Web Hosting Glossary

Choosing a web host can be a confusing and even daunting task if you’re not familiar with the terminology of the Web Hosting arena.

Here’s a Web Hosting Glossary to Help You Navigate

MB refers to the amount of storage space your whole website will be allowed to take up on the server. It is simply a good practice in terms of usability to make all of your files as small as possible before uploading, so most websites do not need a huge amount of storage space.

However, if you intend to post alot of photos, graphics or audio/video and other types of media files, and grow your website to thousands of pages, you will want more storage space down the road.

Get the best deal you can for the most space now from any prospective web hosting provider.

GB Bandwidth or data transfer basically refers to traffic capacity, and depends on how large your website is, how long it takes your pages to load, and how popular the site is or will become.

Be sure to take into account the possibility that special campaigns, promotional efforts or even unanticipated world events related to your website focus may cause huge fluctuations in the amount of bandwidth you might need at a given time. Discuss this with web hosts you’re considering and get their feedback.

POP Accounts refers to email accounts.
Choose a number that will allow for growth of your organization and staff.

Databases – you only need one. MySQL and Postgress are among the more popular on offer.

FTP refers to ‘file transfer protocol’, basically a way of transferring files (your web pages, other documents, graphics) from your PC onto your website, at which point they are ‘live’ and available to the world for viewing.

Acceptable Scripting Languages – be on the safe side for the long term and ensure that their list is as comprehensive as possible.

At a minimum, ensure that the web design software or language you or your web developer plan to use is on the list. You should discuss scripting language(s) with your web developer before any design or development work begins.

24/7 Support
Even if you have strong technical skills, remember that this promise of service is part of what you are paying for in your web hosting package, and you will want to ensure that it is reliable and accessible.

Check the web host’s online technical support pages, faq’s and knowledge base pages for an indication of their level and comprehensiveness.

Do they include telephone support as well as online support, or will you pay for phonecalls?
Do they encourage (expect) you to find your answers on a user’s forum before contacting them?

Navigating through technical trouble-shooting, even for a techie, can be extremely time-consuming – your and your staff’s time costs money, so ensure you will receive the technical support you are already paying for in your web hosting package.