Windows web hosting, is it right for you?
Before debating windows web hosting and its pros and cons, let's go over some of the basics about hosting a website.
There are thousands of places for you to host your website. Some provide linux web hosting, some provide unix web hosting, and some provide linux web hosting. Most provide a combination of the three, with unix being the least available.
Let's assume that you have decided to host your site on a windows server. Maybe because you plan to have .aspx pages, which require a windows hosting server. Now we have some other factors to evaluate.
- Bandwidth
- Storage
- Uptime
- Support
- Cost
Bandwidth
Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transferred to and from your website. This term is used regardless of whether you are using a windows web hosting package or not. Obviously, the higher the bandwidth the better. This will allow you to have many images, videos and audio on your site. Generally, they take up quite a bit of space and bandwidth.
If for any reason you see that you are constantly going above your bandwidth allocation you can ask your hosting company to provide you with more, for a price of course.
Storage
A web site is nothing more than a compilation of many files that exist on a computer. It's no different than the files that exist on your computer except for the fact that they are used in conjunction with each other to create a web page. The more storage your windows web hosting service provides, the more files you can store. Generally speaking you will never run out of space on your web server. But, just like bandwidth, you can purchase more from your hosting company.
Uptime
Wheter you use a linux web host, unix web host, or windows web host, it is important that your site be up and available at all times. Most hosting companies provide an uptime of 99% or more. Be sure to do your research because uptime is your blood line.
Support
In the cases when your website is giving you trouble or is down completely, it is important that you can reach a tech support person to help with your problems. I can not stress this enough. Many hosting companies do not offer phone support, and you should stay away from them at all costs.
Costs
Last, but not least, you should compare costs of hosting companies. Windows web hosting packages are usually slightly more expensive then the linux and unix options, but it offers benefits that warrant that cost.
All web hosting providers will offer other features like email addresses, and ftp accounts and MySQL databases. However, different providers will offer different amounts of each of these features. So, if you know you need unlimited email addresses, be sure to find a windows web hosting solution that provides that.
Also, there are a significant amount of add ons that can come with a hosting account. Things like a CMS or a list manager to name a few. Be sure to look around and make sure that you are offered all the components you are going to need to create the web site of your dreams.
So, best of luck in your search for the perfect windows web hosting provider.
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