Web Hosting

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Don't be a sucker - read below

If you are like most people you don't need more than 100MB of disk space for a website. You probably don't need infinite addon domains, or E-mail addresses. Do not shop based on outrageous and incredible numbers. These days, most addon services are essentially zero cost to provide to a client.

Quality, not quantity

How can a web hosting provider offer 25 GB of storage for $15 a month? In most cases, they simply can't. Let me explain the basics of the business mechanics behind web hosting.

Most web hosts pay a monthly fee to store a powerful computer (usually dozens of them) in a facility that has extremely high speed internet access, as well as redundant systems for power and environment control. They then "partition" the server to allow the storage of hundreds, and sometimes even thousands, of client websites.

There is only so much a server can do, and only so many resources that can be utilized. Have you ever seen a hard disk drive on sale that contains "unlimited GB", or a data plan with an ISP that allows for "infinite monthly transfer"? Although web hosting providers are working with above-average computer parts and have access to high performance, high volume equipment they still work within the limitations of reality, despite often presenting themselves as quite the opposite.

Overselling is good for them, but not for you

All this kind of begs the question, doesn't it? How DO they offer these kinds of numbers and plans? The answer is easy: overselling. Web hosts KNOW you are never going to use even a tiny portion of the plans they offer. They know most website software only needs 1 database, and they know you aren't going to need a hundred E-mail accounts. They know your website will most likely fit in to 25-50 MB at the most.

With this knowledge many web hosts will cram hundreds upon hundreds, and possibly even THOUSANDS, of websites on a server that has only finite resources. Some of these websites may be extremely busy, and use abnormal amounts of traffic. This can result in periods of poor performance or downtime as high traffic neighbours start to fight for resources.

The worst case scenario is that a neighbouring website may be compromised by via a security fault and allow access to the very same machine your website is stored on. While this is becoming a harder and harder feat for hackers to accomplish it is still a risk.

What does this mean for you?

It means that you should pick a reliable web host with great support. It means you should ignore all the hooks, and the promises of near infinite resources to instead pick a host that can take care of you and your online presense. Most importantly it means you should pick a web hosting provider with sensible resource allocation who aren't trying to metaphorically sell you the ocean when all you want is a bottle of water. If your host isn't overselling then you simply will not be paying for the clients who really DO use high volumes of resources and that means you are getting what you are actually paying for.