So, here is the second part of “Finding the Right Host for your Blog“.

Server Requirements : WordPress server requirements are simple, ( as long as you are planning not to host wordpress MU,  or plugins that require additional features and resources ). Lets go straight to wordpress.org, and check out server requirements.

PHP 4.3 or greater
MySQL 4.0 or greater
The mod_rewrite Apache module

If you are too lazy to check this out, wordpress has an email template that you can send to your “would be” host, and then just wait for their answer. Okay, don’t get confused. Most of the webhosts support all these 3 on all of their linux based plans.

Additional features/offers : Now it’s time to check for some additional stuff !! . Do they give you something extra ? like, Google Apps ready ? A free premium theme  ? A collection of themes and plugins ? Free domain name ? contests ? Coupons ?  Competition in Webhosting industry is really HUGE. Make use of it, get more features addons and more  !!! Continue reading →

So you want a self hosted wordpress blog ? hmm that’s a good idea. It’s always good to own a little piece of web for yourself.

First, you should get a domain name. Yes, think hard, and select a domain name. But, keep domain registrar’s website open while you are doing this serious thinking. Because, you need to make sure that the domain that you want to register, is actually available. You can’t register someone Else’s domain name

You can use any of the following checkdomain.com register.com godaddy.com So, when there is a domain name ready, you can register it.

Tip: Do not register the domain straightaway , if you are planning to buy hosting for 1 year, or 2 years, most of the webhosts give you a free domain name with the hosting plan, you can make use of this offer.

It is okay to have the domain name registered with one company, and webhosting with another one. So, if you someone who can share their webspace with you, you can simply register a domain name from any  registrar, and start hosting

Some technical stuff

What makes a website ? ( from a webhost’s view ). It’s a domain name and some server space. It is possible that, domain name is registered at the company “A” and the server space is at company “B”.

Continue reading →