What Makes For A Good Host?
By Richard Lowe2005-09-19
Good stuff to have if you need it
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Custom CGI scripts - If you are paying for a host, then you should make sure you can install your own CGI scripts. This is not important, of course, if you don't plan on including any of your own scripts.
PERL Support - If you use PERL routines, then this is essential. Again, this is not absolutely necessary if you are not using PERL.
SSI Support - Server Side Includes are a very nice way to make it easy to make changes to your web pages. Again, you either need it or you don't.
PHP Support - PHP is a great server-side scripting language (far superior to ASP). If you can get it on a host (and most paid hosts support PHP) then you are doing well.
MySQL Support - MySQL is database tool. This allows you to get input from visitors, store it on your web site and allow your visitors to retrieve it later.
Unlimited autoresponders - I think most web hosts offer unlimited autoresponders with the feeling that they will not be used much. They always seem surprised to find that I've used them at all. Autoresponders are a great way to automate your web site, so it's a good idea to get them. If your host doesn't offer them and you wind up needing them, then you will need to purchase them from somewhere else.
Direct access to server logs - You can get along without accessing server logs, but it sure makes it easier to tell how you site is doing.
Upload from the control panel in addition to FTP access - I almost always use FTP access to upload (and download) files from my site. However, there odd occasions when I've used the control panel upload. Not essential, but nice to be able to use once in a while.
SSL Support - This is needed if you want to run secure web pages from your site.
Subdomains - A subdomain is a domain in the format of subdomain.domain. For example, wallpapers.internet-tips.net is a subdomain. These are very useful for separating functional areas of your site. A good web host will allow you to have as many of these on your site as you want.
FrontPage Support - Well, if you use FrontPage then you will obviously need to be able to upload pages. Personally, I would just as soon use FTP, as it's usually faster and better, even when using FrontPage for site development.
Article Pages:
» What Makes For A Good Host?
» Essential Qualities
» Good stuff to have if you need it
» Not incredibly useful to most people
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» Points to Consider For Shifting to Dedicated Servers
» How to Get the Ultimate Web Hosting Deal
» Essential Ingredients of Every Linux Hosting Plan
» Backing up Your Website With Cpanel
» Make The Move To Multiple Domain Hosting
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» Dedicated Server Hosting - The Features and Benefits of Using Dedicated Servers
» Checkouts & Security: Your Web Host is Key
» Web Hosting Control Panel Options