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First things First. Why would
you like to have Windows Based Hosting when there are
Linux packages for cheaper rates ? The answer is – it
depends on what application you are looking to use for
your hosting. Consider the tools and scripting languages
you plan to use – if you use PHP, Perl or MySQL, Linux
is the way forward. If apps are Microsoft-specific, then
Windows is what you need. Clear…?
Now let’s proceed with
the essential ingredients of any Windows Hosting Plan.
1. ASP Support – The
clear reason why you chose a windows plan is to use
Microsoft Specific Languages. Active Server Pages,
Microsoft's technology to enables HTML pages to be dynamic
and interactive by embedding scripts. Check all the
windows hosting plans and make sure, the host doesn’t
charge for this extra.
2. .NET Support – ASP.net
is the next generation of Microsoft's Active Server Page
(ASP), a feature of their Internet Information Server
(IIS). ASP.net is different from ASP in two major ways: it
supports code written in compiled languages like C++,
Visual Basic, and Perl, and, it features server controls
that can separate the code from the content, allowing
WYSIWYG editing of pages. Most of the hosts give this
feature free of charge while few charge extra. Go for it
if you really need it.
3. CDONTS - CDONTS stands
for 'Collaboration Data Objects for Windows NT Server' and
it’s a Messaging Component comes along with Windows
NT/2000. A windows hosting plan without this is
Incomplete. This provides you the easiest solution for
your messaging thro’ your website ASP pages, provided
you have SMTP support.
4. DATABASES – Microsoft
Access 2000 Database is supported by all the windows
hosting plans. This will do if you are a starter. For
experienced campaigners, MS-Sql is a must have. This is an
advanced feature and most of the hosting companies charge
extra. The control for the Databases must be provided in
the Control Panel. Check that.
5. DATABASE Connection –
DSN or DSNless Connections, whatever the case may be,
please check if the host has provided the option in the
Control Panel to create/manage DSNs. (Data Source Name).
If DSNs are NOT allowed, ask for the Connection String for
DSNless connections.
6. ASP Components – Apart
from the default components, there are loads of third
party software. Check the list of such components that the
host provides. ASP Upload, ASPImage, Dundas Mailer,
ASPjpeg, ASPEncrypt are few popular components. At times
you may require to have your own components (DLLs)
installed. This is provided by most of the hosts, but
after the DLL undergoes a complete test in the server
environment. This does not come free.
7. PHP & Coldfusion –
ColdFusion is a server-side scripting language web
development tool. It uses HTML-like tags called CFML to
enable back-end ODBC database connectivity as well as data
manipulation and validation within webpages.. This is
again an advanced option and NOT every hosting provider
provide this. But PHP, Mysql is also bundled with windows
hosting plans. Keep an eye on both of these.
8. Control Panel – This
is the nucleus of your website. In a Control Panel,
popularly known as CP, you can literally do anything. The
moment you signup for a Hosting Pack, you must be provided
with a CP to manage your webspace.
9. POP3 email Ids &
Aliases - yourname@yourdomain.com is an example POP3 ID.
You must be provided with ample of POP3 email ids and it
depends on the Package size.
10. FTP Account – This is
where you upload your files, delete them, update them.
This again comes along with the CP.
11. Backup – Most of the
Hosts take Automated Backups. But users do not take much
care on this while choosing the Hosting Pack. This feature
is as essential as anyother in this list.
12. Web Statistics -
Analysis of your website visitors plays a key role in the
success of your website. Say, your website has been
launched and you get NIL Visits or More than 100 Visits
per day. Whatever the case may be, you can view the Report
using Statistics Application that run in the server
backend.
13. Bandwidth – Choose
the Hosting Plan that gives enough Bandwidth for your
website. Even though you cannot judge at the beginning, as
time progresses, you can easily deduct the Bandwidth
required.
14. Webmail, SMTP &
SPAM – Email becomes key part in your life once you
launch the website. Check if the Hosts provide with
WEBMAIL (mail.yourdomain.com) to check your mails thru a
web based interface using Squirrelmail or Horde. Corporate
Users prefer downloading mails thru Email Clients such as
Eudora or Outlook Express. Only if SMTP or IMAP support is
enabled you can use this option. Hence check if SMTP
support is provided.No email user is free from a spam
attack. Hence you need to have Spam Filters installed on
the server where your website resides.
15. IP – If your website
prefers SSL Support (https://) as time grows, makes ure
you get a DEDICATED IP. Most of the websites are hosted on
shared IPs. Ask your Hosting Provider about the extra
charges involved in getting a dedicated IP and SSL
Support. Note : For SSL (https://), you need to buy a
Digital Certificate.
Do write to me with your
comments and views. My email : siva@aalphanet.com
Teeyes Siva
Sales Head – Aalphanet.com
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About
The Author
Teeyes
Siva heads the Sales Operations @ aalpha
NET (www.aalphanet.com)
, India’s leading domain name
registration, web hosting service
provider. He can be reached @ siva@aalphanet.com
or 00 91 452 3105858. |
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