IndicHosts.net: Essentials of Linux hosting with PHP/MySQL

Let’s say, you have got your Domain Name (www.yourdomain.com). Its time to check for a good web hosting provider to service your files uploaded in the domain. If you are opting for Linux Based Hosting Plan, make sure you have the following included in your plans:

1. Control Panel:- This is the nucleus of your website. In a Control Panel, popularly known as CPanel, you can literally do anything. The moment you signup for a Hosting Pack, you must be provided with a CPanel to manage your web space.

2. POP3 email Ids & Aliases with Webmail:- yourname@yourdomain.com is an example of POP3 ID. You must be provided with ample of POP3 email ids and it depends on the package size. You should be given the choice of checking emails via an email client or via a webmail interface. The most popular Linux webmail interface is Horde.org.

3. FTP Accounts:- This is where you upload your files, delete them, and update them. This again comes along with the Control Panel. Make sure you have handful of FTP sub-accounts also to provide your clients/users password protected directories. This is very much useful wherein your clients / users can use the FTP to upload /download files from particular password protected folder of your website.

4. Backup:- Most of the Hosts take Automated Backups. But users do not take much care on this while choosing the Hosting Pack. This feature is as essential as any other in this list.

5. Web Statistics:– Analysis is of your website visitors plays a key role in the success of your website. Say, your website has been launched and you get NIL Visits or More than 100 Visits per day. Whatever the case may be, you can view the Report using Statistics Application that run in the server backend.

6. Bandwidth:- Choose the Linux web hosting plan that gives enough Bandwidth for your website. Even though you cannot judge at the beginning, as time progresses, you can easily deduct the Bandwidth required.

7. PHP & MySQL Support:- All the Linux Plans support PHP & Mysql. Make sure you get this free of charge when you buy the hosting plan. Few Hosting Providers may charge extra for MYSQL Database Support & PhpMyAdmin.

8. Web mail & SMTP:- Email becomes key part in your life once you launch the website. Check if the Hosts provide with WEBMAIL (mail.yourdomain.com) to check your mails through a web based interface using Squirrel mail or Horde. Corporate Users prefer downloading mails through Email Clients such as Eudora or Outlook Express. Only if SMTP or IMAP support is enabled you can use this option. Hence check if SMTP support is provided.

9. SPAM filter:- No email user is free from a spam attack. Hence you need to have Spam Filters installed on the server where your website resides.

10. Fantastico Auto Installer:-  The most important reason to host in Linux is to take advantage of the over 50 FREE Linux based programs available under Linux hosting. Fantastico complies a list of the most useful & best programs, their stable versions and gives it to you in form of a control panel interface. So no need to download, upload, configure individual programs. This must be provided FREE by you Linux hosting plan.

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