How To Choose A Web Site Host
 Terry M. Blair

Ready to launch a Web site? You need a host.

A Web host puts your site on a computer server, making it accessible on the Internet. You essentially rent space so others can find you.

A well-managed Web host has a fast connection and handles all the technical complexities for you. Prices continue to drop, making a site affordable for virtually any business or individual. But thousands of providers make choosing the right Web host complicated.

First, narrow the field by determining how much you can afford. Then shop around. Some basics to consider:

1. Bandwidth

Getting enough bandwidth is vital. Bandwidth measures data transmitted and received. If visitors download files from your site, you’ll need more capacity than if they don’t.

Estimate your need by multiplying the size of your average Web page by the total number of page views you expect. If the average page size is 40 kilobytes and you anticipate 1,000 views daily on all of your Web pages, you’ll need to transfer 1.2 gigabytes per month (40 x 1,000 x 30 days).

Don’t buy bandwidth you don’t need. Don’t trigger penalty fees or risk the host temporarily shutting down your site if you exceed your bandwidth allowance.

Tip: As your site grows in pages and popularity, and you add features like downloadable files, you’ll need to graduate to greater bandwidth.

2. Disk space

Just as you need adequate bandwidth, you also require enough disk space to hold your Web site, graphics, audio, video and downloadable files. Estimate the size of your files, then shop for a host providing enough space within your budget.

Tip: Be sure your host allows for upgrades to storage capacity.

3. E-mail

Look for a host offering POP3 accounts to be compatible with e-mail programs like Outlook and Eudora. This capability permits you to have e-mail addresses ending in your Web site’s unique domain name, like this: MyName@MyWebSite.com. You will also be able to assign users e-mail addresses, depending how many your host provides.

4. Control panel

The control panel is the interface that permits you to set up, update and customize your site. You also use the control panel to manage any databases on your site, to change options and access e-mail accounts. Get a control panel that’s easy to learn and use.

5. Service and support

Expect something to go wrong, or at the least, expect to have questions. Don’t settle for less than a toll-free support telephone number. You shouldn’t pay additionally for help after paying your monthly fee. Hosts that don’t offer toll-free numbers in effect discourage you from seeking help. Equally important is the ability to reach support 24/7. E-mail and online support are important, but when you need a live person, be able to reach one.

6. Reliability

Many experts consider Unix-based hosting more reliable and stable than Windows-based systems. More important, however, is your amount of uptime. Lower priced hosting packages typically lag behind here. Look for uptime guarantees approaching 99.9 percent, which means your site may be down or inaccessible for only about 10 minutes a week.

7. Cost

Web hosting plans are available for literally pennies a day, and you can even get one for free, such as at Yahoo.com. There are exceptions, but as with most things, normally there’s a relationship between the amount you spend and the quality you get.

Free sites typically don’t provide a unique domain name. Instead, you get some combination of their name and yours: www.yourname.theirname.com. This limits you if you want to move to another host and have a unique domain name. Free hosts also generally provide less bandwidth.

For less than $50 a month, you can find a reliable Web host with adequate bandwidth, storage capacity, multiple e-mail accounts, plenty of upgrading opportunity and 24/7 toll-free service and support.

Tip: Your Web presence is likely to expand. Unless you want to search from scratch every time you outgrow your host, find one that accommodates expansion.

(Posted August 2005)

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