What Is a Web Host?

If we are going to discuss web host options for online business, we

should

first know what a web host is. Whenever we look at a web site online,

like

www.example-web-site.com, the files that we are viewing (and all web

sites

are based upon some sort of files) are in existence on some computer

somewhere in the world, where they are open to access from any computer

anywhere on earth to view. The individual or corporation making those

files

available is the web host.

Web Host Issues In Detail

1. Storage Space: Each web site requires at least a minimum of storage

space

somewhere even just to store the basic HTML files which make up that

web

page. Depending on how large you wish your web site to be and what

sorts of

files you wish to be available on your web page will make a difference

in

choosing your web host.

2. Bandwidth Traffic: Whenever a web page is accessed from the

internet, all

the data must travel along the internet lines between the host and the

viewer. This is bandwidth traffic. This can be taxing on systems if it

is

too great, and it costs money to allow this data to travel, so

different

companies will have different requirements. You will need to estimate

how

much traffic your web site will get to determine what size bandwidth

allowances you will need for your web site.

3. Domain: Not all web hosts give you a domain name with your web site,

and

will require you to use a part of their domain. Depending on what you

think

will be best for your site will make the difference in whether or not

you

want a domain name.

4. Ease of use: Most web hosts these days are very easy to use and

operate,

but that is not always the case. Depending upon your own computer

skills,

you will need to make sure that you find a web host that you will be

able to

work with and will not be inordinately difficult to run your web site

with.

Web Host Options

Depending on how much you wish to spend and how you view the issues

above,

there are many options open to you. If you wish to start small, a free

web

host might be the answer for you. Free web hosting services do not

generally

give you a lot of storage space or bandwidth allowance, and almost

never

give a domain name with your web site, but they are generally fairly

easy to

use and operate and will allow you to get your online business up and

running at practically no cost.

Paid web hosting services range in price, generally giving you more as

prices increase. However, this is not necessarily true so be sure to be

watchful. Paid web hosting services can go for as cheaply as $10 a

month.