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How to choose a hosting service
First, identify your needs. Do you need a secure server,
CGI-bin access, Front Page extensions, streaming audio
or video, database access, or other specific capabilities?
How much server space and data transfer will you need?
What are your email needs - autoresponders, redirects,
number of boxes. How much are you willing to pay? Are
upgrades in service available in case site requirements
change?
Next, I make a list of wants. Things such as domain
name registration, usage statistics, access to raw log
files, online documentation, online account access,
24/7 technical support, and a money back guarantee.
Then comes what is perhaps the most important step....
Look before you leap
How can you tell if a hosting company is likely to be
reliable and responsive? Do some research. Ask around
on newsgroups or list groups and check the Hosting Experiences
folder in the Web Design Forum.
After your site is located on a server, it never hurts
to keep an eye on it. You may become aware of a problem
before it can cause damage. NetMechanic has a Server
Check service that monitors your Web server 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week, sends you regular performance
summaries, and alerts you when your server is down.
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