HTML and CSS Reference
In-Depth Information
You'll have to ask your system administrator, computer consultant, webmaster, or net-
work provider whether a web server is available and, if so, what the procedures are for
putting up your pages. You'll learn more about what to ask later in this lesson.
Using a Commercial Web Host
You may pay for your Internet access through an Internet service provider (ISP), or a
commercial online service. Many of these services allow you to publish your web pages,
although it may cost you extra. Restrictions might apply as to the kinds of pages you can
publish or whether you can run server-side scripts. You can probably find out more about
the web hosting options offered by your Internet service provider on the support section
of its website. Many companies that specialize in web hosting have popped up. These
services, most commonly known as
web hosts
, usually provide a way for you to transfer
your files to their server (usually FTP or secure FTP), as well as the disk space and the
actual web server software that provides access to your files. They also have professional
systems administrators onsite to make sure the servers are running well at all times.
Generally, you're charged a flat monthly rate, with added charges if you use too much
disk space or network bandwidth. Many web hosts provide support for server-side scripts
written in PHP and often install some commonly used scripts so that you don't even have
to set them up. Most also enable you to set up your site with your own domain name,
and some even provide a facility for registering domain names, too. These features can
make using commercial web hosting providers an especially attractive option.
CAUTION
Make sure that when you register your domains, they are regis-
tered in your name rather than in the name of the hosting provider
or domain registrar who registers them on your behalf. You want
to make sure that you own the domain names you register.
To get your own domain name, you need to register it with an authorized registrar. The
initial cost to register and acquire your domain name can be as low as $8 per year.
Thereafter, an annual fee keeps your domain name active. After you have your own
domain name, you can set it up at your hosting provider so that you can use it in your
URLs and receive email at that domain. Your site will have an address such as
Many ISPs and web hosts can assist you in registering your domain name. You can regis-
ter your domain directly with an authorized registrar such as Network Solutions
