Do I need stats?
Probably not If you can access raw logs, you could download them and analyze them on your home computer with a stats program yourself. However, the log files can get quite large for popular sites, so having the server analyze them may be more convenient. You could also use a service like Web Trends, theCounter.com, or Site Meter to get more detailed stats on your users than any host's stats program can provide.
My site is database-driven and uses 50 GB per month in transfer. Can I simply use a host with an unlimited transfer plan for $10 per month?
No. Most hosts are in business to make money and they would lose money hosting your site. They have to pay from $0.3 to $5 per GB of transfer to upstream providers themselves. Almost all hosts that have "unlimited" plans specify in their acceptable use policies that no site can use an "excessive" amount of resources. If you use too much disk space, bandwidth, or CPU time, these "unlimited" hosts will ask you to upgrade or leave.
Is there any advantage to a host that uses a Cobalt RaQ as opposed to one that uses a normal Linux computer?
No. RaQs are made specifically for hosting and they have pre-installed software that is optimized for hosting but experienced hosts can build and administer their own server just as well for less money. RaQs do have an advantage of being physically smaller.
Can I run my own software on my site?
This depends on a web host and a plan. Most plans will allow running scripts in languages such as Perl or PHP. Some plans will also allow you to compile program in C/C++ and run them. Some Unix plans will also allow you to run "cron" which enables you to automatically execute programs or scripts at a specific time and date. However to get a full control over all aspects of your server, you will need a dedicated or co-located server instead of a shared plan.
Do I need a static IP address for my site?
Maybe There are some advantages to having a unique IP for your site. When you change servers, you can point your users to a new IP, so they don't have to wait for the domain name change to propagate. With a static IP, it can also be simpler to upload and test your site before transferring the domain name to a new server. Setting up SSL is also much simpler. You may also not want to share your IP with some sites that could lead to your site being banned by search engines or spam lists.
Do I need to use host's search engine submission service?
No. Some search engine submission tools are better than others and some big search engines don't like automated submission. You should submit manually to major directories like Yahoo!, ODP, or Look smart, and you may also prefer to submit manually to major search engines.
Should I simply choose a cheapest plan?
We wouldn't recommend choosing any plan below $5 per month if you expect to get a reasonable level of technical support.
Will the bandwidth prices fall soon?
Bandwidth prices are gradually decreasing. It is now possible for hosts to pay less than $1 per GB of transfer in chunks of 100 GB. New companies like Cogent Communications are building fiber-optic networks and promise 100 Mbps of bandwidth across their network to multi-tenant office buildings in major cities for $1,000/month. The question is whether they will be able to peer with established telecoms without raising prices.
How can hosts make money offering high transfer limits for low prices?
They count on the fact that the majority of sites won't use anywhere close to the full amount of transfer available. This overselling is usually a valid assumption and it is done in many other businesses (ex. airlines).
Are there any extra costs involved in hosting a secure site?
Yes, you'll need to get a digital certificate from a Certificate Authority such as VeriSign, Thawte, or Equifax Secure.
Should I worry that my host is a reseller?
Probably not. It is quite possible to get better support or prices from a reseller than from a base company. Resellers are usually smaller companies and since they don't own the server, sometimes they have to wait for the parent company to perform some tasks.
Should I go with a big or small hosting company?
This depends on your preferences. Large companies might be considered to have better chances of staying in business for a long time and may be able to negotiate better deals for their customers, but small hosts are usually cheaper, provide better support for individuals and small businesses, and are quicker to offer new features.
Are there any advantages to getting a domain name with Network Solutions instead of a cheaper company?
No.
I don't want my site to be down. Ever. What host should I use?
No host can provide 100% uptime. We monitor uptime for many hosts and you could use this data as a guide.&bnsp; But even the biggest and best multi-million dollar sites go down from time to time due to various unforeseen circumstances. The best you can find is an uptime guarantee, where the host offers refunds for downtime.
Can I reduce the amount of data transfer my site needs?
Usually yes. Try to optimize all the graphics on your site. Many GIFs don't look noticeably worse with fewer colors. Don't duplicate graphics files, let the browser cache them. Try to clean up your HTML by using relative paths, short filenames, less extras, and reducing the number of spaces and new lines. If your site is mainly text-based, ask your host about using an HTTP compression module like mod_gzip.
Can I keep my domain name when I change a host?
Yes. We recommend that you register your domain name with a separate registrar before getting a hosting plan (please see our Domain Name Guide). Then, when you need to move to another host, you just need to point your domain's name servers to this new host. If you registered your domain name with a host and now you want to move, you should find your registration records or contact this host and ask them how to control your domain name. If you have a problem, you can usually see the name of the registrar by performing a "Whose" query on your domain name and contact them.
Does it make a difference what type of desktop computer I use?
No. This will only make a difference if you develop scripts that you want to use without changes on your web site. FrontPage extensions can also be done on UNIX (or Linux) servers.
Will I have forced advertising on my site like I do on Geocities, etc.?
No. None of the web hosts listed in our database force any kinds of ads on your site. In fact you can put your own ads if you'd like.
I don't have any experience in creating a site. Who can help me create and host my site?
CityMAX that do that. Please also see our Quick Start Guide.
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