More Technical Terms and Questions about Web Hosting Service
A Web Hosting Article Contributed by Frances Rhea
Understanding Web Hosting Service Technical Terms
In a previous article we discussed some of the terms used by Web Hosting Service. These are a few more terms you may encounter.
Network Terms Used by a Web Hosting Service
A reseller of web hosting provides their own hosting services by reselling space.
VPN is a Virtual Private Network. This is used by corporations to provide access that is limited to only approved users.
Internet backbone are high-speed telecommunication lines that allow traffic to pass from one NAP (Network Access Point) to another. Data moves more quickly when it is on the backbone. A Web hosting service that has its own backbone or direct access to one should have better performance than other hosts. If you need good performance around the world, make sure your Web hosting service has backbone access.
'Full-service' refers to a variety of services offered in addition to Web space, transfer, and email.
Space is the amount of storage you have for your Web site. Space is listed in megabytes (MB, millions of bytes).
Transfer is the amount of files that visitors can download before reaching a monthly limit. Transfer is listed in gigabytes (billions of bytes). After the transfer limit is reached for the month, there is usually an additional charge.
Uptime is the percentage of time that a Web site works.
A secure site requires SSL (secure socket layer) and a digital certificate from VeriSign, Thawte, or Equifax.
Questions about Web Hosting Service
Using a big or small Web hosting service depends on your preferences. Large companies are considered to have a better chance of staying in business for a long time. Small Web hosting service is usually cheaper and provides better support for individuals and small businesses.
Accepting credit-card orders needs the transactions processed to verify the card number and have funds transferred.
Redundant Internet indicates your host has a backup connection to the Internet if the primary connection fails.
Java applets, JavaScript, and Flash pages are client-side technologies. The host does not have to do anything to support or enable them. It does not matter whether Java or Flash are listed among the Web hosting service plan's features, they are supported by default.
You can get a DSL line or a cable modem and host your site or your own computer, but it is not a good idea. A vast majority of ISPs will not let you legally use a residential cable modem or a DSL line to host a public Web site. This would require a more expensive business package. ADSL and cable lines usually have lower upstream bandwidth than downstream bandwidth. This would make your site appear to be sluggish with heavy traffic.
DSL and cable lines have a much lower reliability than a dedicated T1 or better line which is what Web hosting service providers have. You would not have the benefit of data security, data backup, UPS power, or the technical support that a Web hosting service can provide for your site.
