The definition of web hosting is when an organization provides a service where people can have their own online internet identity. Sometimes it is part of the service an internet service provider supplies as part of their package when you sign up with them and can be supplied at no charge.
Many types exist, some provide free hosting but with these types you pay the price of having restricted facilities that usually allow the likes of blogs, email and basic websites to be accessed. Many restrictions exist with free web hosting but that is to be expected and for some it is an ideal situation but for only a few dollars per month, a paid web hosting service is far superior.
You may settle for a shared server (where you share your space with other website owners) and it is a good tip is to go for the shared hosting first. When the need for more space and security is required then a dedicated server at extra cost can be used. However, all this is academic if you haven't registered a domain name that you can use in conjunction with the web hosting and to send your files to.
Another advantage of web hosting and your own domain name is that email addresses will include your own domain name and not that of those free providers such as Google, Yahoo and MSN to name a few of the thousands of providers whose services can be used. Many people take you more seriously if you have your own email address and not one supplied free by the myriad of other companies who have an online presence. The more information that is transferred from your website over the internet, the more bandwidth is used so it is important if you have a great deal of information stored to ensure you have a hosting package that will easily cater for your bandwidth usage.
Remember, everything that is stored and can be accessed on your site has a bandwidth, even the website itself so if your site contains images, MP3 tracks and video clips for example, your bandwidth allocation will be used up even faster. You may have your own web host in your PC, but that can be too risky; the best option is to settle for paid web hosting, even if you're new to the internet.
Many types exist, some provide free hosting but with these types you pay the price of having restricted facilities that usually allow the likes of blogs, email and basic websites to be accessed. Many restrictions exist with free web hosting but that is to be expected and for some it is an ideal situation but for only a few dollars per month, a paid web hosting service is far superior.
You may settle for a shared server (where you share your space with other website owners) and it is a good tip is to go for the shared hosting first. When the need for more space and security is required then a dedicated server at extra cost can be used. However, all this is academic if you haven't registered a domain name that you can use in conjunction with the web hosting and to send your files to.
Another advantage of web hosting and your own domain name is that email addresses will include your own domain name and not that of those free providers such as Google, Yahoo and MSN to name a few of the thousands of providers whose services can be used. Many people take you more seriously if you have your own email address and not one supplied free by the myriad of other companies who have an online presence. The more information that is transferred from your website over the internet, the more bandwidth is used so it is important if you have a great deal of information stored to ensure you have a hosting package that will easily cater for your bandwidth usage.
Remember, everything that is stored and can be accessed on your site has a bandwidth, even the website itself so if your site contains images, MP3 tracks and video clips for example, your bandwidth allocation will be used up even faster. You may have your own web host in your PC, but that can be too risky; the best option is to settle for paid web hosting, even if you're new to the internet.