Best Web Hosting Sites - How to Compare and Select a Web Host

Consider these things when comparing Web hosting companies to find the best host for your site.

- Which operating system do you require?

- Which control panel do you prefer?

- Which type of hosting is best for you?

What kind of technical support might you need?

- The location and the connection to the Internet of the server

- Past and current customers satisfied with a host

Operating Systems

Linux and Windows are the most popular operating systems for Web server. The most popular Linux Web servers run Apache for the Web server, MySQL databases, PHP and Perl programming languages. You can find many scripts and applications for Linux Web servers. A Windows-based server is recommended if you are looking to use ASP pages, or if you want to use Microsoft SQL Server as a database instead of MySQL Website Hosting Services.

Control Panels

Many of the top Web hosting companies will offer a control panel that allows you to manage your account. You can view web site statistics and administer databases easily. You can also check server status and manage your email accounts. Web site updates and access are also possible.

Unless you are looking for a different control panel, cPanel will be your best option. It is the most widely used and is considered the easiest to use by many Webmasters. cPanel is an option on most of the top web hosting websites.

Types Of Hosting

There are many types of hosting available:

- Shared Hosting

Reseller Hosting

- Virtual dedicated hosting (a.k.a. virtual private servers)

Dedicated Hosting, and

- Colocation

Many of the top web hosting companies will offer all or some of these hosting options, so it is important to choose what suits you best.

Shared hosting is best if you only need to host one domain. Shared web hosting allows you to share server space and other resources with multiple websites.

Although you can host multiple domains from a shared hosting account you might not be able to host them all. Reseller hosting is better if you have multiple domains or wish to resell Web Hosting. Reseller hosting, which is usually shared hosting, has more resources and a control panel that allows you to configure additional domains.

A dedicated server is necessary if you have a large server resource or bandwidth requirement. A dedicated server means that you don't have to share server resources. Only your domains will be hosted on the dedicated Web server. You can also access the server as an administrator or root user to gain full control.

A virtual dedicated server is also an option. Virtual dedicated servers are similar to shared hosting, except that multiple users can use the server at once. However, each user has a guaranteed share of server resources. Your Web sites should not be affected by a busy user.

Colocation is an option if you prefer to have your own server hardware. Colocation allows you to own your server hardware and the Web host provides the rack space, bandwidth and network connectivity.

Technical Support

Reseller hosting or shared hosting usually means that your Web host will be responsible for managing your server, installing software and applying security updates.

A Web server can be managed by either dedicated or virtual dedicated hosting. The most common type of hosting is unmanaged. This means you are responsible to maintain the server, upgrade it, and patch it. Hardware support, such as new boards or drives, can be outsourced. Managed support is when the Web host or a third-party management service will manage the server partially or entirely.

Technical support is provided by different hosts in different ways. Some hosts require you to email your issue, others have a support ticket system and some offer a toll free phone number. Not all Web hosting companies offer phone support, even the most reputable. If your site goes down, it is possible to call a human being and speak with them.

Different hosts may offer different Service Level Agreements (SLA) Some provide uptime guarantees. Some support issues are guaranteed to be resolved within a reasonable time.

Server Locatio and Network Connectivity

Make sure you consider the physical location and network details of the server. Some servers could be found in someone's basement. Web hosting companies that offer the best services locate their servers in professional data centers, which have dedicated support staff and redundant Internet connections.

Customer Feedback

Now you should have a short list of the top Web hosting websites for your needs. Before you make your final decision, do a Web search to find complaints from past customers. Although your list might only contain the top web hosting sites, a few hours of surfing forums and asking questions could uncover some surprising answers that could save you many years of frustration.