Hosting
Can I reduce the amount of data transfer my site needs?
Usually yes. Try to optimize all the graphics on your site. Many GIFs don't look noticeably worse with fewer colours. Don't duplicate graphics files, let the browser cache them. Try to clean up your HTML by using relative paths, short filenames, less extras, and reducing the number of spaces and new lines. If your site is mainly text-based, ask your host about using an HTTP compression module like mod_gzip.
I don't want my site to be down. Ever. What host should I use?
No host can provide 100% uptime. We monitor uptime for many hosts and you could use this data as a guide; But even the biggest and best multi-million pound sites go down from time to time due to various unforeseen circumstances.
Which operating system should I choose?
Our website hosting packages are available with either Linux or Windows. These are the operating systems that take care of basic functions in your hosting. Each has its advantages. You do not need to choose the same operating system that runs on your home or business computers. Instead, the system you choose should depend on what you want on your website.
Uptime is the percentage of time that a web site is working. We monitor uptime of customer websites of many web hosts and we display this data on the host's details page.
Methods of payment accepted are credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard, bank transfer, PayPal, cheque. Vast majority of plans require periodic (usually monthly up to yearly) payments.
Can't I just get a DSL line or a cable modem and host the site or my own computer?
Sure, you could do that, but it's not a good idea for several reasons. First, a vast majority of ISPs won't let you legally use a residential cable modem or a DSL line to host a public server. You would have to get a more expensive business package. Second, ADSL and cable lines usually have lower upstream bandwidth than downstream bandwidth, so your site may appear to be sluggish under heavy traffic. Third, DSL and cable lines have a much lower reliability. Fourth, you wouldn't have the benefit of data security, data backup, UPS power, or technical support that a host can provide.
How much data transfer will I need?
You can figure out how much data transfer you will require by estimating your average page size (including graphics!) and multiplying it by the number of page views you expect to have in a month. For example: with an average page size of 50 KB, and around 2000 page views per day, you will transfer an average of 3 GB per month.
What are the numbers listed under "space" and "transfer"?
Space is the amount of "stuff" you can put on your web site. Available space is usually listed in megabytes (MB, millions of bytes). Single letter takes up one byte. HTML files are usually rather small (this file is about 25,000 bytes) but pictures and programs can get quite big. Your scripts, emails and stats will also take up space on your host. Transfer is the amount of "stuff" that visitors to your site can download before you reach your monthly limit. Transfer is usually listed in gigabytes (billions of bytes). After the transfer limit is reached for the month, you will need to pay extra for additional transfer at higher rates.
What is shared (virtual) web hosting?
Shared (or virtual) web hosting is the most fitting way of hosting for 99% of web sites. It means that a web hosting company will have one or more servers that will be running multiple web sites (it will be shared). This is the least expensive way to get a real web site.
Web hosting allows you to publish websites on the internet. Paid web hosting also involves getting a domain name and not having forced ads displayed on your site.
Should I back up the files in my website hosting package?
Although we take as many precautions as we can to keep your data safe, we do recommend you keep a backup of your site too. Backups don't just protect you against a failure of our systems (unlikely), but also against problems caused by any changes you make.
Can I buy web hosting without a domain name?
No. Every NetConneXions website hosting package must be associated with a domain name in order to work. You can register a domain name when you buy your web hosting - remember that every package includes at least one free domain name, so it won't cost you any extra. If you prefer, you can use your web hosting with a domain name you already own. If the domain is already registered through NetConneXions, you'll be able to associate it with your website hosting when you order. If the domain name is registered through another company, make sure you transfer it to NetConneXions before buying your website hosting.
How long does it take to set up web hosting?
Most hosting accounts are set up immediately, though it might take a couple of days for your domain name to be registered and point to your website hosting. (That's perfectly normal.)
Do I need technical knowledge to use web hosting?
We've made our web hosting as easy to use as we can. You can access most features through our straightforward control panel.
What can I do with web hosting?
Create pretty much any sort of website you like. Most people use our website hosting for personal, hobby or business sites.