This briefing Ebook summarizes the key themes and important considerations outlined in “Secrets To Free Web Hosting.” The Ebook explores the advantages and, more significantly, the disadvantages associated with choosing free web hosting services. It emphasizes the need for thorough research across various aspects, including webspace limitations, the presence of advertisements, FTP access, file type and size restrictions, reliability and speed, scripting language availability (Perl/PHP), bandwidth allocation, and extra features. The author ultimately advises readers to carefully evaluate their needs and conduct due diligence before opting for a free web hosting solution.
Main Themes and Important Ideas/Facts:
1. Introduction and Disclaimer:
- The author acknowledges the cost-conscious nature of today’s endeavors and positions free web hosting as an attractive option for saving money.
- Quote: “Cost is a predominant factor is almost all endeavors today and web hosting is not exactly exempted for this either. Therefore in the interest of trying to save on cost the option of using free web hosting becomes more attractive and usable.” (Page 3)
- Crucially, the document includes a strong legal disclaimer emphasizing the rapidly changing nature of the internet and the lack of guarantees regarding the accuracy of the information.
- Quote: “The Publisher has strived to be as accurate and complete as possible in the creation of this report, notwithstanding the fact that he does not warrant or represent at any time that the contents within are accurate due to the rapidly changing nature of the Internet.” (Page 1)
- Readers are advised to rely on their own judgment and seek professional advice for legal, business, accounting, or financial matters, as the book is not intended as a substitute.
2. Advantages of Free Web Hosting (Limited):
- The primary advantage cited is the lack of cost.
- Another benefit mentioned is the availability of pre-made website layouts, which can be helpful for individuals with limited design knowledge.
- Quote: “Besides the obvious factor of no cost, another advantage of free web hosting is that most will provide the customer base with pre made website layouts.” (Page 4)
- Quote: “This is quite beneficial for those with limited knowledge in this particular area.” (Page 4)
- Free web space can be used to attract traffic to a primary site, even if direct profit-making opportunities are limited on the free host.
- Quote: “However the web space can still be used for attracting traffic to the primary site.” (Page 6)
- Free web space often comes with basic tools to facilitate quick setup and potentially create a more professional-looking page, including design and layout options, page counters, and guest books.
- Quote: “The free webspace usually comes with tools that are needed to facilitate the quick and easy wetting up of a page.” (Page 7)
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3. Disadvantages and Considerations of Free Web Hosting (Significant):
- Overcrowded Servers: Free hosting often leads to overcrowded servers, resulting in potential downtime on web pages.
- Quote: “One of these disadvantages would come in the form of having to be part of already overcrowded servers.” (Page 5)
- Quote: “This overcrowded situation often causes some down time on the web pages which is an unattractive result.” (Page 5)
- Limited Features: Free hosts typically offer far fewer features compared to paid hosting, often lacking things like advanced software options and dedicated email addresses.
- Quote: “Most times the features offered are far less by comparison to paying web site hosts. Features such as emails, advance software options are often not included in free webhost facilities and designs.” (Page 5)
- Lack of Customer Service: A significant drawback is the usual absence of customer support, which can be detrimental for beginners who may encounter technical issues.
- Quote: “The free webhosting platform does not normally offer customer service of any kind and this could be a very big disadvantage for those just starting out in the online foray.” (Page 5)
- Forced Advertisements: Free hosting providers need to generate revenue, which often comes from displaying advertisements on the user’s website without their consultation or approval.
- Quote: “This usually comes in the form of advertisers who are interested in posting their ads at the said free site.” (Page 10)
- Quote: “This also means that the said ads are going to be featured on the individual’s site, without any need for consultation or approval from the said individual.” (Page 10)
- The user has no control over these ads, which may detract from their own content.
- Quote: “The individual will have no control over the postings at the site and this may or may not work as an advantage to the individual’s own content postings.” (Page 10)
- Limitations on Webspace: While some free hosts offer a range (10MB to 5GB mentioned), the space is generally limited and primarily caters to non-profit platforms.
- Importance of Researching FTP Access: Users need to determine if the free host provides FTP (File Transfer Protocol) access, which is crucial for uploading and managing website files.
- Quote: “If the individual intends to download a file from the internet and create a website with it then the FTP is exactly the tool for the exercise.” (Page 12)
- File Type and Size Limitations: Free hosts often impose restrictions on the types and sizes of files that can be uploaded. They may also limit bandwidth and prohibit hotlinking.
- Quote: “Most of these limitations are in place to keep those interested in posting at the sites to design posts that are concise and to the point.” (Page 16)
- Certain file types like MP3, MPEG, and ZIP may not be allowed.
- Quote: “Also there may not be facilities to certain link files such as MP3, MPEG and ZIP files…” (Page 16)
- Unreliable Reliability and Speed: Free hosting services are generally considered unreliable with potential for frequent downtime and slower access speeds.
- Quote: “Generally viewed as not being reliable there are however a few exceptions to the rule, though really few and far between.” (Page 19)
- This can be exacerbated by spammers and hackers on the same server.
- Careful selection of a host that prioritizes quality sites can mitigate these issues.
- Availability of Perl and PHP: Users should research if the free host offers support for scripting languages like Perl and PHP, which are essential for more advanced website functionality.
- PHP is highlighted as being widely used for forums, CMS, and blogs.
- Perl is noted for its stability and use in web server creation.
- Bandwidth Allotment: Understanding the bandwidth allocation is crucial, as it affects the amount of data transfer allowed for the website. The document describes bandwidth in terms of network efficiency and cost reduction but doesn’t specify typical allotments for free hosts.
- Extra Features: Users should inquire about the availability of extras like control panels, email accounts, and form processing capabilities.
- Antivirus and antispam tools, as well as dedicated IP addresses, are highlighted as beneficial extras.
- Quote: “Other extras that should be considered to be included would be the anti-virus and anti spam tools. These can provide invaluable service of protection for the site from website files that are constantly under threat of attack.” (Page 27)
Conclusion and Recommendations:
The document concludes by emphasizing the importance of research (“Do your homework”) before choosing a free web hosting provider. While the allure of no cost is strong, the potential drawbacks related to limitations, lack of control, unreliability, and absence of support are significant considerations. Individuals should carefully assess their website needs and determine if the compromises associated with free hosting are acceptable. For those with more demanding requirements or a need for professional online presence, paid hosting solutions are likely to be more suitable.
Next Steps:
Individuals considering free web hosting should:
- Thoroughly research different free hosting providers.
- Carefully review the terms and conditions of each provider.
- Investigate the specific limitations on webspace, file types, size, and bandwidth.
- Determine if advertisements will be displayed and understand the implications.
- Check for the availability of essential features like FTP access, scripting language support, and email.
- Read reviews and try to gauge the reliability and speed of the service.
Disclaimer: This briefing document is based solely on the provided excerpts from “Secrets To Free Web Hosting.pdf” and does not include information from any other sources. The reader is advised to consult additional resources and exercise their own judgment when making decisions about web hosting.convert_to_textConvert to source
