Choosing a Web Site Host - January 2002
By Kelly Embleton

Once you have created a Web site, whether it is a personal site or a business site, you will want to put it on the World Wide Web, right? But where? In order to post your site on the Internet you need a Web Server and unless you have your own you will need a Web host. A Web host is a company that stores your Web site on their servers. Your Web host needs to provide everything your site needs and will need, at an affordable rate.

There are two main types of Web hosts. One is a free Web host - a company who offers free space on their servers to post your pages, and they are usually used for personal Web sites. The second type of Web host is a commercial web host - a company who charges you for Web space on their servers where you can post your pages, and they are usually used for business and professional Web sites.

Most people think that you need to get your Internet access and Web space from the same company. Most Internet Providers offer web hosting but your site does not have to be hosted by your provider. Shop around at different providers and host companies to find the features you need at a competitive price.

Depending on what type of web host you are looking for, there are some main things to look for and be aware of.

Choosing a Free Web Host

Advertising
The main drawback to free hosts is that you will most likely have to display their advertisement banner on your site, or an advertising pop up window appears ever time a page is loaded. This is done to cover the costs of providing your site with free Web space.

Your Files
A very important issue is the host's method of creating/uploading a site. Now, many of the hosts offer templates and user-friendly methods for creating and uploading files for your site. If you do not have any HTML or design experience, this is the way to go.

Amount of Space
Make sure that the host offers an account that will provide you with enough space for your site. Your need for space will vary depending on how many and how large your graphics are, whether you have audio or video on your site, any large databases, etc.

Reliability and Speed
This is another important factor. Make sure that your site won't experience long amounts of down time and slow loading when visitors try to access your pages.

Choosing a Commercial Web Host

Reliability and Speed
A site that is frequently down or slow will always lose visitors. Make sure your host has a fast connection to the Internet (T-3 lines are a must) and guarantees a minimum of 99% uptime.

Space
Be sure that your hosting package allows you enough space for your site. If you have a large Web site or many Web sites that have numerous pages, images, audio files, video files, animation, databases or scripts be sure to have at least 100 MG of space. The same goes for bandwidth.

Technical and Customer Support
I cannot stress enough how important this issue is. Make sure that its technical support functions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Test them out by seeing how long it takes them to respond to emails, call the tech support line on weekends, late at night, etc.

Feature
Look for a host that provides features for your site such as a CGI-BIN for scripts, SSI, a secure server for secure items or online orders, FTP access, POP email accounts, a Control Panel where you can view you account stats, Telnet etc.

Price
Cheaper is not always better. There are many companies that seem competitive and offer unbelievable prices but cannot live up to their guarantees. Be wary of deals that seem to good to be true. Make sure that your host has a lengthy and reputable track record. You may want to ask for a few of their clients and check their references.

Resources

• Fresh, current, recently recorded music is what you'll find NMC (New Music Canada). Independent bands, underground DJs, and just-about-to-be-discovered artists make up the eclectic sound mix on NMC. Check it out at www.newmusiccanada.com.
• If you are a Webmaster who is looking for a new site to visit for Webmaster resources, free webmaster stuff, affiliate programs, plug-in web content, Web site promotion, web software, web hosting and more, check out Webmaster-Pro at www.webmaster-pro.com.
• For complete information on Canadian Music Week 2002, happening in Toronto on March 7-10, 2001, visit www.cmw.net. The site provides information on festival venues, hotels & travel, conferences, registration, exhibitors, awards and more.
• Looking for free guitar tabs? Check out the Guitar Tablature Archive. You can find classic rock tabs, metal tabs, indie tabs, alternative tabs and more! The site also supplies tab resources, books and help files. Get your free guitar tabs at www.mytablature.com.
• The Music Industry Career Center, located at www.music-careers.com, is a free service for music industry professionals. The site is divided into two sections - Job Seekers and Employers. Job Seekers can view and search the job postings as well as create, edit or delete a resume. Employers can view and search posted resumes, create a job posting and edit or delete job postings.
• Music Books Plus has greatly expanded their catalogue and now features online over 4,500 books, videos and CD-ROMs on music, recording, audio, songwriting, MIDI, multimedia and the Internet. You can join the electronic newsletter or request a printed catalogue online at www.musicbooksplus.com.
• Norris-Whitney Communications operates The Music & Audio Connection, the international on-line resource for music enthusiasts, musicians, music and audio professionals. Included are classified ads, products for sale, company showcases, discussion forums, associations, music education, music & audio resources, career information and file libraries. New additions are the Calendar Plus personal information systems and Music News, updated daily. Updates to the site are available by electronic newsletter. Visit at musicandaudio.com. For more information, e-mail to [email protected], Fax (905) 641-1648 or call (905) 641-3471.