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1.What is web hosting?
Web hosting is the act of storing the files for a web site on a specific computer (called a ‘server’) which displays them as necessary to people as they visit that web site. Hosting requires you to have your own allocated space (RAM) on a server, as well as a fast connection to the Internet.
2.Which Web hosting plan should I choose?
The most significant features to look for in a web host include:
Sufficient disk space and bandwidth to host your website files
Fast, efficient and knowledgeable technical support
Ability to set up e-mail accounts
Ability to park domains
Ability to create subdomains
Fantastico for rapid installation of WordPress, Joomla and scripts
Website statistics
MySQL databases
Check how fast and efficient your potential Web hosting company is by sending them an e-mail or calling them. They should respond almost immediately or at least within 24 hours.
3.If I already have a website, can I transfer it to your web hosting?
Yes, you can transfer your website to another web hosting company.There are various reasons why you decide to switch a new web hosting provider. Regardless of the reasons, you need to put much more efforts on the transferring process. Below is the summarize process:
Step 1: Select a new web hosting.
Step 2: Backup your website.
Step 3: Transfer your domain name
Step 4: Upload all files to the server of the new web server
Step 5: Testing your web site
4. How much space and bandwidth do I need?
If you have a static site (no database) that contains 10 to 20 pages you won’t need much space and bandwidth unless you have large images or downloadable files (e.g. video, audio, PDF, flash). If you have all the files stored in one folder on your computer right click on the folder using your mouse. A properties box will pop up displaying the total file size of your folder. This is the least amount of disk space you’ll need however try to get a little more to allow space for e-mail accounts, site statistics, scripts and log files.
If you need to host a website using WordPress or Joomla you’ll need to install a MySQL database. Make sure your Web hosting plan includes MySQL databases. A database driven website usually needs more space and bandwidth than a static site. For a WordPress website 50 MB of disk space and 5 GB of bandwidth will be sufficient and also allow for growth.
5. How do I manage my hosting plan?
If you purchased a hosting plan that uses a Linux server you will get a control panel called Cpanel. Cpanel enables you to set up and manage e-mail accounts, install scripts, shopping carts, website building software and view your site statistics. It will also allow file transfer from your computer to the server however I recommend using FTP software for this task instead (e.g. SmartFTP). It will transfer files much more easily and quickly than the file manager in Cpanel.
6. How do I upload my site online?
Once you’ve purchased a web hosting plan you’ll need to upload your files to the server to get them online. Instead of using Cpanel download free FTP software such as Filezilla or SmartFTP. Enter the hostname (yourdomain dot com), username and password, then click “Go” to connect to the server. A local browser window will open to display the files on your computer. A second window (remote window) will open next to the local browser window to display the files on the server. You should see an empty public.html folder on the server.
To transfer the files from your computer to the server simply drag the files from the local browser window to the remote window (public.html folder). Once this has been completed enter your website address in the browser to view your new website online.