There are many different web hosting packages available, that will include different features.  Choose the one that best suits your web hosting needs.  Categories include:

• Basic Web Hosting

• Business Web Hosting:  with Shopping Cart

• Advanced Web Hosting:  with e-commerce and database

Once you have chosen the web hosting package that best suits your needs, follow the step-by-step instructions provided on the website.

1. You will need to provide a credit card to pay for your web hosting upon completion of the application.  Many times discounts are given for those who pay yearly.

2. Be sure to print a copy of the completed online registration form, for your records.

3. Make a note of passwords, secret words or security questions that you may have entered, as these will be required when you contact the company for technical support.

4. You will receive a confirmation e-mail from the web hosting company once your application has been submitted.  Print out a copy of this e-mail for your records.

5. You will also receive an e-mail with your User Name or User ID and Password for your account.  Be sure to also print a copy of this e-mail for your records.

6. You may receive periodic e-mails from your web hosting company.  Some of them may be advertising, but most times they provide useful information to customers.

IMPORTANT:  Your renewal notice will be sent to you via e-mail from the web hosting company.  Be sure you don't delete this notice and pay it as soon as possible, or your web hosting service may be terminated for non-payment and your web site will no longer be available on the Internet.