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Finding a Web Host

A Web host owns (or rents) the computer that serves the files of your Web site to your visitors, usually in exchange for a monthly fee. You don't have to cancel your current Internet account to hire a Web host. In fact, many Web hosts don't offer Internet service provider (ISP) service. Those that do need to be local, or it isn't worth it for you. The great thing about your neighborhood ISP is that it's in your neighborhood, and it gives you a local dial-up number. You don't want to have to dial in to Albuquerque whenever you want to browse the Web (unless, of course, you live in Albuquerque).

There's a good chance you already have a Web host, even if you don't know it. Many standard Internet accounts come with a healthy amount of server space for personal Web pages. So, the first step in choosing a Web host is to contact your ISP. Find out how much server space comes with your account. If the answer is none, you might want to inform your customer service representative that many of their direct competitors offer this benefit to their subscribers for a lot less than you're currently paying.

FAQ I want to use my Web site for commercial purposes. Can I host my site on the personal Web space that comes with my Internet service? Why would you want to? For one thing, your ISP usually assigns you a generic Web address, which doesn't make your business look very professional. For another, you don't need the typical lags in response time that you find on the servers of large ISPs. Plus, commercial sites are probably against your ISP's terms of service, and you don't need the hassle of them closing down your site along with your personal email account and Internet connection.

If you'd prefer not to use your personal server space for your site, just go to your favorite search engine, and look up Web hosting to begin your research. Don't be surprised if your results number in the millions. There are many, many, many Web hosts out there. You can't possibly research them all. You need to narrow your optionsand fast. A good way to start is with the names that you recognize: Yahoo!, Earthlink, Netfirms, perhaps also your phone or cable company. If they don't have what you need or want, work your way down the list.

By and large, with Web hosting, you get what you pay for. True bargains are few and far between. Keep this in mind when you come across hosts that offer "free" service. Free hosts generally don't give you as many account options (or as good) as the pay-by-the-month outfits, and forget about customer service. In addition, you have to remember high-school economics. These people remain in business by making a profit. They have to get money somehow. And that somehow is off you. Free Web hosts typically load your site with advertisements, advertisements that you can't control, turn off, modify, or move. Conversely, the angry visitor emails complaining about your shameless, ubiquitous advertising go right to your in-box. Your free Web host lets you handle these. They're all yours.

Every Web site is different, of course, and only you can make the choice about the right Web host for your particular site. That said, in general, here are a few qualities of good Web hosts:

Reasonable monthly charge.
Shop around, and see what the competitors are offering. Expect to pay between $10 and $25 a month for a typical personal or small business site. Pay less, and your Web host probably makes up the difference by giving you terrible customer support or tacking advertisements onto your site. Pay more, and you're probably buying services and features that you don't need.

Domain name registration (preferably free).
Many of the better Web hosts offer to register your Web site's domain name for you. Some even front you the yearly $35 registration service charge. Keep an eye out for these hosts. They're worth it, even if they tack on a setup charge (as long as it's less than $35).

Reasonable (or no) setup charge.
Some Web hosts tack on a special, one-time service charge to set up your account. Others do not. Many perfectly reputable and reliable Web hosts charge setup fees. Many do not. Those that don't charge setup fees often make up their money elsewhere, so read the fine print. If you go for a fee-charging service, don't pay more than $35, or you're probably being soaked. And if you can catch a fee-charging Web host during one of its "fee waived" promotional periods, do it.

Upgrade plans.
Your site is successful. It grows. You want your Web host to grow with you. Ideally, your host should offer several levels of service at reasonable price points. Start with the cheapest plan and work your way up.

Reliable customer service (preferably by phone).
You need customer service. Period. And don't fall for the usual 24/7 customer-service sales pitch. Any fool with an email account can advertise 24/7 customer service. But is the fool actually reading the emailah, that's the rub. You want a toll-free phone number for customer support. If you don't have 24/7 access to a live human being by telephone, then you don't have 24/7 customer support. It's far better to go with a Web host who offers toll-free phone support during normal business hours than a host who offers 24/7 support by email.