What is a Web Host?

If you are asked “What is a webhost?”, would you be able to give a solid answer without stuttering? If you’re an expert in the web hosting / web designing industry, you probably would but newbies may not be that fluent and their explanations may be confusing.

Basically, webhosts play very important roles in the visibility and success of a website – they are the companies responsible for broadcasting websites on the internet. Apart from this, hosts also rent out space on their servers for clients to use. These spaces serve as the storage area of the separate components of websites: the codes, images, text, data, and the like. The size of the storage space determines the amount of information sites can hold. Web sites that have small “spaces” will be limited in what it can show on the internet – the pages probably be static and may have a very simple interface.

In addition to space, webhosts also provide domain name registration, personalized email addresses, email forwarding, internet connectivity, SEO marketing tools, and even SSL Technology – some or all of which can be beneficial to a website.

Companies with more technical requirements may have features that are not available to others – if you need a service that is not on any package, contact the webhosts and ask if they can create a hosting package that would meet your company’s technological needs.

There are several web hosting companies in the market and, the fastest way to find a host provider that delivers reliable service and yet has reasonable subscription fees is by viewing the ratings and comments found on webhosting user reviews. Webhost user reviews, such as Just Host Review, have been designed to help consumers evaluate the reliability of hosts based on the experiences of others. Host reviews are available online and can be accessed by anyone at any time.

7 essentials of moving to anew web host

When a site has outgrown its web host on all counts or when a web host does not keep its promises, moving web hosts becomes imperative. If a web host fails to provide much needed expansion requirements or technical support you need to upgrade to one that can meet your growth needs.

The first step is to ensure that you have all legal documents and contracts with you. Then make sure you have accurate and updated copies of all content, databases, scripts, and clientele lists. A back up needs to be done as a matter of routine not just when you need to move. Trouble can rear it head in the form of hardware failure or unexplained data losses.

Research the market thoroughly before deciding on a new hosting service. List your requirements and look for a host that can exceed your needs. It is not just bandwidth that you need to look at. Consider technical support, upgrading options, as well as whether the host is keeping up with new developments in the field.

It is important to run from the two web hosts simultaneously for a period until all debugging is carried out and problems are solved. Activate your new solution and upload all your pages, databases, and scripts. Use the new IP address provided by the new company and test the site.

Once things function satisfactorily you must transfer the DNS servers from your previous host to the new one. The transition may take around two weeks so it is essential to keep both sites functional during that transition period. Check mails from both sites until such time you don’t receive any communications to the old site. Once you are sure, discontinue your old hosting service.

Be sure to:

•    Select a new service that is similar to your old one as far as technology is concerned. And that you are using the latest design software and that the host has the latest server versions. This will maximize site efficacy.

•    Check carefully the hosting service agreement pertaining to the new host.

•    Choose a dedicated environment that will offer more capacity for dealing with online customers and provide adequate bandwidth allowances.

•    Check out the benefits of an annual plan against a monthly one.

•    Find out if your new web hosts are reliable, honest, and competent. The people running the web hosting service must comprehend the technology thoroughly and keep abreast of new developments.

•    Check forums to see if the new host you have selected has good reviews and whether there are any valid complaints.

•    The host must ensure that your site is up and running 24/7 for 365 days. The pages must load instantly; to this end the web host must have state of the art computer systems. CGI routines, autoresponders, PHP, ASP, SSI scripts, credit card gateways, and so on. All systems must function smoothly.

Be a wise and informed mover.