| First things First. Why would you like to have | | | | complete test in the server environment. This does |
| Windows Based Hosting when there are Linux | | | | not come free. |
| packages for cheaper rates ? The answer is | | | | 7.PHP & Coldfusion — ColdFusion is a |
| — it depends on what application you are | | | | server-side scripting language web development tool. |
| looking to use for your hosting. Consider the tools | | | | It uses HTML-like tags called CFML to enable |
| and scripting languages you plan to use — if | | | | back-end ODBC database connectivity as well as |
| you use PHP, Perl or MySQL, Linux is the way | | | | data manipulation and validation within webpages.. |
| forward. If apps are Microsoft-specific, then Windows | | | | This is again an advanced option and NOT every |
| is what you need. Clear
? | | | | hosting provider provide this. But PHP, Mysql is also |
| Now let’s proceed with the essential | | | | bundled with windows hosting plans. Keep an eye on |
| ingredients of any Windows Hosting Plan. | | | | both of these. |
| 1.ASP Support — The clear reason why you | | | | 8.Control Panel — This is the nucleus of your |
| chose a windows plan is to use Microsoft Specific | | | | website. In a Control Panel, popularly known as CP, |
| Languages. Active Server Pages, Microsoft's | | | | you can literally do anything. The moment you signup |
| technology to enables HTML pages to be dynamic | | | | for a Hosting Pack, you must be provided with a CP |
| and interactive by embedding scripts. Check all the | | | | to manage your webspace. |
| windows hosting plans and make sure, the host | | | | 9.POP3 email Ids & Aliases - is an example POP3 ID. |
| doesn’t charge for this extra. | | | | You must be provided with ample of POP3 email ids |
| 2..NET Support — ASP.net is the next | | | | and it depends on the Package size. |
| generation of Microsoft's Active Server Page (ASP), | | | | 10.FTP Account — This is where you upload |
| a feature of their Internet Information Server (IIS). | | | | your files, delete them, update them. This again |
| ASP.net is different from ASP in two major ways: it | | | | comes along with the CP. |
| supports code written in compiled languages like C++, | | | | 11.Backup — Most of the Hosts take |
| Visual Basic, and Perl, and, it features server controls | | | | Automated Backups. But users do not take much |
| that can separate the code from the content, | | | | care on this while choosing the Hosting Pack. This |
| allowing WYSIWYG editing of pages. Most of the | | | | feature is as essential as anyother in this list. |
| hosts give this feature free of charge while few | | | | 12.Web Statistics - Analysis of your website visitors |
| charge extra. Go for it if you really need it. | | | | plays a key role in the success of your website. Say, |
| 3.CDONTS - CDONTS stands for 'Collaboration Data | | | | your website has been launched and you get NIL |
| Objects for Windows NT Server' and it’s a | | | | Visits or More than 100 Visits per day. Whatever the |
| Messaging Component comes along with Windows | | | | case may be, you can view the Report using |
| NT/2000. A windows hosting plan without this is | | | | Statistics Application that run in the server backend. |
| Incomplete. This provides you the easiest solution for | | | | 13.Bandwidth — Choose the Hosting Plan that |
| your messaging thro’ your website ASP | | | | gives enough Bandwidth for your website. Even |
| pages, provided you have SMTP support. | | | | though you cannot judge at the beginning, as time |
| 4.DATABASES — Microsoft Access 2000 | | | | progresses, you can easily deduct the Bandwidth |
| Database is supported by all the windows hosting | | | | required. |
| plans. This will do if you are a starter. For | | | | 14.Webmail, SMTP & SPAM — Email becomes |
| experienced campaigners, MS-Sql is a must have. This | | | | key part in your life once you launch the website. |
| is an advanced feature and most of the hosting | | | | Check if the Hosts provide with WEBMAIL |
| companies charge extra. The control for the | | | | (mail.yourdomain.com) to check your mails thru a web |
| Databases must be provided in the Control Panel. | | | | based interface using Squirrelmail or Horde. Corporate |
| Check that. | | | | Users prefer downloading mails thru Email Clients such |
| 5.DATABASE Connection — DSN or DSNless | | | | as Eudora or Outlook Express. Only if SMTP or IMAP |
| Connections, whatever the case may be, please | | | | support is enabled you can use this option. Hence |
| check if the host has provided the option in the | | | | check if SMTP support is provided.No email user is |
| Control Panel to create/manage DSNs. (Data Source | | | | free from a spam attack. Hence you need to have |
| Name). If DSNs are NOT allowed, ask for the | | | | Spam Filters installed on the server where your |
| Connection String for DSNless connections. | | | | website resides. |
| 6.ASP Components — Apart from the default | | | | 15.IP — If your website prefers SSL Support ( |
| components, there are loads of third party software. | | | | as time grows, makes ure you get a DEDICATED IP. |
| Check the list of such components that the host | | | | Most of the websites are hosted on shared IPs. Ask |
| provides. ASP Upload, ASPImage, Dundas Mailer, | | | | your Hosting Provider about the extra charges |
| ASPjpeg, ASPEncrypt are few popular components. | | | | involved in getting a dedicated IP and SSL Support. |
| At times you may require to have your own | | | | Note : For SSL ( you need to buy a Digital Certificate. |
| components (DLLs) installed. This is provided by most | | | | Do write to me with your comments and views. |
| of the hosts, but after the DLL undergoes a | | | | |