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Booking a domain is like buying an 'Occupied' sign and fixing it on your plot. You now have to find someone to 'host' your plot in cyberspace. The hosting service will place your site (a set of pages located under your domain name) on the Internet through a server and make it available to anyone online.

You'll need an account with the hosting service or a server of your own. The second is not really necessary, especially in the case of personal or non-commercial sites

When looking for a hosting service, these are the questions you need to ask:

1. What is the purpose of my Web page?
   
   If you are looking for a site to put up your resume and portfolio, or maintain a Web log, you'll need a relatively small amount of disk space. Between 2-10 MB and 1-10 GB of data transfer (per month) should be sufficient. Movie and sound files, visuals and animation will take up additional space and bandwidth. But if your site is text-based, you have nothing to worry about, as text takes up very little space.
    

2. Do I need a virtual or dedicated server?
   
   Dedicated servers are typically used for sites that handle a high volume of traffic, enhanced security and run customized software and applications. As a general rule, dedicated servers are ideal for large sites. In case of a small one, virtual hosting would suffice. Your site will share space with others on one of the servers provided by the hosting company.
    

3. What does the service offer in terms of software, support and platform?
   
   You will have to find out whether their server, software and support services are compatible with your needs. The platform your host uses is very important since UNIX, Window NT and Mac all run different applications. Check out the essentials required to launch your site and make sure the hosting service plan offers the ability to implement them.
    

4. Is the hosting plan flexible?
   
   List all the features you might want to add to your site in the future. Like if you have a small personal site that you would like to later expand to a business site and add an online e-commerce option, you will need to upgrade your requirements. A provider who will give you a commercial Web solution such as shopping card software or secure online payment would be the right choice. Find out what the terms of the hosting service are, as it will be easier to upgrade than to change your hosting service later.
    

5. What are the hosting service's customer support policies?
   
   Check out the options available in case you need help with your account. Most hosting services will be available on email and phone, and some via 24/7 Web-based chat. However, if your hosting service is located overseas, phone might not be feasible. As a beginner, you are bound to come across teething problems and it's best to choose a company that offers constant support.

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