| After you spend the time, effort and expense to create your web site, or have it created for you, it needs a place to reside - a home - where others can find it by entering the URL (web address) or executing a keyword search in a search engine. The server on which the web site image and code files resides is the host computer (or host server), and it may be a computer you own, one owned and operated by your local Internet Service Provider (ISP), or one owned and operated by a virtual hosting company. Virtual domains may be moved from host to host and ISP accounts can be moved without having to change the URL or notifying customers of a new address. This is a significant advantage over directory hosting services. This page deals exclusively with systems owned and operated by a virtual hosting company whether you choose directory hosting or virtual domain hosting.CobraGraphics will assist you in analyzing and choosing an ISP for your local dialup service upon request with no charge to our hosting clients. | When your web site is hosted by your ISP, webmaster or other host as a directory off the back end of their domain it is known as directory hosting. A typical URL will be something like http://www.cobragraphics.com/yourname/ , and is usually fine and completely adequate for personal web sites. However, business web sites should be hosted under their own domain name (i.e.- http://yourname.com) with a unique URL that is short and easy to remember. This is known as virtual domain hosting. Unlike having your web site on your ISP's server, virtual hosting requires domain registration with a payment of fees to InterNIC ($70 for the first two years, then $35 per year thereafter) and the costs associated with virtual hosting so others can find your web site. Optional is your own local ISP account for access to your web site - it is nice, but not absolutely required unless you want to send and receive e-mail or have access to the web. The information that follows will explain the differences between directory and virtual hosting with a discussion about when each is most appropriate. For further information please contact CobraGraphics. |
| Directory Hosting | Directory Hosting Features |
| Directory hosting is ideally suited for personal web sites and those of very small companies such as small office/home office (SOHO) companies and companies needing information only web sites which are not interactive. Directory hosting is the lowest cost method of getting your web site on-line, but it also is generally slower loading, has a longer (and harder to remember) URL and a much greater limit on resources.
Typical personal or SOHO web sites seldom exceed 1 MB of disk space, and are generally much smaller. The amount of bandwidth (total size of your web page or pages times the number of times they are accessed each month) is much more restricted and limited in a directory hosting arrangement and the amount of disk space allowed on the host server is a fraction of that available in other hosting arrangements. Limits on FTP are also greater for the directory hosted web site than for a virtual domain. CobraGraphics offers directory hosting with 10 MB disk space, 300 MB bandwidth per month and 1 e-mail address plus up to two aliases with unlimited e-mail forwarding to your mailbox. Total cost for directory hosting includes a one time non-recurring setup fee of $25 and a monthly fee of $20 paid in advance in 6- or 12-month increments. Details of the directory hosting option are presented at the right. |
URL: http://canoeman.com/yourname/ Bandwidth: 300 MB per month ($0.10 per MB per month over limit) Disk Space: 10 MB (additional disk space @ $1.50/MB per month in 5 MB increments) E-mail: 1 unique address plus 2 aliases with unlimited forwarding Redundant T-3 connections to the Internet Peering arrangements with MAE West MAE East, Texas and Chicago Advanced control panel Remote e-mail administration tools Virtual FTP server Virtual Secure Server (SSL) Front Page '98 extensions upon request (no extra cost) Full CGI, SSI and HTML Script Real Time 3D graphical statistics No maximum bandwidth limits Setup fee: $25.00 (non-recurring) |
| Virtual Hosting | Virtual Hosting Features |
| Virtual hosting is the ideal solution for small to large companies and individuals wanting a personal touch in their web addresses. Virtual hosting options have three distinct and separate components, two of which are required and the third which is highly desireable.
(1) InterNIC domain registration - all domains must be registered with Network Solutions Inc. to establish a domain in the U.S. InterNIC charges a fee of $70 for the first two years, then $35 per year thereafter to reserve a domain name and keep it active. There is also a one-time non-recurring setup fee of $30.00 paid to CobraGraphics to cover the time and effort required to set up the domain. This is a required component. (2) Local ISP account - the only way to gain access to the Internet, e-mail, chat or other web services is through an ISP account which is your gateway to the net. ISP services are generally available for about $20 per month for unlimited access, but there is much more than price to consider, and bigger is not necessarily better. Ask about choosing an ISP - CobraGraphics provides free assistance to our hosting clients. This service is not absolutely required unless you need access to the Internet. However, if you have a personal ISP account you can use it to access your hosted web site on CobraGraphics servers. (3) Virtual Hosting - the virtual hosting account provides disk space where web page image and code files are stored. Services such as FTP, E-commerce, cybercash, virtual check, SSL and other features are provided through the virtual hosting company. CobraGraphics fees for virtual hosting accounts include a one-time, non-recurring setup fee of $40.00 for individuals or $75.00 for commercial accounts plus a monthly service fee of $25.00 paid in advance in either 6- or 12-month increments. Details about virtual hosting accounts is provided to the right. |
URL: http://yourname.com Bandwidth: 4 GB per month ($0.10 per MB per month over limit) Disk Space: 100 MB (additional disk space @ $1.50/MB per month in 5 MB increments) E-mail: 1 unique address plus 2 aliases with unlimited forwarding Redundant T-3 connections to the Internet Peering arrangements with MAE West MAE East, Texas and Chicago Advanced control panel Remote e-mail administration tools Virtual FTP server Virtual Secure Server (SSL) Front Page '98 extensions upon request (no extra cost) Full CGI, SSI and HTML Script Real Time 3D graphical statistics No maximum bandwidth limits MivaMerchant shopping cart system WebTrends statistical reports CyberCash support SQLDatabase with ODBC support Real Audio Merchant services available (extra charge) Setup fee: $40.00 personal / $75.00 commercial |
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© Copyright 1999, Marc W. McCord, PC Consultant. All rights reserved. CobraGraphics, Hill Country Micro Services, Dallas-Fort Worth Concierge Services Guide and DFW Concierge Services Guide are trademarks of Marc W. McCord, PC Consultant, dba CobraGraphics. The textual, graphic, audio, and audio/visual material in this site is protected by United States copyright law and international treaties. You may not copy, distribute, or use these materials except for your personal, non-commercial use. Any trademarks are the property of their respective owners.