|Web Hosting Blog

I just wanted to hop online real quick and let everyone know that we are looking forward to speaking with you all in real time! Yes, that is right! You can now chat with me, ask questions, or just lounge in The Kitchen with me while i cook up new rebates and incentives for our visitors =^)   ok so that was cheesy… but who cares? I like having fun.  I love my work, and I love meeting new people.  I am normally up for any topic of conversation, as long as its not derogatory in any sense!  Otherwise, make like a pianist and hit those keys!  Welcome to Chat Gumbo!

We all know that there is a lot to learn about web hosting! So we wanted to give you a quick once-over on the basic hosting terms you should educate yourself on.  We hope this helps! 

If you would like to add to this list of terms, or make a reply to this page, simply post a comment!

Anonymous FTP: Anonymous File Transfer Protocol. Allows the public to log into an FTP server with a common login. This aids in avoiding the need to assign passwords to anyone who wants to download files from your Web site. This is unnecessary unless you plan on providing downloadable files to the public.

ASP: Active Server Pages. A commonly used Microsoft scripting language that enables the use of online databases.

Auto responder: An email address that is set up to automatically reply to the sender with a pre-organized response.

Bandwidth (Data Transfer): Also referred to as traffic. The amount of data that you are allowed to transfer (usually monthly). Data = images, text, audio files, video files and everything else that a server transfers to a user’s web browser. Approximately 40,000 page views = 1 GB of data transfer. Web sites that get a lot of visitors (page views) need larger amounts of data transfer (or bandwidth).

CGI: Common Gateway Interface. A program that translates data from a web server and then displays that data on a web page or in an email. CGI scripting can add numerous interactive elements to a Web site.

CGI-BIN: A directory on a server where CGI programs are stored. CGI scripting can add numerous interactive elements to a Web site.

CGI Library: Certain hosts will provide a collection of pre-made CGI scripts (as a convenience) that can be used to add numerous interactive elements to your Web site.

Control Panel: An online interface often used to facilitate Web site management and editing. Control panels often allow hosting customers to perform basic functions (make changes, check data, etc.) without contacting customer service.

Database: A collection organized records of information that can facilitate searching, sorting, and the combination of data.

Data Transfer (Bandwidth): The amount of data that you are allowed to transfer (usually monthly). Data = images, text, audio files, video files and everything else that a server transfers to a user’s web browser. Approximately 40,000 page views = 1 GB of data transfer. Web sites that get a lot of visitors (and page views) need larger amounts of data transfer (or bandwidth). Also, graphics-heavy sites will need more data transfer than more basic sites.

Dedicated Servers (Dedicated Hosting): The opposite of Shared Web hosting. Servers that are owned by a Web hosting company but rented out and used by a single customer. Web sites in need of a lot of disk space and/or data transfer and/or Web sites that have very specific software needs may opt to rent a dedicated server. Shared Web hosting is usually sufficient for most small and medium sized businesses.

Disk Space (Storage Space): The storage capacity for images, HTML files, audio files, video files, graphics, etc. A Web site planning to have a large amount of pages and/or planning to use a lot of images (or other large files) will need a greater amount of disk space.

Domain Name: Domain name is an easy-to-remember address that can be translated by DNS into server’s IP address. Domain names are hierarchical. Domain’s suffix indicates which TLD (top level domain) it belongs to, for example .com, .gov, .org, .net, or .jp. Recently ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) added several new TLDs, like .biz, .pro., and .museum.

E-Commerce: Electronic Commerce. The buying/selling (or exchange) of goods and services through a web site on the Internet.

Email Forwarding: When email sent to an email addresses is automatically sent (forwarded) to another specified email address. For example, you could have multiple email addresses (i.e. info@domain.com, support@domain.com, webmaster@domain.com) that would all be forwarded to one address (i.e. all@domain.com).

Firewall: Software and/or hardware combination that protects a computer or network from unauthorized access.

FrontPage: Microsoft FrontPage is an HTML editor often used to create and maintain Web sites.

FrontPage Extensions: A set of programs and scripts that allow specific features of a Web site created with FrontPage to perform correctly.

FTP: File Transfer Protocol. The most common method for uploading files to servers. FTP allows files to be uploaded from local machines to servers, where the files can be viewed by the public.

GB: Gigabyte = 1024 Megabytes.

IMAP: Internet Message Access Protocol. A method allowing an email program to access remote messages stored on a mail server.

IP Address: Internet Protocol Address. A unique number identifying all devices connected to the Internet

KB: Kilobyte = 1024 bytes.

Linux: A UNIX-like operating system used by Web servers.

Managed Hosting: A dedicated server complemented with technical support and maintenance services. This is a step up from standard dedicated Web hosting, where customers are responsible for all administrative and maintenance duties.

MB: Megabyte = 1 million bytes = 1 thousand kilobytes.

Merchant Account: Enables the processing of credit cards online.

MS SQL: Microsoft SQL Server. A relational database management system. Windows hosting plans often include MS SQL databases.

MySQL: A popular open-source relational database. UNIX hosting plans often include MySQL databases.

Payment Gateway: Enables the authorization, processing and managing of online transactions.

Perl: A programming language that facilitates data management and processing.

PHP: A scripting language. PHP commands are embedded within the HTML of a Web page and is useful in the arena of dynamically generated pages. PHP scripting can add numerous interactive elements to a Web site.

POP: Post Office Protocol. A protocol used to retrieve e-mail from a mail server.

POP3 Email Account: POP3 email allows all emails addressed to your domain to go to one place. If a host allows multiple POP3 email boxes, you can have multiple (separate) email addresses.

Server: A computer or device on a network used to store files and maintain network resources. This computer/device handles requests for Web pages.

Setup Fee: Initial fee charged by a host to create your hosting account. If charged, this is normally a one time fee.

Shared Web Hosting: The opposite of Dedicated Web hosting. Multiple sites hosted on a single server. Multiple Web sites share the system resources of a single server, with each single Web site being allotted specific amounts of resources. Shared Web hosting is the most common (and cheapest) hosting option.

Shopping Cart Software: Software that allows users (customers) of a Web site to add and delete items into an online “shopping cart” and then proceed to purchase the item(s). A shopping cart is an essential component for most e-commerce Web sites, as it allows users to browse for and purchase products online. Some Web hosts provide free (usually more basic) shopping carts, while others provide a shopping cart for an additional fee. Different shopping cart programs range greatly in usability, functionality and features, so choose wisely before creating your online store.

SMTP: Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. A protocol for sending email.

SQL: Structured Query Language. A database query and programming language used for accessing, updating, and managing data in a relational database system.

SSI: Server Side Includes. Often used by Web developers in order to facilitate in updating content on Web sites. An SSI is a variable value that a web server can dynamically add to an otherwise static Web page. SSI-enabled Web pages will often be found with .shtml extensions.

SSL: Secure Sockets Layer. Allows encrypted, authenticated communications over the Web. SSL provides security in online commerce. URL’s starting with “https://” indicate the utilization of SSL.

Static (Dedicated) IP Address: A unique and unchanging IP address. The opposite of dynamic IP addressing, in which a Web site’s IP address is different with each connection to the server. With dynamic IP addressing, several domains can use 1 IP address. With static IP addressing, your Web site gets an unchanging IP address that is not shared with other sites and can be called up in place of your usual www.domain.com.

Storage Space (Disk Space): The storage capacity for images, HTML files, audio files, video files, graphics, etc. A Web site planning to have a large amount of pages and/or planning to use a lot of images (or other large files) will need a greater amount of storage space.

Subdomain: A subdomain is a division of a Web site, a section set apart with a different sub-domain name. For example, subdomains of Web site “domain.com” could be “support.domain.com,” “clients.domain.com,” etc.

Uptime: How often a Web site is accessible to users on the Internet (often given in a percentage).

UNIX: The most commonly used operating system among Web servers. Unix is a text-based, multitasking operating system that is designed to be used by many people at the same time.

Virtual Private Servers: Shared hosting servers in which each hosting space is allotted its own amount of dedicated resources. A step above shared Web hosting but a step below dedicated Web hosting.

Virtual Web Hosting: Also known as shared Web hosting. Multiple sites hosted on a single server.

WAP: Wireless Application Protocol. A set of protocols that standardize the way that wireless devices can be used for Internet access.

Web-based Email: Allows a user to access email from any computer that has an Internet connection and a Web browser.

Web Statistics: Reports on visitors to your Web site. Statistics range from basic (how many visitors), to advanced (referring URL, search phrase, etc.).

Windows Hosting: Hosting on a web server that uses Microsoft Windows server software as it’s operating platform.

If you are buying hosting, then you most likely know the answers to the following questions… But it doesn’t hurt to post them for the newbies anyway!   

If you would like to add a question to this FAQ list, or make a reply to this page, simply post a comment!

What is a Domain Name?
A domain name is a word, phrase, or series of characters along with a TLD that uniquely identifies your website (ie. www.hostgumbo.com). The most common TLD is the “.com” extension.

How Do I Register a Domain Name?
First you must make sure that the domain you want is available using a WHOIS lookup. An easy way to check to see if a particular domain is available is to go to GoDaddy.com and type the domain of your choice into the domain name search on the home page. From there you can also purchase your domain name. Many hosts will register a domain for you if you do not have one (it must be available however). It would be in your interest to make sure that the domain name you register is registered in your name and not theirs.

Do I have to change my domain if I switch to a new host?
This answer depends on if you own the domain you are currently using or not. Given that the domain is registered in your name (which it should be), you will be able to update your namservers (from where you manage your domain names) to that of your new host.

What are subdomains?
Subdomains are an extension of your domain. For example, your site is www.example.com; A subdomain would be www.subdomain.example.com or www.webhosting.example.com.

What is a parked domain?
Parked domains are not separate accounts, they are merely pointers to an existing web site rental account. Parked domains do not have their own IP address, separate email addresses or their own control panel.

What is domain propagation?
When a visitor types your domain name into their Web browser, their request is referred to a nameserver that indicates the physical location (the IP address) of your domain on the Internet. When your site location changes to a new IP address, or when a new domain name is added, nameservers around the world must be notified of the change. This process is referred to as propagation.

How important is it to have a domain name?
Having your own domain is very important for your business. It sets you apart from everybody else, and gives you a brand of your own.

What is Disk Space?
Disk Space is the maximum size your website can be. Each character, letter, picture or any other piece of data on your website is stored on your web host’s server.

What is Bandwidth/Data Transfer?
Bandwidth/Data Transfer is the amount of data the server will allow your site to send in a month. Transfer is normally measured in GB (gigabytes). 1GB = 1 billion bytes. Once you go over your monthly limit, a host may either shut your site down for the remainder of the month or it can charge you “overage“. This charge may vary between web host providers, and normally falls under $5.00 per extra GB of transfer.

What is uptime?
Uptime is the amount of time your site is online throughout the entire month. Most hosts offer 99.9% uptime guarantees. This means that if your site is not accessible for more than 43 minutes in any given month, your web host should reimburse you, depending on their terms of service.

BlogCatalog has recently given bloggers a place to talk politics and connect with with each other over political discussions. The new BlogCatalog Political Channel is located at http://www.blogcatalog.com/politics. The BlogCatalog Political Channel is a place where bloggers can have their political voices heard, engage in political debate, increase their blog’s exposure and participate in a lively discussion about the US election or any other political topic of interest.

The Political Channel Features:

An Exclusive Political Discussion Area
Just like the BlogCatalog main discussions, the Political Discussions are designed to be a place where conversation can flow freely and bloggers can engage one another in political discussion.
Join in on the political discussion at http://www.blogcatalog.com/politics/discuss

Political Posts Highlighted
We all know that many posts don’t get the exposure they deserve. Now you can highlight your latest political posts and make it easy for anyone to browse and search all political posts.
To view some of the latest political posts, visit http://www.blogcatalog.com/politics/posts

Political Search 
In case you want to know what other bloggers are talking about, the Political Social Search results give you an insider’s view into what other bloggers are saying about the election and other hot political topics across a large number of social networks including twitter, digg, stumbleupon, their blogs, and the BlogCatalog discussions.
For a particular political insight, you can do a search at http://www.blogcatalog.com/politics/search

Political Groups
BlogCatalog has made it even easier than before to join or create a political group. Political groups are highly focused, mini-discussion areas designed for you to connect on a closer level with other politically minded bloggers. To join a group or browse the political groups visit http://www.blogcatalog.com/politics/groups

Political Bloggers
If you are a political blogger you may want to login to your BlogCatalog account and review the category in which your blog is placed, as a number of new political subcategories have been added to the blog directory. To view the new categories, visit http://www.blogcatalog.com/directory/politics

With all the excitement and emotion surrounding the 2008 Election, political blogging, and the many hot political issues around the globe, it is no surprise that the Political Channel has created a place where bloggers can engage in political discussion. We look forward to seeing you there and hearing what you have to say about the upcoming election and your views on todays current events.

We recently ran across a very interesting web page, Popuri.us, that allows users to get a quick glance at the link popularity of any site based on its ranking (Google PageRank, Alexa Rank, Technorati etc.), social bookmarks (del.icio.us, etc), subscribers (Bloglines,) etc. This site normally generates results in 2-3 seconds and can be a very useful tool for anyone looking to find rank information and the popularity of a website. I know I spent a good 10 minutes plugging in every website I could think of! Job well done to Xavier Larrea for creating this cool web application.

“Hi.  I’m Jonathan Allen, founder of HostGumbo.com.  I know that choosing the right web hosting company for your website can be a time consuming task. Most people have no idea what to look for in a web hosting company and may easily become discouraged. It can take hours, days, weeks, even months for the average consumer to find time to do the research necessary to make an educated decision on which web hosting company will best fit their needs. Time that could be directed to more important things such as working on your website, hiring web designers, and building a steady flow of traffic to your website is very valuable, and it should not be unnecessarily wasted. By using our website, you are allowing us to give that time (and some of your hard earned money!) back to you. So respectively, we thank you for choosing HostGumbo.com as your web hosting comparison directory of choice!” 

Hello everyone, and welcome to The Kitchen!

This is where I will personally be posting updates, news, and messages to our visitors.  Like many of you, I am the owner of a number of websites, and at one point, I too was in the market for a convenient and secure web hosting company and plan.  There were so many web hosting companies out there, and finding the right one for my needs proved to be a very tedious task.  I did tons of research.  Google became my best friend.  I hastily went from website to website, taking notes and jotting down the pricing, features, and incentives of the web hosts I came across.  I remember thinking to myself, “Wow, I would pay money to have some type of hosting comparison chart to go by”.  So I put together a chart of my own, initially listing the top 15 web hosts I had found, along with their main features for comparison purposes.  Being the serial entrepreneur that I am, my motivational gears started turning, and It wasn’t long before the idea of HostGumbo was put into motion!

So here I am, giving you a tour of The Kitchen, and I must say that I am proud to be the “Master Chef” of HostGumbo!  Make yourself at home.  Sleep over if you’d like.  If you need anything at all, contact me directly.  I will make sure that you find exactly what you are looking for.  And remember, while you are on the pages of HostGumbo.com, you are considered family. 

Enjoy your stay!

We are in the business of advertising. When we send successful sales to the companies we advertise, they pay us commissions that vary based on sale amount, quantity of sales processed per month, etc. In order to maximize our opportunity to qualify for bonuses and incentives, we decide to give our visitors a portion of our income. In theory, it would qualify as a very efficient method of paid advertising. We spend money every month on “pay per click” search engine advertising, and we pay that amount whether we make sales or not! So it only makes sense to actually pay our visitors for their business. HostGumbo.com is completely free for visitors to use, and considering the addition of receiving guaranteed money in hand, it makes using our site for your web hosting needs a win-win.