Website Hosting FAQ
Answering Your Web Hosting Questions
For new website owners choosing a host and domain name can be very confusing due to the the large number of providers and the multitude of options available. To try to help over come the confusion I have put together this short FAQ,
which hopefully answers most of your questions, and helps you decide. If you
still have questions then please feel free to ask.
1. Linux or Windows- What is the Difference?
Both Linux and Windows are operating systems. You are probably (unless you use Apple Mac) are using Windows at the moment as it is used by the majority of PCs and laptops. Because of this many may feel that Windows hosting is better and more popular.
However the opposite is actually the case with Linux being used by the vast majority of websites.
Linux is the recommended hosting platform and mandatory if you are intending to use WordPress.
2. What Web Hosting is compatible with WordPress ?
Any host that provides Linux based hosting, php and MYSQL databases. Fortunately the majority do.
3. What Web Hosting is best for a Business Website?
The majority of small business websites use what is know as shared hosting.
Some hosting providers actually state this others don't. Below is a screenshot
of various 1&1-UK packages all of which used shared hosting but is isn't
explicitly stated.
Again not really obvious is that the standard package is sufficient for most small business sites and supports php and 10 MYSQL database which is usually more than is required.
1 and 1 also provided dedicated servers which is only used by businesses having a particular need, and employing a full time webmaster.
4. How to choose the best web hosting service?
There really is no such thing as best, most providers are good with only a few being really bad.
Price is however a consideration as if it is really cheap then it is probably best avoided. Also choose a provider that specialises in hosting and not one that seems to do lots of other things as well.
5. What are ideal specifications for a web hosting computer?
Don't know and I don't consider it important.
6. What are most important features to look for in a web hosting service?
It should support MYSQL databases and PHP. It should also provide email addresses and mailboxes ( at least 5). Unlimited monthly traffic is good to have. Web storage tends not to be a problem unless you plan to host lots of video.
7. What is the best web hosting for an online storefront?
This is a tricky question as online shops usually require additional software i.e. the shopping cart. The general rule is to choose the shopping cart and then the host. However for small shops you may not need special software.
There is a section on the site that attempts to cover the basic options and I would recommend you take a look before you proceed. See Ecommerce websites
8. Can I and How do I transfer web hosting sites?
First it is possible but a bit technical. If your site has been online for a while and is important to your business then it should only be done if you really understand what you are doing.
9. Is the Location of my Hosting Provider Important?
Yes it is if your business is local in nature. Search engines will take the location of the website and searcher in consideration when returning search results. How much consideration they give to the site location depends on the actual search they use.
However it is generally considered good practice to host in the same
geographic location as your target market. Which is why I use a UK host (1&1)
for my UK sites, and
Blue Host
for all other sites.
10. What web hosting provider do you recommend?
I recommend 1&1-UK not because I think it is the best as I honestly don't
know. It is the one I have used for the last 8 years and I am happy with them.
Hope that helps. If you still have a question then just email me and ask.
Best Regards