31/10/2019
How to choose a web host?
There are several rules of choosing a web host, so if you want to use the free web host you need to pay attention to these details:
Advertising
Most free web hosts impose advertising on your website. It is done to cover the costs of providing your site, the free webspace, and associated services. Some hosts require you to place a banner on your pages, others display a window that pops up every time a page on your site loads, while still others impose an advertising frame on your site.
Amount of web space
It is necessary to have enough space on a web host for your needs. Most sites use less than 5MB of webspace. Your needs will vary, depending on how many pictures your pages use, whether you need sound files, video clips, etc.
FTP access
FTP is the most common method used by people to transfer their web pages and other files from their computer to their web host's computer so that it can be viewed by anyone in the world.
Some free hosting providers only allow you to design your page with their online site builder. While this is useful for beginners, do you have the option to expand later when you become experienced and their online page builder does not have the facility you need?
FTP access, or at the very least, the ability to upload your pages by email or browser, is needed. In my view, FTP access is mandatory, except for the most trivial sites.
File type and size limitations
It is important! Some free hosts impose a maximum size on each of the files you upload (including one with a low of 200KB).
Reliability and speed of access
This is extremely important. A site that is frequently down will lose a lot of visitors. Slow access is also very frustrating for visitors and for you too.
PHP and/or Perl
A website can work even without PHP or Perl access. For example, you can always use one of the many free script hosting services available that provide web statistics, search engines, forms, etc, without requiring you to dabble with Perl or PHP scripts.
However, if you want to do it yourself, with the minimum of advertising banners from these free providers, you will need either PHP or Perl access.
Bandwidth allotment
Nowadays, many free web hosts impose a limit on the amount of traffic your website could use per day or month. It means that if the pages (and images) on your site are loaded by visitors beyond a certain number of times per day (or per month), the web host will disable your web site. It is difficult to recommend a specific minimum amount of bandwidth since it depends on how you designed your site, your target audience, and the number of visitors you're able to attract.