Shared Web Hosting

Introduction
Written by Jeff Ratner   

What Is Shared Hosting?

Shared hosting is a service in which a larger computer, which is also called a server, will host all of the information about your website. Server computers have the job of just hosting websites.  They are directly connected to the Internet as a backbone, which allows for the computers to run at top speeds and to provide you with movement from one page of the website to the next easily and often times instantly. Think of the  communication links as being telephone wires running from one location to the next. They carry information in the same manner, but in this case, it is digital data rather than the voices of two callers.

With shared hosting service, your website will sit on one of these servers.  By allowing for this, it allows for the web host facility (where the website data is stored) to manage your website easily. The website you create actually sits on that main computer, but you still have the ability to access it and make changes to it as you would like to. It works as if it was placed on your computer instead. Because of this remote location that acts much like your own computer would, shared hosting is often referred to as virtual web hosting.

Features Make Or Break It

There are many companies offering web-hosting services like this.  Each company is different in what they offer and it does pay to shop around.  You can often find better pricing but you can also often find more features. When choosing a web hosting service, one of the first things to consider is shared versus dedicated servers.  As mentioned, dedicated servers will be used solely for your business, without anyone else using that same computer for their website.  With shared servicers, though, you get a better price because the computer is being shared with several companies or website owners.  Dedicated servers do have benefits including more security, more customization options and other applications.

Once you decide to go with shared web hosting, the next step is to determine if the web hosting company is compatible with you and your website.  You need to match the server's support and software options with your needs and your skills. If you are not designing the website yourself, but hiring a third party to design it for you, it is very important to consider working with your design team on choosing the right hosting.  This way, you know they are getting what they need. For example, you may want to go with a Unix environment if that is where your skills lie.

Features are everywhere when it comes to hosting.  Be careful not to be too caught up in the amount of features offered to you, as what you really need to have is a hosting plan that meets your essential needs first.  Consider this question, what do you need to get your website launched? Be sure those items are included in the web hosting service and then look at other features as bonuses.  It only makes sense to invest in these extras if you plan to use them, or you plan to expand and upgrade your website over time.  

Another area to carefully consider when it comes to choosing the right hosting provider is in your future. Do you plan to upgrade your website at a later time?  Do you want to make the website larger?  If so, then you will need a company that can offer this to you through their web hosting.  Even if you still stick with shared web hosting, you still may need a bit more space than you currently have.  Does the company offer this additional space and how much will it cost you to use it?  Keep in mind all of your possible future goals with your website and be sure that the web host you select is able to keep up with your demands.
 
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