This website hosting FAQ is a great place to start if you’re planning to launch a business website. It provides a review of some basic information regarding hosting services.
Website hosting FAQ
What is an Internet Service Provider? Do I need one?
An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is the company that will host your website. To put a webpage online, you must go through a web host.
What is a domain name?
It is the unique name that your potential customers use to find you. It is also known as a URL. I recommend doing a search on your domain name to check its availability first (no reason to get too attached to a name only to find out it’s already taken) using any web browser. I do a browser search instead of going through a registrar because sometimes if you search for a domain someone else will register it before you are able to.
Type the name you want into your web browser (Internet Explorer, Safari, FireFox) to see if it’s already in use. If it’s available, register it. Not sure how? I can help you register your domain name.
Make sure you spell it correctly! Don’t hit that button until you’ve checked it twice, three or four times. Once you have registered a domain, that’s the URL your site will have.
What if the name I want is taken?
You may still be available to get the name by using a different extension. You may check to see if it is available as a .co, .net, .biz, .info, etc. Keep in mind however, that sites with these other extensions aren’t as strong as having a .com extension. Consider making a slight change, adding “LLC” for example to get a .com.
How do I register a domain name?
There are many reliable sites where you can register your domain name, like register.com, networksolutions.com, or godaddy.com. Most hosting companies will also register your site.
Do I have to host my domain through the same company where I registered my domain?
It’s not necessary to host where you register your domain name. I prefer to keep my registrar and hosting separate and that what I usually recommend to clients.
What is bandwidth?
The amount of data that can be carried from one point to another in a given time period (usually a second).
What is disk space? And how much do I need for my website?
Disk space refers to the amount of hard disk space a hosting company offers for your web pages. All your documents, graphics, animations, etc. all must fit into this space storage space. Through my service you get enough disk space to have a site with almost unlimited pages and images.
What about those free web hosting services?
There are web hosting companies that offer free web hosting services as long as the company is allowed to place advertising on your website. No outside ads will ever be put on your website through my service. There are other downsides to free web hosting.
Registering your domain name is the most important first step to getting online. There really no reason to get a certified domain or other add-ons that some registrars offer. Secure your URL and the rest of the process will be a smooth one.
Any questions remaining after reviewing the website hosting FAQ? Please let me know in the comments below.