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Web Hosting FAQ
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Prior to shopping for a web hosting package, there is a great deal of information you should be aware of that may assist with your search. Learning the answers to the most common questions individuals ask when searching for the correct web hosting company will give you further insight into the technical aspects of the industry. This Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) guide provides some of the most common and requested information.
Q: What is web hosting?
A: Web hosting is the process of leasing hard disk space on a server and utilizing bandwidth through an internet service provider through a web hosting company to publish your website on the internet. There are many different types of hosting available, each offering advantages and disadvantages that may be beneficial to your site. Free hosting offers banners and other popups from the hosting company while paid hosting gives you more control over your content.
Q: What are web servers?
A: Web servers are powerful computers that store and transfer information across the internet. Almost all servers are connected to the internet for their lifespan. Web servers are the equipment that empowers the internet and allows it to run efficiently. All websites across the globe are stored and operated on web servers. It is impossible to access the internet without these pieces of equipment. There are many different types of web servers with various capabilities.
Q: What’s an IP address?
A: IP (Internet Protocol) addresses are a sequence of numbers used to identify specific computer locations on the internet. Every computer is assigned an IP address by their internet service provider. This assists with the communication between two computers or a computer and a server. Websites contain IP addresses that related to the server on which they are hosted. These locations are vital to the proper functioning of the internet and many hosting plans provide multiple addresses.
Q: What is a file transfer protocol?
A: A File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a technique to upload and download files to and from a web server. FTP clients are software programs make it easier to transfer this information as it acts as an easy-to-use interface. FTP makes it easy to update our website and transfer hundreds of pages without having to upload them individually.
Q: What are control panels?
A: Control panels are a user-friendly interface designed to give you complete control over the administration and management of your website and server. Most of the time you spend with a control panel will be as a website owner. Therefore, it is imperative to become familiar with all the controls and functions your control panel has to offer. For your convenience, control panels are usually split into many sections related to different aspects of your website.
Q: What is a domain name?
A: A domain name is a phrase or word that directs the user to a specific internet site utilizing a web browser. Top-level Domains (TLD’s) are the main sites a user accesses and gives each website an exclusive identity. Essentially, domain names are simply the name of the website followed by an extension like .com, .org, .edu, .gov, .net, .info, etc.
Q: What are subdomains?
A: Subdomains are extensions of the main domain name which separates the site into various configurations. Subdomains act as folders that categorize the main website into detailed sections. Large websites that need to store a massive amount of information in different directories use subdomains. Most web hosting providers allow customers to create an unlimited number of subdomains.
Q: What is domain parking?
A: Domain parking is a simple practice that allows you to purchase a domain name and create a “coming soon” page that users see when they access your site. Although not needed, it informs users that a site will be here soon and they should check back. If a domain is not parked, the website will simply be inaccessible to everyone. Luckily, most domain registrars provide this feature as a default.
Q: How do I register a domain name?
A: Domain name registration has become much easier over the years. The first step is to ensure the domain name you wish to purchase is available. Sites like Whois.com and register.com provide this service. Also, you are able to look this information up on more registrars by simply typing in the web address. Second, visit a registrar website to purchase the name through simple point and click actions.
Q: Do I have to change my domain name if I get a new host?
A: As long as the domain name is registered in your name, you have the freedom to switch hosts and bring your domain name with you as much as necessary. To update your domain name on a web server, you simply must change your name servers to that of the new host.
Q: What are shared web hosting plans?
A: Shared web hosting plans are services that host many different websites on a single server. Each account has a specific amount of hard disk space and bandwidth allocated to them. This is the least expensive type of web hosting plan. This is due to hosting providers only having to purchase one web server to provide hosting to many accounts. Therefore the savings are transferred to the webmaster.
Q: What is reseller hosting?
A: Reseller hosting is designed to provide the customer with all required resources to begin an independent web hosting company. With reseller hosting plans, resources are available at wholesale prices while providing all the tools a reseller host needs to customize packages to their clients. Reseller hosts are given flexibility, full customization and a lack of restrictions allowing them to create hosting plans that appeal to various types of customers.
Q: What is ecommerce hosting?
A: ecommerce hosting is a type of host developed for online stores. The plans found in this type of hosting provide all the resources necessary to create attractive, functional and lucrative stores online. The most common features of ecommerce hosting including: shopping carts, payment processing functionality and catalog builders. Most online stores use ecommerce hosting to track and process billing and invoicing.
Q: What is dedicated hosting?
A: Dedicated hosting plans allow you to lease a private server that is only used by their websites. This is one of the best types of hosting because the resources of the server and bandwidth are not shared. Dedicated hosting gives the user full customization and the freedom to do whatever they want. It is also the most powerful and resources are rarely depleted. This option is much more expensive than others so mostly large websites opt for dedicated hosting.
Q: What is virtual hosting?
A: Virtual hosting divides web servers and resources between hundreds of sites simultaneously thus allowing for enhanced performance to each site on the server. Virtual hosting offers a variety of resources with the ability to adjust server and software configurations. Virtual hosting is typically utilized by large websites but is the perfect solution for those on a budget.
Q: How do I upload my website?
A: There are many methods to uploading your website to a server. However, the most popular technique is through an FTP client. This allows you to login to your account and simply drag and drop your files to the host server.
Q: What are bandwidth, transferring and disk space?
A: Bandwidth is the amount of information the web server will allow you to transfer in one month. If you go over this predetermined amount, your host may temporarily shut down your site or charge you overage fees. Transferring is the amount of data transferring in one month, measured in gigabytes. This is typically $2 to $5 per extra gigabyte over your transfer limit. Disk space is the amount of physical space on a server you have allocated to your website.
Q: Why are server resources constantly mentioned?
A: Server resources consist of bandwidth, transferring and disk space. Since server resources are the capability of your web server, web hosting companies make your use of them clear in the contract.
Q: Can I host my own site?
A: Although it is possible, hosting your own site is not generally recommended. Most ISP's have a clause in the contract that do not allow you to use the connection for web hosting. If you are caught, your account is likely to be terminated. Also, this would be a massive headache since you would be responsible for monitoring all security, updates and issues that arise, not to mention having your computer running around the clock.
Q: Why not choose the cheapest web hosting provider?
A: Web hosting is a type of business. Therefore, companies must make a profit to continue their operations. Therefore, in order to maintain low prices, something must suffer. It could be the amount of uptime, available features or quality of the service.
Q: How do I pay for web hosting?
A: Most web hosting providers offer different packages depending on your business or personal need. Almost all web hosting providers accept credit cards, checks, money orders, PayPal and electronic funds transfer.
Q: What is uptime?
A: Uptime is the amount of time a server is functional allowing the website to be available on the internet. Ideally the best uptime is 100 percent, however, nothing is ever guaranteed so most hosts offer an uptime percentage of 99.9.
Q: Will my site contain forced advertising?
A: That depends. If you are utilizing paid web hosting there will be no forced advertisements such as popups or banner ads. Nobody will place advertisements on your website except you. If you are using free web hosting, it is likely there will be forced advertisements.
Q: What are PHP, ASP and Perl?
A: These are three web hosting programming languages. PHP is a hypertext processor, ASP stands for active server pages and Perl is simply another language with no acronym. Each language provides advantages and disadvantages so it is best to conduct research.
Q: What are MySQL and MS SQL?
A: MySQL and MS SQL are two database systems. Which system is selected depends on your web hosting provider. These databases assist you with the organization of your website’s data. Again, there are different pros and cons to each depending on your need.
Q: Why would I need a dedicated IP address?
A: Dedicated IP addresses are not required for most website needs. However, for those that wish to utilize an anonymous FTP or use SSL certificates, a dedicated IP address can make this process much more streamlined.
Q: What is a content management system?
A: A content management system (CMS) makes it easy to write, publish, edit and organize content on your website. CMS is to content what control panels are to web hosting accounts. Most professional website use CMS to update their sites.
Q: What is a datacenter?
A: A datacenter is a large facility used to store web hosting equipment in optimal conditions. All aspects of the environment are precisely controlled including the temperature, humidity, fireproofing and amount of air circulated throughout the facility.
Q: What are SSL certificates?
A: An SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificate is a type of data encryption that blocks personal information from being hacked. SSL certificates are utilized by websites for highly-sensitive pages such as product checkout sections.
Q: What is search engine optimization?
A: Search engine optimization is the method of creating websites and content to please search engines like Google and Yahoo. All webmasters should learn the best practices of search engine optimization.
Q: What are DNS servers?
A: DNS servers are used to connect to a domain name system which is a gigantic network of information that stores the coordinates of all servers and domain names on the internet. This is the largest database in the world.
Q: What is web hosting spam?
A: Web hosting spam is forceful advertising of web hosting companies used as a marketing technique. This is a dangerous method as spam can overload a system potentially causing permanent damage to the equipment.
Q: What are cron jobs?
A: Cron jobs are specific tasks that can be added to any web hosting control panel. This allows for automation of small tasks. There is usually a specific section in the control panel for cron jobs allowing for the scheduling of these tasks.
Q: What are file managers?
A: The file manager is found within the control panel and allows for the management of all your website files. You have the ability to edit, backup and view data connected to your websites. Once opened, you have access to all directories.
Q: How do I backup my site?
A: Backing up your website is a tremendously easy task using a control panel. Backups can be scheduled for specific times or days or can be manually completed. Almost all control panels have this function.
The preceding 35 questions are the most commonly asked and important when shopping for a web hosting provider. By reviewing these questions and answers, you will be better able to make an informed decision.