Alright, this topic might not be that related to Web Design, but it certainly is related, for what is the point of having a beautifully designed website when you can't publish it online? To do that, one would need a webhost, be it paid or free. Free webhosts are available if you know where to look for them, but there are often limitations for it, such as fixed templates, limited storage space, limited bandwidth etc.

That is why a serious web designer should try to get a webhosting account of your own, be it to display your fantastic web designs, or simply for your portfolio, or blog, it is a worthy investment, besides, webhosting services are rather affordable nowadays.

Now supposing you get serious and want to get a hosting account, what should you be looking out for? I'll list down some of my requirements as a guideline to your webhosting shopping.

Things to look out for:

• Server/storage space: A bigger alocation of server space for your account will allow you to upload more media files such as photos, videos, music(legitimate content please)
• Bandwidth: This is most critical, you would want to look out for higher bandwidth limit if you expect high traffic to your website! Take note that once you've hit your monthly bandwidth, your website will not load unless you pay for additional bandwidth, so you wouldn't want your visitors to find your site when it's out of bandwidth! Also beware of companies that offer unlimited bandwidth. realistically this is not possible and it could be a scam with hidden fine print stating the bandwidth limit.
• Database support: Look out for the type of database supported by the webhost and make sure it is compatible with the applications you wish to setup, popular databases are MySQL, Postgres
• Server OS: This is normally either Windows or Linux, some hosting companies may provide Unix servers. The OS will ultimately determine the types of scripts you can use on the server, such as ASP, ASP.NET, PHP etc.
• Preinstalled scripts: Some webhosts provide preinstalled scripts that you can install easily with a few mouse clicks, this makes it easier for you to setup applications such as Forums, Blogs or even a full fledged CMS!
• Server uptime: There's no point hosting your website if your webhost's servers are down 90% of the time, find out from online communities about the webhost you have chosen, find out if they are reliable and credible in keeping their servers up 99% of the time. Be wary of webhosts claiming 100% uptime as well, it is realistically and technically impossible to have servers up 100% of the time, maintenance and some hiccups may crop up every once in a while.
• User support: Do they provide telephone support, email support or no support at all? At the very least email support should be available, and for sure you will be needing some form of support every now and then.
• Response time: If support is provided, how is the webhost's response time in solving a problem? Do they sit on a ticket for months before replying or do they attend to it within the hour? The best way is to find out about a webhost's rapport from online communities such as forums before making your final decision!
• Payment method: Does the webhost provide easy payment methods? The last thing you want is finding it difficult to pay your hosting fees.
• Packages: Some webhosts provide packages, whereby free domain names are given with a certain hosting package. Check and compare the packages and pick the best one!

Well that's about all that I can think of when looking for a webhost, happy hunting for a webhost! Drop me an email should you have questions, I'll be sure to answer your questions to the best of my ability. Be sure to drop your URL here too, I would love to visit your sites, happy designing and have fun on the web!