3 Things You Should Know About Web Hosting

3 Things You Should Know About Web Hosting

For your site to be visible online you need to host it. While plenty has been said about web hosting, studies show that few people know about the hosting plans. To help you out here is what you need to know about the issue:

No two hosting companies are the same

Different companies offer different services and hosting plans. They also charge different prices for their plans. When you are searching for a hosting company for your site you should take your time to find the one that will provide you with the service that you are looking for. 

Your choice should be informed by the type of content that you will use on your site and the amount of traffic that you expect to get. If you are going to use videos and expect hundreds of thousands of people to visit your site every month, you should go with a large hosting plan.

Good website hosting isn't always expensive

In most cases, you get what you pay for. This isn't always the case with web hosting. Sometimes, the different hosting companies behave like sunglasses companies that inflate their prices so that the consumer can pay for the name or brand. 

Most of the popular hosting companies charge extremely high prices for their services but their services aren't any better.

It's good to work with popular and established companies but if you don't have a lot of money you shouldn't stress yourself over it as there are many cheaper companies that are equally good (if not better) than the established brands. 

You should take your time to find the features offered in the cheaper options and go with the company offering the best services at affordable prices.

Free hosting isn't the best

Humans love free things but you shouldn't go that way when it comes to web hosting. Since the company is providing a free service, it's rare that it will have a support team ready to help you with your problems. This puts you in distress in the event you encounter a problem with your web hosting company. It's also rare that a free hosting company will have a community where you can find answers to your questions and share your experiences.

To be on the safe side, you should go for the paid versions. As mentioned, you don't have to go for the high-end hosting plans. There are many great cheap hosting plans that you can go with.

Easy Tips and Tricks to Follow While Choosing Your Domain Name

Easy Tips and Tricks to Follow While Choosing Your Domain Name

 If you are considering to start your own website, then choosing a perfect domain name for it is a vital task. There are many web hosting companies offering great choices that can make your task easy, but selecting the best one that suits your business is the one thing that you should do. 

But the question is how can you select the right domain name and its extension. If you get it wrong, then it can of course be a hassle to switch later on without affecting your search rankings and brand. This is why it is extremely important to choose the best domain name and get registered.

Here in this article, we will discuss some of the most important tips for selecting the best domain name. Since having the right address can make a big difference, similarly your domain is the first impression that your visitors have when they see your content, branding and layout.

The extension: While choosing your domain name, you have the choice to register with hundreds of top level domain extensions:

• TLDs: The top level domains include the.com, .net, .int, .gov, .edu, .org and etc. among all of these only some of them are available for general purpose use, and.com is by far the most important and best one.

• ccTLDs: this include many country code top level domains that include.au (Australia), .cn (China), .in (India), .jp (Japan), .ph (Philippines), and .UK (United Kingdom).

• gTLDs: there are also specific generic top level domains, but their use are not yet very popular and this includes.accountants, .agency, .city, . digital, .photography and.social.

Choose words that are short and easy to type: Lengthy words in the domain names can be difficult to remember as well as type. In the world of ultrafast internet, if your customer slows down due to typing and frequently misspelled words, then they will surely lose patience and go somewhere else.

Avoid cute names and abbreviations: Don't use shorteners like 2U or 4U in your domains. Since they look unprofessional and are also hard to remember, your visitors will find it difficult. Look for domain names that visitors can easily recall and it also reflects your company's brand message.

Don't choose words with double meaning: There are many organizations that have bought domain names from web hosting companies without even realizing that if the space or any capital letter is removed it becomes inappropriate. 

It may also happen that the result is just the opposite of what your company portrays. So, make sure that the domain doesn't hamper your business's brand name.

Use keywords: Business owners are aware that it is important to use keywords on the web pages and posts to optimize them for the search engines. It is a good idea to use keywords in the domain name also as this will help the search engines to discover your website's relevance and readers will also get an idea about the site.

Avoid using hyphens or numbers: It is good it avoid both hyphens and numbers in your domain name. Since they can really be a burden to type and creates a lot of confusion, it is better not to use. A hyphen should only be used to prevent your domain from sounding inappropriate. 

With numbers also, it is difficult to remember and often people may type the wrong number and get irritated when the URL doesn't work.

Avoid trademark problems: Once you have decided on the name of your site, ensure that you are not violating another company's trademark.

 To check, you can do a search before registering as it could kill a great website because of your action. And in case if you need to include some big product name, then review their terms and conditions as most of them do not allow their name to be a part of anyone's domain.

Domain names sell very fast and thankfully they are usually inexpensive. Your web hosting service provider may offer you suggestions and help you to find the perfect name that reflects your brand.

Changing Your Web Hosting Provider - What You Need to Do

Changing Your Web Hosting Provider - What You Need to Do

There are different reasons why some individuals or businesses want to switch to another web hosting provider. It could be because they need more storage space or greater bandwidth, or perhaps, they are not satisfied with the customer service.

Some say that it is easier said than done. While changing to a new web host could sound like a daunting task, it does not have to be complicated. There are only some things you need to remember:

Keep your existing account open

You are advised to keep your existing web hosting account open until the transition process has been completed (this includes email setup and creation, file transfer, new account setup, DNS modification and propagation). This way, you can make sure that your domain and website accounts continue to run during transition.

Opt for a new host that suits you best

Consider the following:

Operating Systems (Windows or Linux) - It really depends on the technologies that your website needs. For instance, when your website requires Microsoft-specific technologies like ASP, MS ACCESS or MSSQL, you need to go for a web hosting plan with a Windows-platform.

Disk space and bandwidth requirements

Create a copy of your former website by downloading old account files

It is ideal to download files in the same tree structure where you want to upload it. Search for the files or chmod permissions you want to set on any file or folder. This is quite an easy task, which can be done with FTP.

A number of free web hosting companies, though, do not provide FTP access. This is particularly true when you are using a Flash/drag-and-drop website creation service for free.

In this case, you cannot download your present web files, and you need to recreate new web files. Try to find out if your new company provides a free website creator.

To avoid facing the same problem later on, you have to make sure that your new company provides FTP access.

Setup the same email addresses

To make sure that emails are received, you need to retain the same email addresses, email aliases plus forwarders.

DNS changes plus propagation

When your web files have been uploaded to the new web hosting server and email accounts have been recreated, the necessary DNS changes can be made.

You usually receive your DNS the moment you have signed up with your new web hosting company. Your new DNS settings will replace your existing one, which is often done by means of your domain management panel or domain registrar.

It will take 24 to 48 hours to propagate the new DNS, so in the meantime, your old web hosting provider will manage your website and email. For this reason, the last thing you should do is to cancel your old service.

Cancel your former account

When your new account is activated, and your website as well as your email services at your web hosting company are functioning, it is the time to cancel your old account.

How To Secure Your Dedicated Server From Common Threats

How To Secure Your Dedicated Server From Common Threats

Security concerns now crop up in all areas of life especially as the number breaches continue to rise. Even if you have a dedicated server, you cannot be sure that your data is secure enough. 

Breaching risks are always eminent but with the right security precautions you can manage to enhance the security of your dedicated server and maintain it at that. Some of the most common security vulnerabilities suffered by dedicated servers include

Password breaches. Even though most business choose the servers because their tight controlled security, hackers still manage to come up with advanced tricks to damage or destroy data in your hosting account.

Malware risks are the other threats considering that installing applications on the servers is easy. Malwares are able to copy even your most confidential and sensitive databases putting your business at risk.

Denial of service or DoS attacks can also make your server fail or render it unavailable through traffic overwhelms. It is very possible for malicious computers to work in unity to waste hardware resources through traffic flooding this damaging the experience your legitimate customers get.

Looking at these vulnerabilities you could end up thinking that there is really no way of securing your server but indeed there is something you can do to tighten the security of your dedicated server. Some of the simplest but very effective ways of securing your server include the following.

Executing a password policy that is vigorous

You should start by making sure that you change the passwords as soon as you acquire new server. Having the set default password running increases your risks. 

After changing the passwords, you should also put in measures to keep it protected like using a random combination of numbers, symbols and case sensitive letters to create passwords. 

Words directly linked to your identity should be avoided and password changes done on a regular basis.

Scanning and testing on a regular basis

A dedicated server is more secure but you should be on toes as far as security goes. A hosting provider offering ongoing scanning and tests for vulnerability is likely to save you from attacks. 

You on the other hand should also check unexpected behaviors and test software on isolated secure devices before you upload on your website.

Maintaining your databases

It is one of the most important things you need to be doing even if you have a dedicated server working for you. Protect your databases from SQL injection especially when collecting sensitive client information. 

You can also enhance security by minimizing privileges database users have and deleting data that is no longer needed or is unwanted. Interactions between customers and your database should also be avoided if not necessary.

Updating software on a regular basis

Outdated software is the last thing you should have on dedicated servers. This is because it lacks security patches, protection and updates needed for safekeeping of your information.

 Ensure therefore that you install new versions of your dedicated server software whenever available and use security scans that are reliable to stay protected and updated.

7 Types Of Web Hosting Services

7 Types Of Web Hosting Services

Web hosting service allows corporations or individuals to make their websites accessible to the masses through the World Wide Web. A web host is a company that provides a particular portion of the space on its private or lease server to be used by the clients. It also typically provides internet connectivity in the form of data center. Generally, a web host provides a wide range of services including small-scale personal file hosting to a giant business-scale websites. There are several types of services for web hosting available, including:

1. Free hosting 

This type of web hosting offers very limited features and options and is mostly supported by advertisements. This service is ideal for personal, non-commercial websites.

2. Shared web hosting 

In this service, one server is used by more than one websites. One server can be used for up to hundreds of thousands of websites. Usually, the domains share the shame pool of server resources such as the RAM and the CPU. Shared hosting service generally provides extensive features and may be hosted with a reseller.

3. Reseller web hosting 

With this kind of service, the clients can be the host of their own websites by affiliating to the reseller. Resellers probably have their very own personal virtual dedicated server to a colocated server.

4. Virtual Dedicated Server or Virtual Private Server (VPS) 

This server divides the server resources into virtual servers. A Virtual Private Server is made for some reason such as in order to be able to move a VPS container between servers. Although high in portability, users still hold the root access to their own virtual space. Often they are also having the responsibility for the server maintenance and patching.

5. Dedicated hosting 

Dedicated hosting service allows a client to have his or her own web server. The user also has full control of it by gaining root access for Linux operating system or administrator access for Windows operating system. Nevertheless, commonly the client does not own the server.

6. Managed hosting 

Although clients are able to manage their data through FTP, they are not given the access to Linux or Windows administrators. By not allowing the clients to modify the server, the provider can guarantee the quality of the web service. Server is also leased to the client in this service.

7. Colocation web hosting 

This service is almost the same as dedicated hosting service, except that the user owns the colocated server. Hosting company provides server space for the client and maintains the server as well. This type is the most effective hosting service yet the most expensive of all types.

What Type of Hosting Do You Need?

Web hosting service allows corporations or individuals to make their websites accessible to the masses through the World Wide Web. 

A web host is a company that provides a particular portion of the space on its private or lease server to be used by the clients. It also typically provides internet connectivity in the form of data center. 

Generally, a web host provides a wide range of services including small-scale personal file hosting to a giant business-scale websites. There are several types of services for web hosting available, including:

1. Free hosting 
This type of web hosting offers very limited features and options and is mostly supported by advertisements. This service is ideal for personal, non-commercial websites.

2. Shared web hosting 
In this service, one server is used by more than one websites. One server can be used for up to hundreds of thousands of websites. Usually, the domains share the shame pool of server resources such as the RAM and the CPU. Shared hosting service generally provides extensive features and may be hosted with a reseller.

3. Reseller web hosting 
With this kind of service, the clients can be the host of their own websites by affiliating to the reseller. Resellers probably have their very own personal virtual dedicated server to a colocated server.

4. Virtual Dedicated Server or Virtual Private Server (VPS) 
This server divides the server resources into virtual servers. A Virtual Private Server is made for some reason such as in order to be able to move a VPS container between servers. 

Although high in portability, users still hold the root access to their own virtual space. Often they are also having the responsibility for the server maintenance and patching.

5. Dedicated hosting 
Dedicated hosting service allows a client to have his or her own web server. The user also has full control of it by gaining root access for Linux operating system or administrator access for Windows operating system. Nevertheless, commonly the client does not own the server.

6. Managed hosting 
Although clients are able to manage their data through FTP, they are not given the access to Linux or Windows administrators. By not allowing the clients to modify the server, the provider can guarantee the quality of the web service. Server is also leased to the client in this service.

7. Colocation web hosting 

This service is almost the same as dedicated hosting service, except that the user owns the colocated server. Hosting company provides server space for the client and maintains the server as well. This type is the most effective hosting service yet the most expensive of all types.