Web Hosting

What is a Web Host? Why do I need one?

To put it very simply, a web host is the computer (server), that is connected to the Internet, that stores the files for your website and "serves" them to the WWW (World Wide Web). You need a web host for your website to be available to the public on the Internet.

What Kind? Linux/Unix or Windows?

Consulting with your web designer/developer is your best bet. Some developers prefer and/or only work with one or the other. I can't really say that one is better than the other, I prefer, and typically use, Linux/Unix hosting but it all depends on the developer.

Where do I get a Web Host? How do I choose one?

Once again, consulting with your web designer/developer is your best bet. They may provide you with web hosting, or they may have a suggested host for you. One thing that is for sure is that Web hosting is one of the most important factors when it comes to your website. Your web hosting company can make your life (and your webmaster's) easy and worry free or they can make it a living hell.

Some of the most important things to look for in a web host:

Reliability, Functionality, Great Customer Service, Low Prices and Up-time - how often will your website be available (should be 99.9% - no one can promise you 100%, that's impossible, everyone knows sh*t happens, it just does)

HostGator is Sugar's favorite web hosting company, hands-down!

Use the Promo Code: SUGARWEBS25 and receive 25% off any HostGator hosting package price!

That lowers the starting price of their plans to only $3.71/month!

Does Sugar Webs Receive Compensation for Recommending HostGator?

Yes. Sugar Webs is an affiliate of HostGator and does receive monetary compensation for recommendations. BUT...That is not why I recommend HostGator. There are many other web hosting companies that pay more to their affiliates. I choose to recommend HostGator because I really do use them myself and have been since 2007. Since 2007 I had one issue with HostGator service and it was out of anyone's control. My site was down for a total of 24 hrs when a hurricane happened to hit both Texas and Florida, (where their data centers were located at the time). I'm not complaining, just explaining. That was the one time my service was interrupted and it's completely understandable. All of my experiences with their support team, customer service team, tech team, and service has been A+. After dealing with a few other web hosts that weren't up to par, HostGator has become Sugar Webs choice web host, hands-down.

More Web Hosts

Got something against the gator? There are more great web hosts out there, check out this list for a few more recommendations from Sugar Webs.

Sugar's Suggested Web Hosting Companies