Beginner's Guide

-What is web hosting?

-Choosing a domain hosting company

-Should I use my domain registrar as my web host?

-Help desks and support forums


Types of Hosting

-Shared or Virtual Hosting

-Dedicated Hosting

-Virtual Dedicated Hosting

-Reseller Hosting


Hosting Q&A

-Which is the best host?

-Can I host my own site?

-What about free hosting?

Can I host my own site?

Hosting Questions and Answers

Theoretically, yes, but you shouldn't.

Most ISPs (your cable modem or DSL company), have policies against this. So first of all you would be violating your terms of service with them if you hosted a web site over that connection.

Second, you most likely do not have a static IP address. This means that your computer isn't always at the same location on the web all the time, which is a requirement for web hosting.

Third, while your connection may seem fast, it isn't terribly so when compared to that of web hosting companies. Your web site performance would likely be dismal.

Fourth, setting up the software to host a site is not a trivial task, plus, you put all the files on your computer at risk when doing so. If someone hacks into your website while its on your computer, all your files could be exposed.

For any one of those reasons, and certainly all of those together you should go with a hosting company instead of trying to host yourself.

Plus, a shared hosting service is only a few dollars per month. Take a look at these hosting plans which will open in a new window or read on for more questions and answers about hosting.


Hostgator - Unlimited Domain Hosting Only $9.95 a Month

80,000+ happy customers. Free shopping cart, free domain reg. 24/7 live toll-free support. Plans for any size business.  - IX Web Hosting

Easy Web Hosting $6.95  - Bluehost

Reliable web hosting from Yahoo! Web Hosting - 35% off for a limited time!

GoDaddy.com Hosting Plans

350GB storage & 2500GB transfer for only $6.95 - Lunarpages

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Bluehost Web Hosting $6.95


350GB and 3500GB for $6.95 a month!


GoDaddy.com Hosting & Servers