Where is this place called the internet?

When you design a webpage, you do it on a computer. The next step is to put it up on the internet. Where is the internet anyway? And how do you do it?.

You do this by submitting your web pages to a server. A server is a powerful computer that is always connected to hundreds of thousands of similar machine, all connected by communication line all over the world. The machine should be running all the time. When you browse the internet, what actually happen is that your computer is communicating through your phone line with these machines in real time. When you decide to upload your website to a host, your files will be transferred to the server and will be available for others to see.

You can start putting up a website on a host quite quickly for free by using some of the popular webhostings, e.g. by Yahoo! geocities and Tripod.com. They even provide the software for you to create your website instantly using their site building tools. These free services can do quite well producing a decent website. However if you are thinking in the line of 'internet shopfront'; it is advisable you should subscribe to the paid version of webhosting.

A little bit about business web hosting

Business web hosting differs from the regular hobbyist or personal pages in several ways. First, it is necessary you get a business domain name. Your website address should be simple and memorable such as www.yourname.com.  this can only be possible if you 'buy' a domain name (click here). Some paid webhosting service do include free domain name (e.g. Aziesha webshop).

On top of a catchy domain name, you probably need other special facilities to enhance your website. For example, you want to create a searchable facilities within your website, personalisation experience for visitors, or the recent trend of must have facilities for professional message board where visitors can discuss or ask questions regarding your service/goods.

In short, it is necessary for a business website to get a paid webhosting service.

So the next question is, who operate these hosting server? How do you subscribe to their service? Below are examples of  web hosting services I came across the internet. Browse through their pages to see what's on offer for you to decide. I intend to do a review on these services but for the time being, you decide (It doesn't matter if you live abroad from these hosts, you can still host with them). (To be honest, they are my affiliates, if you click on these links and subscribe with them, I will get commissions. These are affiliate programs I participated. You will learn about affiliate program in the affiliates section).

Lycos webhosting solution-In my opinion, the best complete offering so far. (the one I am using now)
zoohost.co.uk : Offering web hosting, webmail, domain name, vitrual servers.
UK Domains & UKHosting
Hosting Impact.
 AtomicShops.com
 

Next lesson: Online payment......

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