Web Hosting Assist

Everything you need to know about choosing a web host.

We're not here to sell you a web site hosting package. Nor a domain name. We do not run, nor are we affiliated with, any web hosts.

Rather, we'd like to present as much information as we possibly can about how web hosting works, how to choose a web host service, and whatever other goodies we can conjure up along the way.

To your right, you'll find the contents of this website divided into categories. Clicking a category will, in a modern browser, display an abundance of web hosting information; otherwise, use the navigation at the bottom of each page.

This website is by no means complete. But after many months of torturous writing we felt it best to release it now in its unfinished state, rather than let it sprawl indefinitely and never be quite finished. This means, also, that we'd love your contribution: if you find a mistake we've made (likely), something important we've omitted (also likely), or feel you could write a new section for the website; we'd love to hear from you!

Web hosting in a nutshell

A web host is, in its simplest form, a computer that is always connected to the internet. This lets others access its files at any time. With luck, this computer will be merely one of many, it will be more stable than a horse's bed, and its connection to the internet will be very, very fast. You pay the web host for the privelage of storing your website in their computer (the server), and the amount you pay will be dictated by the amount of bandwidth you are allocated, how much disk space you're allowed to use, and the general quality of the web host.

The domain name—that www.thingummy.com you type into your browser—is a separate issue, and is purchased from a domain registrar. This may just happen to be the same company from whom you are purchasing web hosting services, or your web host may be a reseller for one, but the distinction is important. You should ensure you have control over the domain name purchasing process, because you'll want to make certain you are in fact listed as the owner of the domain name.

Armed with the basic knowledge of what a web host is and how it can help you, please peruse the information on our website and feel comfortable knowing you are capable of making a more informed decision about your next web hosting company.