Web Hosting Is Essential

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Web hosting is basically a way for individuals and companies to store digital media (websites etc.) on the Internet for others to access. Simply put, and for the majority of people and companies, this means allowing their website to be seen by others around the world; some of these services are actually free. The data center or server used for by the hosting company is able to store all kinds of digital media which can be accessed (if allowed) by visitors, this includes all website files.

There are a great many services available; you even have free hosting where you won't have to spend a single dime, this is ideal for absolute beginners. When a person realizes they want to host additional sites and store other digital products, they may find that the range of facilities for unpaid web hosting plans is too limited. Hosting packages vary enormously and must be chosen according to the needs of the user and not based on price because certain requirements may not be available in the lower price range.

You may settle for a shared server (where you share your space with other website owners) and it is a good tip is to go for the shared hosting first. Once you are comfortable with the service level then it might be worth upgrading to a dedicated server. Before you can use your web hosting package you will need to register a domain otherwise it will be of no use, then once that is done your website and any other files can be uploaded to the server ready for viewing. A file is anything that is stored on the server and can include images, documents, programs, video or audio files, in fact anything that can be stored digitally; prices for storage continue to fall so limits are constantly rising.

Web hosting also provides the facility to have your own email address unlike those supplied by Google and Yahoo for example, this means, your e-mail address is exclusive to your website. Having your own email addresses are an important sign that a person or company is serious about their Internet presence and provides a sense of credibility which cannot be achieved with the many free service providers available. The next thing to consider with your hosting package is how much information will be stored on the server that can be downloaded from your website as it will use a facility called bandwidth; the greater amount of files stored that can be accessed, the greater amount of bandwidth will be required.

Problems will occur in the form of an inaccessible website if the bandwidth is exceeded so if the web host cannot provide the bandwidth you require you will need to use another company. Of course this won't matter if you only have a basic website but as soon as you start adding large images, audio tracks, video footage and other big files, your bandwidth will be used up very quickly. Some people and web hosting companies decide to become their own web host but this is not recommended as the security issues involved are huge unless you are proficient in this area, it is something to be avoided.

I'm going to say right up front, I've used "Host Gator" for over 3 years now
and not once have I had ANY problems, and their service is unmatched...
not to mention the affordability of their prices are unsurpassed given the quality.