It is imperative that a free web hosting solution be sought. Trying to identify a reliable web host can be a daunting task. Especially nowadays with so many service providers and options. Throw in the feature sheets and promises, the task can be much more intimidation. In this article, we will discuss about basic features of free web hosting.
But it shouldn’t be. Consider some of the most common features that a good free web hosting provider should offer:
Disk Space and Bandwidth
Disk space refers to how much storage space the free web hosting provider allocates to you. This space will be used to store files on your website, including text, photos, audio, and so on files that you use for your website.
Bandwidth refers to the amount of traffic permitted to enter the website and exit it. Access means whenever a visitor types in their browser’s website name. Leave means whenever a visitor receives something from your website, whether to view a photo, listen to an audio clip or download a file.
For example, if your website has a lot of graphics (example: photographs) then you will require higher storage and greater bandwidth.
Support and Uptime
You should always choose a free web hosting service with free, reliable telephone and email support.
While no host can provide 100% guaranteed uptime (think issues out of reach, i.e. power outage in the city), they should provide “just-in-case” steps to minimize downtime on the website and email. Such steps may include on-site backup power supply, 24/7 server and network monitoring, redundant hardware and network configurations. Although you may not fully understand these technicalities, look to see if your free web hosting provider has listed these somewhere on their website. If not, then ask them.
Website Creator and FTP
If this is your first website and you have little or no scripting experience then look for a free web hosting service. Web hosting service offering a free website building program where you can create your website simply. By selecting a template and linking it to your own text and images.
FTP is the protocol for file transfer. It is the protocol for transferring files from your computer to your free Web hosting site, or vice versa. This allows you to upload your finished website files (including images and other multimedia files) to your service provider’s server from your computer.
It also helps you to link your files back to your computer from your Web hosting site. A good free web hosting company should have unlimited FTP connectivity accessible 24/7.
Yes, your free web hosting provider should provide email services for you-so you can set up email accounts at @yourdomain.com. In addition to a webmail interface (so you can login and manage your emails using your web browser), the email service should also include access to POP3 and SMTP, so you can use your mobile devices to set up and access your @yourdomain.com emails.
Pricing
If you are looking for a free web hosting service, then you should expect the basic features mentioned above to pay absolutely zero. For banner ads, you don’t have to compromise pricing. Any provider of free web hosting that drives ads to your website is a no-no.
