Web Hosting blog

I just got my first website hosted by HostPapa, I must say that I’ve been quite impressed by the ease of creating an account and getting started.

One tool that prevents a computer mishap from turning into catastrophe is the file backup. Your kid accidentally dropped your laptop to the floor. If you had a backup, then the cost could just be as simple as replacing the hard disk. A file backup could also prevent a catastrophe from turning into a total loss. What if there was suddenly an office fire. If you were wise enough to store your backups somewhere else, then all you have lost is really just a few hours transferring your backup to another computer.

Advantages
Online backup is an evolution of the manual backups you had to do regularly. It is software driven and the files are automatically stored somewhere – beyond the reach of fires, burglary or floods. Online backups free you from the steps you had to do manually like change CDs or format tape drives.

If your data is confidential, the software can encrypt the data for you using standard, well known algorithms such as Blowfish or AES.

The size of the backup is often reduced by monitoring only the parts of the files that changed. It is not necessary to send the entire file to the backup server, just the difference between the older and the newer version.

Disadvantages
Of course there are disadvantages to online backups. Since data has to travel on the internet, restoring your files can be slow. If backup volume is large, it may become necessary to transfer the backup on DVDs and ship it to your computer’s location. If the backup provider is out of business, then your data might be lost forever. Another limitation of online backup is that your internet subscription might cap your downloads thus large volume backups might be impossible.

The biggest advantage offered by online backup is that it is largely automatic and is a totally hands process. It can be done at night so that your normal work flow is not interrupted. Online backups make it possible to do regular, even daily backup of your data, something that we hated way back when backups used to be performed manually.

Looking for a good web hosting service to take care of your website needs? Here are some things to think about and consider about your website when looking for a web host that is right for your needss:

How a web hosting server works

A web hosting service will provide you with the storage space for your website files and the bandwidth for your audience to download your pages at a certain periodical cost. Before anything else, you will have to have a domain name to set up your website and properly direct your website pages to its address. Usually, web hosting services also offer packages that will help you get your domain name aside from offering space and bandwidth.

The two kinds of websites you can have

Your website can either be a Static Website or a Dynamic Website. A static website is one that is simple and runs purely off HTML pages. This means that the pages simply display information and nothing changes. On a dynamic website however, users have a certain capacity to change the look of the website, like if they make comments, add a blog, or add pictures to a gallery. Basically a user can interact with your website. A web host can help you install the proper software for those needs.

The technology you may use

You can pick between Linux hosting or Windows hosting depending on the software and applications you use. Generally, Windows hosting is slightly more expensive than Linux hosting.

These are the three major things that your web hosting service will ask and can help you with. Ask the web hosting company about the different aspects of your website so that you can have a smooth transition in making your website available online without all the hassle and inconveniences of incompatibility.

When you design your website, you need to come up with a domain name for it so that people know how to search for you. A domain name is basically an address that you would type in the URL (or uniform resource locator) bar that is usually located at the top of your browser’s page. Once it is typed in, it should lead you directly to the website that you assigned the domain name to. Here are a few considerations that you should make when thinking up a domain name for your website:

The name of your website is ideally domain name

The general rule is that whatever your website is called, then that is the domain name that you would assign to it. So if you have created a website for a particular organization called Topol’s, then most likely you would choose a URL like  www.topol.com or something along those lines. Surprisingly, some people still do not follow this rule, but in general, this rule makes it so much easier to locate certain sites.

Choosing a domain name that is branded or generic

Probably most generic names are already claimed URLs by now, but having a generic name as a domain name is not necessarily the best way to advertise your site. Having a brand name makes more sense because a brand name points to something unique which people will remember more and associate with you. Either way, pick something relevant to what your site is trying to say.

Lengthy or short domain names

Short domain names are usually more memorable than long ones, but having a short domain name that is a mixture of numbers and letters that almost look like a password may not be the best way to name your site. Long names also work if your organization’s name is the actual URL like  HYPERLINK “http://www.stitchesthreadsandothers.com” www.stitchesthreadsandothers.com.

So when choosing a domain name, make it simple enough to recall quickly, but unique enough to remember. With these tips, you will have a better idea of how to pick a domain name that will distinctly direct people to your website whenever they do online, wherever they are in the world.

Backing up your files is essential.  After all, it is said that a file is non-existent unless it has at least 2 copies of itself stored in other places.  That being said, you may want to consider an online backup of your files instead of just the usual external hard drive.

HP Upline

Easy to use and not so pricey, this is an online backup service that allows you to do a number of other things like local media backups and file sharing.  There are some important features that have been left out such as version sharing, open-file backups, and resume features.  That being said, the service has a nice interface and up to 3 computers can be connected to one account.

SOS Online Backup

This online backup service is probably the best to date.  It’s powerful and easy to use and the best thing about it is that you don’t need technical know-how to be able to backup your files.  But you can also get really technical as there are features that will allow you to expand your own options.  Check this service out when you are looking for a powerful solution for backing up your system.  It’s a bit on the pricey side but it may be worth it.

IDrive

This online backup service is actually a little confusing to use to begin with.  Over time as you get used to it, you will start to notice that it has some nice features such as fast upload times and extra items that you will not see on other online backup services.  It’s got a drag and drop feature, search features and phone support.  But the problem is the interface is not friendly or intuitive at all and you may not get support if you are a Mac user.

Online backup services may be just the thing that will save you from losing files and losing face at work.  Make sure that you have access to some kind of cloud service for all of your contacts, calendars, and essential emails so that you never have to worry about losing a file ever again.