At Designmask.com, we work together with highly reliable and secure third party web host for web hosting. Most of our websites are hosted in Australia and some are hosted by our affiliated partners (web host) in United States . We choose host and location of host as per customer's requirement and preferences.

This is another best thing if you are with Designmask, we let client to make decision of what their preferences are. And yet we mange all the technical issues for client. Even if you chose host and domain name, we can still monitor and mange them for you. E.g. we will watch for your domain name renewal, we will manage your web control panel etc.

Your domain name (web address), it must reside on a host computer. This host computer is connected to the internet and provides you space to store content of your web site.

Most of the web host provides you with free domain name (mainly international domain e.g. .com, .org etc). So if you are going to find your own host, make sure you shop around. Please read our web host check list, which you should consider before purchasing web host.

Web Hosting Checklist

Technical Support – Make sure the support is available when need. You can test different web hosts before you sign up by sending them an email with a question or two. If they respond quickly, this is a good sign.

Server Uptime - The more uptime they guarantee the better they are. Currently 99% uptime is the minimum acceptable standard. Look for 97%-99% guaranteed uptime.

Disk Space - Decide how much disk space you will require. Work out how big your web site is and keep in mind your near future plan with website. If you are going to increase your media file e.g. video files and big images, consider signing up with bigger disk space.

Bandwidth - This factor is usually overlooked until the bandwidth limit is reached. Again if your website contain large files like audio, video or images, it will require higher bandwidth as well as enough disk space. And also if you site is more popular that means more people visiting your site thus more download – again you will need higher bandwidth. If you go over your allotted bandwidth, you will get a hefty bill.

CGI Bin - This is now standard with almost all good hosting companies. If you do not have access to your own CGI Bin, you cannot install scripts and programs.

Perl - If you do not have Perl, you cannot run Perl Programs. Many good scripts that you buy or get for free are written in Perl. In my opinion, it would be a limitation not to have the latest version of Perl installed.

SSL - If you intend to accept credit cards orders directly from your website, you will need Secure Socket Layer included in your plan. This is one of those easily overlooked features. You might sign up for a plan that looks attractive for whatever reason, then down the track, you might discover that you need this feature.

SSI - Server Side Includes are great if you want to spend minimal time updating your site. You can include one file to many pages of your website with SSI and if you need to edit or update the file (e.g page header, menu, footer etc) you just need to update one file.

MySQL – Do you need database for your website? If yes how many? Some companies provide 1 MySql database but if you need another one you will be charged. Make sure you have enough MySql database. These days 5 databases per plan is normal. Also make sure tools to use your database is available e.g. MySql Admin

PHP - Many new scripts and programs require PHP support. This is standard with most good web hosts. Mostly if you are looking for free web blogging, ecommerce package you will need PHP.

Domain Name - Some companies will help you register a domain name but you should compare prices and learn how to register your domain yourself. This way you are in control of your domain name if you ever change hosts. If you are looking to go online for short term, you can receive free domain (mainly .com, .net, .org) for free.

FTP Access - Unlimited and unrestricted FTP access to your site is essential. You will need an FTP program to transfer files .

Control Panel - Not all control panels are the same. Some are easier to use than others. Some control panels the learning curve is steep while others are easy. If you select a plan where you cannot preview your control panel before you buy, you can always use the 30 day money back guarantee to get out if you are not happy. If they are not offering a working demo of the control panel, maybe they are not proud of it. Make sure you are comfortable with control panel. Some web host control panel does not give you full access.

Statistics Program - A good stats program is handy if you want to keep an eye on how many visitors you are getting, where they are coming from, referrers, top entry and exit pages and so on. Some companies offer excellent stats programs as standard while others offer basic stats but you have to pay extra for advanced statistics. If you find a good hosting deal but the stats program is a bit basic, why not email the company and ask if they can install AWStats before you sign up. AWStats is an excellent FREE advanced statistics program.