Web Hosting – The Fundamentals

If you have a website, you need somewhere to keep it. The place you keep it is commonly referred to as web space. Web space is where you store your files on the internet. Those stored files reside on a server, which is a computer that is connected to the internet around the clock. This continuous internet connection enables the server to host your web space.

Therefore, unless you have your own server you must obtain the space you need from a host site. There are two basic types of web hosting sites available. You can choose to use a free hosting site or opt for a paid one, but keep in mind that as with any purchase, you get what you pay for.

Understand that using a free hosting site comes with a catch in the form of banner ads. These banners are prominently placed across the top or the bottom of your website. In addition to taking up valuable space, they can also be very distracting. Moreover, a free hosting site may restrict the number of daily visitors you can have, and the space that you are allotted is considerably less than that which is offered by a paid host.

When choosing a web hosting site, you can avoid additional charges by knowing how much server space and bandwidth you are initially getting. Server space is the amount of disk space that is used to store your files. Bandwidth is the rate at which information is transmitted over the internet. Some sites offer unlimited bandwidth, but technically bandwidth is limited to the amount of bandwidth the server has available to them. This means that your host site, especially if it is a free one, can restrict how much traffic your website can receive within a given time period.

Thus, if using a free service, you are taking the risk that you may run out of bandwidth. If you do run out of bandwidth, your website will no longer be accessible to visitors unless you agree to pay additional fees. So, it is very important to make sure that you have sufficient bandwidth to support your files and your traffic.

In contrast, a paid host can cost very little if your website requires few services, or you can opt to pay a little more for a package that suits your needs. A paid hosting site offers sufficient server space and bandwidth, as well as a greater number of options, and features. The potential return on your investment is usually well worth the cost.

In the end, the type of host you choose to use is up to you; however, make sure you understand what services, features, and options they offer. Read the fine print. Know what their policies are regarding refunds, free trials, spam, and terms of use. If, after reading the policies you are unsure about anything, call the web hosting company and speak to a representative before making a final decision.