A host is a server which provides a home for your website on the World Wide Web. Just as your computer contains all your files, so a host contains all the files needed to run your website. Why can't you just keep all those files on your own computer? Because that would mean users would have to connect directly to your computer to see your website. Not a good idea--it wouldn't be secure and it would make your machine run like a tired snail. With a host, you can simply upload everything you need to the server and your users can then connect there to see your site. It lets the site run faster and allows it to have all the security and extras it needs.

Selecting a host is the first important step towards building your Internet business.

Hosting services and companies vary from totally free, shared servers to large-scale dedicated machines. You'll have to decide which is right for you and your business. To help you make that decision, study the following:

Free Servers:

Advantages: *No Cost *You manage the server software and network

Disadvantages: *Search engines view free hosting services as inferior and sometimes do not include them in their index. *Some free hosting services do not allow you to use a custom domain name *The bandwidth is restricted and may cause difficulty for visitors attempting to access your site. *Because the service is free, some providers do not strive for 100% uptime which could result in your site being frequently inaccessible. *Software availability is limited, and free hosts do not generally provide database options. *Disk space is sometimes limited; ensure that you are getting all the room you need. *Poor response time for support. *Very limited support.

Cheap Web Hosting:

Advantages: *Server, software and network is managed and supported for you. *You can select a custom domain name. *Search engines don't view you as second class if you have your own domain name. *Improved response time for support. *Uptime is improved. *Technical support is provided, generally 24 hours a day

Disadvantages: *Bandwidth restrictions *Shared processing power *Limited software *Potentially limited disk space

Mid-Priced Web Hosting--Shared Servers:

*Server, software and network is managed and supported for you. *You can select a custom domain name. *Search engines don't view you as second class if you have your own domain name. *Improved response time for support. *Uptime is improved and generally guaranteed *Technical support is provided, generally 24 hours a day. *Generally offer a wide range of software options and configurable bundles, *Improved bandwidth.

Disadvantages: *Shared processing power,

*Expensive, *Dedicated Servers:

Advantages: *Server, software and network is managed and supported for you. *You can select a custom domain name. *Search engines don't view you as second class. *Improved response time for support. *Uptime is improved and generally guaranteed. *Technical support is provided, generally 24 hours a day. *Generally offer a wide range of software options and configurable bundles. *Improved bandwidth. *Processing power is not shared

Disadvantages: *The cost is higher than any other options, but well worth it if you choose wisely.

Your choice of server will depend on how much money you have available at the beginning and how much you plan to grow in the future. In my opinion, for commercial sites, free hosting is a waste of time. Your users are going to get blasted with annoying pop-ups every time they surf to your page, it's going to be impossible to get a decent position in a search engine, and you don't even get a real business URL. No one's going to remember your Web address if they have to type . Also, you won't have to worry about down servers, which can happen frequently with free hosting. But it is possible to choose a cheap host at the beginning and move up as your business begins to bring in money, but I don't recommend it.

If you are serious about your on-line business, then go for the gusto right away and get the best. You can get good, professional hosting for an average of $25 per month. It might seem like a lot, especially if you are just starting out, but it will save you loads of headaches down the road. Here is a first-class, high-quality site that offers professional web hosting: ThirdSphereHosting.com You will find that all my recommendations are of the highest quality. I have been through the mill probably like you have and now my standards are high. Anyway, it doesn't cost to have a look.