Selecting a Web Host

You may at first wonder why we are discussing the selection of a web host before we have a domain to use with the host. This is the logical order of things when you consider that some web hosts will obtain a domain on your behalf, and pay the annual registration, as a part of their hosting package. Such is the case of the first two web hosts considered here.

First, I want to emphasize that there are many great web hosts available. You can search the web and determine for yourself the best one for your needs. I have personal experience with only a few, so can give you specific examples only for those.

This website is hosted by 1and1.com. If you check their website, you will find that they offer a hosting package for $2.99 per month. This plan includes 1 free domain, and offers 10GB of web space and a monthly transfer volume of 300GB. For only $0.75 more, you can have 2 free domains, and 120GB of storage and 1200GB monthly transfer. Be sure to select Linux Hosting, not Microsoft Hosting.

The 1and1 control panel looks like the illustration on the left. You have the ability to select a domain, create a database, and otherwise manage your account.  Advantages of this plan combine low cost with only a 6 month commitment, in case you decide to get something else.  The disadvantage is that all software must be loaded via FTP, and any links between software and databases must be configured manually.  This sounds difficult, but is easily learned, as a later tutorial will show.