There are a number of different types of web hosting/access:

These methods of online access relate to your personal browsing/use of the Internet. Generally speaking, having Internet access will not provide you with a web hosting package - although some providers will include a limited hosting plan with your Internet access account. However, most web hosting companies do not offer Internet access because it takes up server capacity, which they would rather dedicate to web hosting clients. Although some companies offer both, you should be cautious, as performance can suffer if a company uses the same network for both access and hosting.

Non-Virtual web hosting is where you lease space on someone else's server. They allow you a sub-directory from their domain. For example, www.hostingcompany.com/yourdirectory/. The advantages to this sort of hosting is obviously the cost. Non-virtual hosting services are almost always cheaper and are often offered as an added feature to a dial-in account. However, in the Internet world, subhosted accounts are not nearly as professional as a virtual server or domain hosting. Most non-virtual hosting plans disappeared by 2001 and the next type of hosting is now the most popular.

Virtual Hosting allows your company/organization to have its' hosted pages on the Internet with your own domain. For example, www.YourName.com, which would bring you to your website. These hosting packages are the most common and offer a professional and well-established appearance. Having a domain also allows you to move your website to a different hosting provider with minimal interruption and trouble.

Dedicated Servers (frequently named managed hosting) allows an entire server to be dedicated to your website. Generally speaking, most shared accounts (virtual hosting / non-virtual hosting) place many accounts on a single webserver to lower the end cost. However, a dedicated server is used solely for you which means faster performance and greater programming flexibility. This type of hosting is best designed for mid-sized businesses and high-traffic websites.

"How do I upload files to an ISP/Web Host who doesn't have a local access number?"
This is a very common question for those who are exploring the idea of getting a domain hosting account. First, you need an Internet access account, available throughout North America for around $25/month. Having a local access account with an ISP (such as AOL or MSN), gives you access to the Internet. It also gives you the connection which allows you to make use of an FTP program on your computer which in turn can upload your files to a server anywhere in the world.

For example, perhaps your web hosting company is located in Florida. However, you live in California. How do you get your web pages from your computer in California to your virtual server in Florida? It's simple! All you need to do is to login to your local access provider and once your Internet connection is established, you simply launch your FTP application and upload your files to your server. Many web design programs, such as Microsoft's FrontPage, have a publish button which automates this process for you.

You can also set-up your email accounts to forward your mail at your hosting account to your dial-in username at your local ISP. It is a very easy process, which can often be set-up via. an online web control panel. Thus, if your local ISP doesn't offer you the services which you need, feel free to search for a hosting company anywhere. However, since cross-continent transfers can be slower, we recommend you try to find a provider in your country. HostIndex.com allows you to search for a web hosting provider close to you. International Users may search by continent and North American users may search by State or Province.