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A web hosting service provides 24/7/365 secure internet access to your website.
Your domain name is what distinguishes you and gets you found on the internet.
Search availability for your domain name through the Canadian Internet Registration Authority here. Choose a registrar. Web hosts often provide this service. Buy your domain name and secure hosting for your website.
It’s important to choose a good web hosting service. Be wary of “DIY all-in-one” services that own your website asset even after you’ve done all the work to create it.
Even though prices and services vary, what does my web host need to provide?
- Excellent customer service. Are you able to contact your web host day or night if something is wrong with the availability of your website?
- Excellent performance. Your web host should ensure reliable service. Expect an uptime of 99.9%.
- Excellent security. Which country are their servers located in? Do they have encrypted browser connections by using an SSL certificate? And, a trustworthy Domain Name System provider?
Are there different levels of service and cost?
Generally, there are three levels on offer:
- Shared Hosting. The cheapest option. Many hosted websites share a server, memory and harddrive space Suitable for small websites with minimal photographs.
- Virtual Private Server or VPS Hosting. The middle priced option. Shared physical server with dedicated memory and harddrive space for your website only. Good for most business websites.
- Dedicated Hosting. The entire server with its memory and harddrive dedicated to your website only. The most expensive option and best for large sites with large traffic volumes.
What other features should I shop for from a Web Hosting Service?
Consider:
- Are there limitations on the number of email accounts you’ll receive with your package?
- Do they back-up your website files?
- What are the storage space limitations?
- Do they offer bonuses or credits?
- Are the domain name and SSL certificate included? Do you own them?
- What are people saying about the service?
We chose Web Hosting Canada to host our website, Merge Websites.
We liked that:
- They offer value, performance and security.
- They are up-to-date with Canada’s evolving internet legal environment.
- Their servers are in Canada, subject to Canadian law, as we are.
- We are not exposed to other countries’ laws.
Check them out at whc.ca