What is “Domain” and “Hosting”?

Before your web site can be live for the world to see, it will need a unique name. The domain name you choose, will need to point to the location where your actual web pages are hosted. To apply for a domain name, or to see if one you are interested in using is available, try any of the following web sites:

www.register.com
www.networksolutions.com
www.register4less.com

Hosting—A web hosting service is a type of Internet hosting service that allows individuals and organizations to make their own web sites accessible via the World Wide Web. Web hosts are companies that provide space on a server they own for use by their clients, as well as, providing Internet connectivity, typically in a data center. The host may also provide a Web interface control panel (e.g. cPanel, Hosting Controller, or Plesk) for managing the Web server and installing scripts, as well as, other services like e-mail.

There are thousands of web hosting companies, look for ones that will give you 24/7 support. What services you need will determine what hosting company you choose. Below are a few questions to begin thinking about:

•  what is your monthly budget to maintain your site?
•  will the web site be personal or business related?
•  how many email addresses will you need?
•  are ecommerce services needed, a shopping cart or merchant account?
•  are there any special requirements, such as the ability to run CGI scripts?
•  do you want your own domain name?
•  how much disk space will you need?
•  how much Web Site traffic to you expect?

Some well-known hosting companies include:

www.hostgator.com
smallbusiness.yahoo.com
www.bluehost.com

Most hosting companies will offer a free domain with their contract and that it is easier to have both items managed by the same company.

Boone Web Services Disclaimer: The following is offered as general information.