Hosting Packages

As a rough guide, consider that an average web page (3 graphics and 2 screen lengths of text) takes about 20 kb (to be generous). At this rate, a hosting package with 10 MB can have about 500 pages. Since most small sites are less than 50 pages 10 MB should be plenty to get started. But what about databases? They are usually calculated separately from your disk allotment but check with your web host to see what their policy is.

If you place music or video files on your website your need for disk space (and bandwidth) starts to take off. A typical 3 minute MP3 file takes about 2.5 to 3 MB of disk space. A short video (very poor quality) can take 1 MB. A good rule of thumb for those wishing to host multimedia is to estimate the total size of the files and get an account with double that space. This will allow for future expansion. Always check with your web host, though, before placing sound or video files on your website. Some have policies against this type of content because it places a strain on the bandwidth allotment – a serious consideration with a shared hosting package.

A brand new hosting provider which boasts features that are too good to be true usually won't last for too long. Let's take the example of one host (I won't give names here) that went offline only a few weeks ago. They were offering 500MB of storage, 10GB of bandwidth per month, domain hosting, unlimited domain parking, CPanel with just about all possible features, absolutely no ads (not even a request to link back), and this only for 150 posts in their forum. Sounds too good to be true? Betcha! After they cashed in two fat checks from AdSense they simply went offline. No prior notice, no apology, nothing.

Things to watch out for:

- Design. If the site looks like it was bought from a man in a white van, or if it's using a design from a free template site, it's probably just a waste of time. If these guys couldn't pay a web designer $100 for a decent layout, they don't probably have the skills to run such a site.

- How long they've been around. I'm not saying that new sprung hosting services can't make it, just be careful when choosing one that's two months old.

- Check their Google PR, ranking on free hosting directories and any other location you might think of. If the site has tons of inbound links, the owners have probably spent a considerable amount of money advertising it, so they plan to do their best to keep the service up.

Web Hosting Resources

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Pink Mobile Phones - Pink Mobiles is a mobile phone comparison site specialising in pink mobile phone deals.
David Day Wedding Photography, Nottingham - Based in Nottingham, David Day Photography offers the perfect blend of contemporary and classical wedding images, covering Nottingham, Derby, Nottinghamshire, the Midlands and beyond.
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David Day Wedding Photography, Nottingham - Based in Nottingham, David Day Photography offers the perfect blend of contemporary and classical wedding images, covering Nottingham, Derby, Nottinghamshire, the Midlands and beyond.
Lynn Loft Conversions - Lynn Lofts Conversions are one of the UKs leading loft conversions specialists, serving clients nationwide.