When you’re building a website, choosing a hosting provider will be one of the first and most consequential decisions you’ll make. The host is the server that the website’s data will physically be located on. That means their connection to the internet will be your website’s connection to the world.
This also means that, no matter how good your content or marketing strategy is, you’ll be constrained by the processing capacity of the web host’s computers, as well as the latency and bandwidth of their internet backbone connection. As such, the performance of your website will rely on the performance that your web hosting can provide.
We are constantly adding to and updating the following resources list so that we can bring you the latest news for your web building projects.
Hosting Resources
If you’re new to web publishing, selecting a good host can be a difficult and intimidating process. We are providing and maintaining the following references for those who are new to the concepts and choices linked to website hosting services.
Hosting Guides
Web hosting guides seek to inform the reader about the technical aspects of web hosting. This may include topics such as how computers process the information stored on them and how they deliver that information to the end user.
Guides may also be designed to help the user navigate and utilize the administrative control panel in their web hosting account. Each provider is likely to provide their own documentation pertaining to the use of their systems. Open systems such as a LAMP stack will also have open references available. There are also many communities dedicated to providing assistance with troubleshooting.
Hosting Forums
Forums are another great asset for web publishers who are seeking information. Reading and reviewing the discussions, as well as asking questions, can provide insights to others’ experiences. The more you become involved, the more you will learn!
- WebHostingTalk.com – probably the best discussion forums related to web hosting on the internet today. Topics include a lot of technical discussion and there is a low tolerance for marketing or ads. There is, however, a lot of great information to be learned here.
- HostingDiscussion .com– a little bit more lighthearted discussion with broader technology topics. Still a lot of great information here about web hosting.
- WebHostingDiscussion.net – is a little more open to advertising and promotional posts. Just be mindful to put them in the proper categories! There are also sections for other common aspects of the web business, such as WordPress, PHP, SEO, etc…
Hosting Coupons
It is also a good idea to look for a good value in your hosting plan. Prices tend to be competitive, so many companies offer periodic sales, promotions, and coupons to help attract new customers. These coupons typically provide a low introductory rate or some upgrade or bonus to the hosting plan.
Hosting Reviews
By far, the best way to learn about hosting companies is to hear the experience of their customers. Find reviews that share thoughts from people who have used different brands. Focus specifically on users who have similar outlooks and goals to your own. Remember: one user’s favorite feature can be another user’s biggest frustration!