Web Hosting 101

ASP is Microsoft’s foray into server-side scripting which gives the host the ability to produce interactive sites by producing dynamic pages straight from the server rather than executing scripts once the page is viewed by the browser.  The genius of ASP script is that it can change in response to different conditions.  For example it could adjust the sequence of pages or content based on the type of browser being used or the elapsed time between pages.  The big advantage here is it gives you the ability to precisely customize your response based on that specific user.  It’s not only an interactive experience for the user that comes through ASP web hosting, but by delegating the execution of applications to the server, the process is much more efficient and response times are faster.

Web pages made with the ‘Classic’ ASP version are easily identifiable by the .asp file extension. Still you might see some sites cloak their ASP scripting for security reasons with the .html or .htm extensions. Other versions include ASP.NET (with an .aspx extension) which is based on Microsoft’s .NET Framework.  The ASP.NET version is compiled meaning it tends to be quicker with fewer interruptions during downloads.  An extension of the ASP.NET version known as ASP.NET AJAX which is designed for the construction of interactive applications uses a hybrid of Asynchronous JavaScript and XML thus its name – AJAX.

As a Microsoft creation, ASP is also exclusively Microsoft compatible which means that if you are going with ASP scripting you must go with a Windows based server.  You’ll need to inquire with potential web hosting companies about their operating system, which version they are operating with, and software functions.  Be aware that in terms of availability you’ll find ASP scripting the most prevalent followed by ASP.NET where as ASP.NET AJAX (look for ASP.NET 2.0) might require more research and homework to locate and be satisfied with the web host’s understanding.

However, it’s more than just locating a server with the right capabilities.  Make sure their ratings back up their claims and that they have a reputation that would compel not repel future business.  This is one instance when free web hosting probably won’t cut it even for the more basic of web sites.  More than likely you’ll find a paid host will be well worth the investment.

Linux web hosts have emerged as the leader in the market of supercomputers and servers alike.  They currently make up the lion’s share of reliable web hosting companies and are used on over two-thirds of the Top 500 Supercomputer Systems.

Linux is the umbrella term for the operating system that originated in the early 90s in response to the UNIX system.  It is termed “UNIX-like” in regards to its focus on a modular, open source but has surpassed the original UNIX model in terms of popularity.  The apparent appeal of Linux impacted every aspect of computing from desktops to supercomputers and likewise servers.

Like its predecessor, Linux’s central system is under the management of a kernel which correlates functions between the other software variables, utilities, tools, and a graphical user interface (GUI).

This wide reaching and surging acceptance is based in large part on the incorporation of LAMP server-software a combination of often free and open source software. The package software included with Linux has two key traits that have sent it to the forefront of web hosting.  First, it’s easy and cheap to acquire and secondly the universality of its applications.  This has created an environment for web servers operating on Linux to have a solution stack of technologies to support their infrastructure.

As always, do your homework before committing to any contractual agreement with a web host.  Compare terms, rates and supplemental features and ensure that a web host is offering what you really need in terms of linux web hosting, if that is the operating system you are looking for.  Also don’t assume that every server will include LAMP software, but that it is part of the standard Linux based server.

One aspect to consider when looking at the best web hosting providers is what type of customer support is available.  Most will offer either one or a combination of the following options – email, online help, or phone support.  Each has pluses and minuses, but depending on your own preferences and needs, you will want to consider which option will be of most help when you need it. 

Email customer support is the cheapest and in many ways, least effective in terms of answering your questions.  You can’t rely on an immediate response which can cause some frustration if you are trying to solve a problem plaguing you at that moment.  You also don’t have the luxury of the immediate back and forth dialogue that may be needed to answer your questions.  The upside is that it’s available 24/7 and for simple answers that can wait until tomorrow – it’s completely useful.

Online help includes live chat, tutorials, help pages or troubleshooting, even forums or message boards.  It’s an effective and efficient answer for people who are generally comfortable with navigating their way around the computer but need directions on a specific task.  The upside is that help is immediate, and easy to access and understand – particularly if the web host has a well organized knowledgebase or for someone who is fairly tech-minded. 

The downside is there is no personal touch.  Aside from live chat which can also divert you to help pages, you are working with a computer not a person.  For some this is a plus, but for most it can be a pain.

The other solution is phone support.  The most ideal set-up is 24/7 phone support so your worries can be put to rest whether it is regular business hours or not.  The big bonus here is you get to talk to real live support personnel and if you can understand a word they are saying, then it’s an immediate and personalized fix for your problems.

But understand just because you know what type of hosting customer support  your web host offers doesn’t necessarily answer the question of whether or not it’s helpful.  To know for sure, test the waters – make a few phone calls, fire off a few emails, ask a few online questions and see if you like the results.

Finding the right web hosting provider for your website is very similar to looking for a physical location to act as a storefront for your business.  If you set up shop for your web site next to undesirable neighbors or fail to offer your customers safety and security, you’re not going to get much repeat business as would be the case in an actual face to face transaction.

The big draw of free web hosting is of course that it’s free, but in most cases you might be getting what you pay for.  On the other end of the spectrum are professionally constructed and operated web sites.  This is an expensive option that may serve a large, complicated, or heavy traffic web site well, but may be price exclusive of smaller business or someone just looking to test the web waters.

The middle of the road option is budget or cheap web hosting which at a reasonable cost offers web hosting services with customer support, restricted second party advertising, increased bandwidth and storage over free websites, and varied term agreements.

Budget web hosting offers more control in setting the tone of your website by eliminating pop-up and banner ads on your site not of your choosing.  Be sure to ask any web hosting agency about who and what you may be sharing an IP with since at a budget host you are most likely going to have shared server space.  You don’t want to find yourself along side a neighboring business involved with SPAM, questionable content or the like, that would restrict your accessibility.  If this is of especial concern ask about the cost of upgrading your services.

As with any location speculation, be sure to consider the terms best suited to your needs and ask about term obligations, costs and ability to upgrade or expand, support services, and termination penalties.

The Common Gateway Interface (CGI) is standard protocol for interfacing outside software with an information server, which will most likely be a web server. For example if your server received a request or query from a browser like a file stored on a disk or a request to run a command, then the server analyzes the request and returns the proper output either as a document or reference to a document.  The upside is that CGI operates in real time and controls how the requests are handled. The versatile aspect of a CGI program is that it can respond with a plethora of responses ranging from plain text to image and audio files by accessing these files in its directory called cgi-bin.

 Beware though because despite the capabilities of your CGI programs to read a variety of applications and languages your operating system may not be so versatile.  And in order for your CGI programs and scripts to work, your OS must be able to process the information.
  
This leads to the logical conclusion that if you are serious about implementing CGI programs you better check the OS capabilities of your web server first.  For starters, does it offer cgi-bin?  If no, then your solution is to see if your web hosting provider has an upgraded package that does, or you may need to go search for a new web host with adequate servers and software.

Also, is the language you are going to use in the correct version supported by your server?  If no you may have to up the ante on the CGI end by upgrading your program or then again switch servers.

Other factors to consider with CGI web hosting are the how much traffic you predict, the complexity of your requests, efficiency of request processing required, budget, and the specific details of the application.

FREE.  That’s a word that tends to catch our attention, but it’s also a word that tends to invoke its fair share of trepidation as well.  In the case of free web hosting your reaction should be consistent with the interested but cautious consumer if you want to get something worth your time and consideration. 
 
An Internet search of free web hosts will turn up pages of results.  It’s an overwhelming prospect to narrow down the field and to know exactly what is a deal breaker.  However, there are a few core characteristics that separate the dependable and useful from the shady and restrictive web hosts.
 
So, the biggest pro of free web hosting is obviously the free part.  With that killer deal comes limitations – storage space, bandwidth, technical support, reliability, control over advertising and copyrights.  Some of these limitations won’t be hard to live with or might never be an issue.  For example, some free web hosts offer no promises in their terms of termination, meaning they could literally be gone over night and your site with it.  Still, if you check site ratings, find a reputable host, and can sleep at night even with the possibility of an unlikely closure, then free makes up for the worst case scenario.
 
There are other limitations you should not disregard as easily, mainly those concerning capacity for storage and bandwidth.  If you’re asked to be satisfied with small amounts of storage space for all your uploading and downloading needs or if your site will use memory monsters like image files, then keep looking or get ready to pay for what you really need.  There are sites out there that will offer unlimited capacity and if that’s your main selling point then begin your comparisons with those hosts.
 
Another huge factor is character and control.  Check out web host reviews, read up on blogs, research customer feed back and ratings, and go with the good guys.  Even in the face of more tempting offers, choose the web host whose current customers are happy.  Typical complaints and little warnings flags to be aware of when combing reviews include hosts who legally hijack the content of your web site to use or modify for their own purposes.  Look for web hosts who give you sole ownership of content or at the least permission based usage of your content.  By the same token, understand what your site will be party to in terms of their advertising and what if any types of banners, pop-ups, and links will be added to your web site.
 
Also look for a web host who offers at least limited support for free web hosting accounts and has a handle on the types of files and software compatibility the free web hosts can offer.

I have found the following free web hosting providers to be reliable and they are a good choice for anyone looking for free web hosting:

20m.com
150m.com
Stormloader.com
Stormpages.com
free-web-space-inc.com

Just Host is a web hosting provider that has fairly recently exploded onto the scene in the world of web hosting. Just Host seems to have figured out what webmasters, business owners, and individuals searching for a web host are looking for – a great hosting plan with tons of features, unbeatable customer service, and a down right cheap price. And Just Host is delivering all of these to their customers.

Just Host offers a straight forward hosting plan that includes unlimited disk space, unlimited monthly bandwidth, and unlimited email accounts. Additionally, Just Host’s plan allows you to host unlimited domains on one account. Hosting multiple domains on one account is a great bonus for anyone who manages multiple web sites since this can save you a significant amount of pocket change. And for all the techies out there who might be reading this, Just Host’s plan also includes the following features:

Free Domain
Free Site Builder with Templates
Free eCommerce Shopping Carts
Unlimited MySQL Databases
cPanel Control Panel
Frontpage 2000/2002 Extensions  
FTP Access
Unlimited Additional FTP Accounts 
Override .htaccess Support  
Anonymous FTP  
Webmail
Log Files + Site Stats 
Customizable Error Pages  
Web File Manager 
Custom Cronjobs
Free $25 Google Ad Credits
Free $25 Yahoo Ad Credits

Just Host has established themselves as one of the most reliable web hosting providers, and that is primarily due to their high level of 24/7 customer support. Just Host offers professional phone support, an email support ticket system, an online knowledge base, as well as one of the most comprehensive offerings of video tutorials offered by any web host. Just Host’s technical support staff is friendly, fast, and very knowledgeable in helping you resolve any issue you may encounter.

And the best thing about Just Host is that they offer all I’ve mentioned above at the unbeatable price of $3.95 per month with their current promotion. They have figured out that most of us looking for a web host are price sensitive and we want cheap web hosting. And Just Host has come through with one of the lowest prices available for a shared hosting plan. Furthermore, they back their plan up with a no questions asked money back guarantee. If for any reason you are not happy with their plan or service, Just Host will refund you the pro-rated balance of what you paid.

With a feature rich plan, professional 24/7 customer support, and great pricing with a money back guarantee, Just Host is delivering exactly what most of us are looking for in a web host. I give them my highest recommendation and encourage you to check them out and give them a try.