Because of the lower level of technical expertise necessary to interface with a Windows web hosting server, many people who begin hosting their own blogs or company websites pick a Windows virtual hosting plan. Because Windows is the operating system that runs on the vast majority of PCs throughout the world, most people are at least familiar with its look and feel, as well as how to install software and manage a Windows machine.
Although Windows virtual hosting plans are great for novices, this does not mean that Windows servers lack the strength and stability needed to handle high-profile websites or large web applications. Whatever you intend to accomplish with your Windows web host, it’s critical to understand what features are included and the costs of any additional services. In this post, we’ll go over some of the most crucial features that every Windows virtual hosting plan should include, as well as how to use them.
Support for your Windows development framework
Microsoft technologies, such as the ASP.NET development framework, are used to build many online apps or websites that are intended to operate on a Windows host. Most Windows web hosting companies have Windows virtual hosting plans that include support for ASP.NET applications. The version of ASP.NET supported by the Windows web host must be considered. Although the ASP.NET framework has been updated to version 4.0, the web applications you intend to install on your web server may have been created using an older version.
Backward compatibility is provided by ASP versions in general, which means that a web application created with version 2.0 of the.NET framework can run on version 4.0. However, compatibility issues that affect the functionality of your website or web app are not uncommon. As a result, it’s critical to ensure that your Windows hosting service includes several ASP.NET versions to ensure your server’s compatibility and reliability.
Your Windows web server should be able to run applications written in other popular web development languages, such as PHP or Perl, in addition to ASP.NET. Because many open-source web apps are written in PHP, you should double-check that PHP (ideally PHP 5) is included in your Windows hosting provider’s feature list.
Database server compatibility with your Windows hosting solution
A database server is a feature that should be included in any good Windows hosting service. Database servers, such as MySQL or MS SQL Server, capture, store, and send data for a web application or website. A database server, for example, keeps track of your Twitter messages and Facebook postings.
A database server is required if you want to install a web application on your Windows web host, such as the WordPress blogging platform. Because MySQL is open source and less expensive, most Windows web hosting providers include it. It’s a good idea to choose a plan that includes MySQL, MS Access, and MS SQL Server, which are the most prevalent database formats you’ll encounter, to ensure that your server is compatible with most web apps.
Another thing to think about is the quantity of databases and database capacity that your Windows web hosting service provides. If you run two independent websites on your server, for example, or if you have complex apps that work with various databases, you may need numerous databases. Some providers limit the amount of disc space allotted to your database, which can cause issues if you’re running a data-intensive app with high performance demands.
You should evaluate the setup of the database servers given with the plan, including the number and size of the databases, before choosing a Windows web hosting provider. This basic precaution will save you a lot of headaches in the long run.
Windows hosting support services
When choosing a web hosting service, one of the most important features to look for is 24/7, comprehensive customer support. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a complete novice when it comes to web hosting, you’ll need the help of your Windows web hosting company at some point. When issues emerge, it is critical to have a Windows hosting expert who can rapidly discover the main source of the issue and assist in its resolution.
Although 24/7 technical support is a feature that should be included with all Windows hosting services, good customer service entails more than that. If you intend to transfer your website from another hosting account, see if your new Windows hosting provider offers free website transfers. Some providers charge a fee for this service, which might quickly add to the hosting service’s already low cost. In the same way, some companies charge a setup fee for your Windows hosting account. Although the setup price isn’t large, it does add to the final cost of the Windows web hosting option.
It’s a good idea to choose a Windows hosting service that gives a refund guarantee, or money-back guarantee, to protect your investment against any problems, especially if you’re working on a major long-term project. A refund guarantee will cover you if the service you receive falls short of your expectations or if you run into serious technical difficulties that prevent your website or web application from working properly.
Feel free to visit our Mondoze Global Blog and Knowledge Base for more information about Windows Virtual Hosting Plans or other web hosting plans.