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I need some info about web Hosting if someone could please help me out?

Ive started a photography business but Im completely lost when it comes to Web Hosting and what I need…I have read so many “plans” but I just dont understand what all the terms mean! Can someone tell me what I need to have included so that my web page will look and act as it should. Id like to have a opening page and also room for a few photo galleries (portfolios of wedding, HS senior, family, etc) also Id like to have a way that a people can look at and order pictures of their wedding where you would need to click on your specific event and then it opens up a new page with all the photos from your event. I’d like to have a “Domain” ( i think its called) you know “whatever.com” If someone could please help me with this and answer in non smart people term LOL Im a artist and have no clue when it comes to technology

The previous poster is correct in some ways, but I think more detail is needed.

First, you do not need support for mySQL and PHP – this is just one route. You could go with other options, such as using a Windows based machine (and any .NET language). It is just two different things that accomplish the same end goal. Similar to Windows vs. Mac. Most hosts will allow you to select either a linux machine or a windows machine. Linux machines will be set up with PHP, mySQL, etc. while windows machines will be set up with .NET support. To pick between the two depends on what software you want to use.

However, with that said, I think you will probably be looking into installing some third-party software instead of developing it yourself (unless you hire someone). I imagine there is much more PHP software available from my experience, and lots of it is free.

But, based on what you want, you will want some type of database (mySQL, for example). A database basically allows you to store information easily, and a lot of third-party software will require a database to run properly.

I can’t imagine what kind of web service these days doesn’t provide database, FTP (allows you to upload your images to the server easily), and server-side programming (PHP, .NET) – I’m sure some exist, but most hosts these days will have it.

I use godaddy.com for hosting, and they have shared Hosting Plans for $5.00 per month or so, which include everything you need. If you want to set up ordering of photos and things like that, depending on how sophisticated you want that part of the site to be, you may require a dedicated / virtual dedicated server. Shared Hosting would work fine for your standard, viewable web site with photo galleries and things like that, but when the site becomes more ‘commercial’ then you need more for security, ease of use, etc. Virtual dedicated server should work fine, and godaddy.com has those for $25.00 per month. However, once you start getting into this realm, you really do need to know something about computers and servers, or have someone handle it for you, as you are essentially on your own for maintaining the server (whereas with Shared Hosting accounts, someone else makes sure it stays running while you just use it).

Domain names cost roughly $10.00 per year, and most hosts offer this service as well.

So, I think it depends on exactly what you are looking for, and what your budget is. The more ‘commercial’ your site becomes with making sales and transactions, the more you require people to have individual logins / passwords (rather than every page is viewable by everyone), then you need more when it comes to the server, which will require a larger budget and someone with some knowledge to work on it as creating the website becomes a lot more difficult.

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