Indispensable Constituent of Any Windows Hosting Plan (package)

Firstly, why would anyone like to have Windows Based Hosting when Linux packages are available for cheaper rates? Answer to this question depends upon the kind of application one is looking to use for ones hosting. Considering the tools and scripting language one is planning to use- Linux is required if one is using PHP, Perl or MySQL but if apps are Microsoft-specific, then Windows are required. Hope it is clear now.

Now Lets continue with indispensable constituent of Any Windows Hosting Plan.

1. ASP Support – The obvious basis why one chooses a windows plan is to use Microsoft Specific Languages, Active Server Pages & Microsoft’s technology that enables HTML pages to be dynamic and interactive by embedding scripts. One should verify all the windows hosting plans and confirm that the host does not charge extra for this.

2. NET Support – ASP.net is latest innovation of Microsoft’s Active Server Page (ASP), a feature of their Internet Information Server (IIS). It can be differentiated from ASP in two main ways: Firstly, it provides support for coding in compiled languages like C++, Visual Basic, and Perl, and, secondly it allows WYSIWYG editing of pages, a feature that provides server controls, that help to distinguish the code from the content. This feature is provided free of cost by many hosts and some charge extra for it. One should go for it if one really needs it.

3. CDONTS - CDONTS ('Collaboration Data Objects for Windows NT Server') is a Messaging Component that comes along with Windows NT/2000. This forms an important part of any windows hosting plan. It helps one by provisioning the simplest solution for messaging thro’ one’s website ASP pages, provided one has SMTP support.

4. DATABASES – All the windows hosting plans support Microsoft Access 2000 Database. It is self sufficient for a starter whereas experienced campaigners prefer MS-Sql. Most hosting companies charge extra for this feature. Always check that host is providing the control for the Databases in the Control Panel.

5. DATABASE Connection – It is preferred to check that host has provided the option in the Control Panel to create/manage DSNs. (Data Source Name) irrespective of the type of connection DSN or DSNless. Supposing DSNs are NOT allowed, a Connection String for DSNless connections has to be provided by the host.

6. ASP Components – There are loads of third party software other than the default components. The list of components that the host provides shall be checked to include some popular components as ASP Upload, ASPImage, Dundas Mailer, ASPjpeg, ASPEncrypt . Sometimes one may need to have his/her own components (DLLs) installed. Once DLL undergoes a complete test in the server environment then only the hosts provide this. Hosts charge extra for this.

7. PHP & Coldfusion – ColdFusion is a server-side scripting language, web development tool. It facilitates back-end ODBC database connectivity as well as data manipulation and validation within web pages by using HTML-like tags called CFML. It is also an advanced option and not all hosting providers provide this. However, PHP, Mysql is also bundled with windows hosting plans. One should keep an eye on both of these.

8. Control Panel – This forms the core of a website. A Control Panel, popularly known as CP, allows one to accurately do anything. The instant one signs up for a Hosting Pack, he/she must be provided with a CP to manage his/her webspace.

9. POP3 email Ids & Aliases - yourname@yourdomain.com is an instance of POP3 ID. One must be provided with plenty of POP3 email ids and it depends on the Package size.

10. FTP Account – It is an account which facilitates uploading, deletion and updating of files. It also comes along with the CP.

11. Backup – Most of the Hosts provide Automated Backups. However, many users do not give much importance to this while choosing the Hosting Pack. This feature is as indispensable as any other in this list.

12. Web Statistics – Analysis done by the website visitors plays an important role in the success of a website. For example, when a website is launched, one may get NIL Visits or More than 100 Visits per day. In either case, the report can be viewed using Statistics Application that runs in the server backend.

13. Bandwidth – A Hosting Plan that provides enough Bandwidth for a website should be chosen. Although one cannot judge this at the beginning, but as time progresses, one can easily reduce the Bandwidth required.

14. Web mail, SMTP & SPAM – Email becomes an important part on one’s life after launching the website. It should be checked that the Hosts provide with WEBMAIL (mail.yourdomain.com) to check the mails thru a web based interface using Squirrelmail or Horde. Corporate Users give a preference to downloading mails thru Email Clients such as Eudora or Outlook Express. One can take advantage of this option only if SMTP or IMAP support is enabled. One should check whether SMTP support has been provided. No email user is safe from a spam attack. Therefore, it is essential have Spam Filters installed on the server where one’s website resides.

15. IP – If one prefers SSL Support (https://) on his/her website as time grows, one should make sure to get a DEDICATED IP. Shared Ips are mostly used for hosting websites. One should enquire his/her Hosting Provider about the extra charges involved in getting a dedicated IP and SSL Support. Note: For SSL (https://), one needs to buy a Digital Certificate