The second part of this series discusses hosting plans.  I suggest you take a look at the first part.

Note: This series is geared towards the do-it-yourself non techie.  I only cover the important parts and things you should know.  There are so many other factors that..well you probably wouldn’t understand.  These tips come from personal experience.

Hosting plans! What is it and what do I need to be aware of?

1. A hosting plan is where you would host your files such as your webpage.  It is different then just simply having a domain name.  These two go hand in hand.  Your domain name puts people to where your website is located.
2. Things to look for:
   1. How much space (where you store your files such as web pages, photos, etc) do I get for and how much is it going to cost me?
   2. Bandwidth – it’s important, see Wikipedia for more information.  The more the better, but it can be expensive.
   3. How much control do you have?  I am currently with Dreamhost which gives me the ability to create as many sub-domains as I want.  For example, I can make a hi.iciskaye.com sub-domain. There are some web hosters that do not give you that ability, you must go through them.  Therefore, it’s important to know what YOU (the user) can do (for example access to a database, make your own secure directory, etc…).
   4. Quick installs/one-cick installs/goodies – Web hosting companies offer various type of web applications (such as WordPress, Mediawiki) where all you have to do is hit a few buttons.  You do not even need to touch any techie stuff! Imagine getting your own blog up in less than an hour with just a few clicks!  See what the company is offering.
   5. Customer support – Enough said.

Those are the major points in looking for a hoting site.  There are so much more other points.  At least you have something to get started.  Always remember to research online.

The next post is for those who want to set up a website (using WordPress) and isn’t sure if they want to spend money on a domain or hosting site.

So you are wanting to have your own website but you do not know anything about making a website.  What do you do?  Here is a quick guide for those who know absolutely nothing about setting up your own website and are not technically inclined.

1. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT sign up for any web hosting plan. You can sign up for a domain name (which generally costs 10 bucks a year) but do not sign up for a hosting plan.  Details on why will be explained at a later post.
2. Research.  Research a lot.  Google is your friend.  Know yourself.  What is it that you want?  Do you want a website to showcase your work or do you want a website that displays information so that people know what to look for?
3. Do you want to do this yourself or hire someone?  You can do it yourself or you can hire someone.
4. If you plan to hire someone:
   1. Look at that person’s portfolio – if it looks like crap then don’t have them do it.
   2. Ask them about what will happen after the website is set up – do you plan to maintain it or will they?  Can you easily add stuff to it?  Will they teach you how to add to it and will it be simple enough for you to add to it.
   3. How long will it take?
   4. GET THINGS IN WRITING.  Make up a contract, write down the details on what will be done, how much, etc.  Use google to look up some contracts.
5. If you want to do it yourself…well that’s coming up in another post.