Do I need Linux or Windows Hosting?
Either, but we recommend Linux. The difference between Linux and Windows hosting is the server operating system which is hosting your website (which is completely independant from your own personal computer operating system).
We recommend that you choose a Linux hosting plan due to the vast offerings of easy to install scripts and also the quantities of disk space and bandwidth are greater when compared to the equivalent Windows hosting plan.
Unless you have a specific reason for needing a Windows hosting plan, such as your website is developed using Microsoft FrontPage or ASP.NET scripting or you wish to use the Windows Site Builder with gallery module, then you should choose a Linux hosting plan. If you are unsure, then you likely do not have any reason to use a Windows hosting plan.
I have a Windows PC, do I need Windows Hosting?
No. The Linux and Windows website hosting plans refer to the server operating system where your website will be uploaded too. What you have on your own personal computer is completely independant to what operating system is on our web hosting servers. So if you have a Windows or a MAC PC you can choose either Linux or Windows.
How much Disk Space do I need?
This depends largely on the size of your photographs you want to add to your website and the number of photographs you have.
Approximately, if a photograph file size was 512KB (0.5MB) on your computer then:
1GB = 2,000 photograph files
2GB = 4,000 photograph files
4GB = 8,000 photograph files
8GB = 16,000 photograph files
How much Bandwidth do I need?
This depends entirely on how many visitors you have accessing your website and the amount / size of files they are accessing. We recommend to start with a small hosting plan and upgrade when you are reaching your limits. Typically, both the Windows Bronze hosting plan and Linux hosting Bronze hosting plan provide more than enough bandwidth for most websites, including stock photography websites.
What is the difference between the different hosting plans?
The only differrence between the different levels of hosting plans in the Windows and Linux range of plans is the amount of disk space and bandwidth provided. All other features are the same with the same quantity provided.
Do I get email with every hosting plan?
Yes. You can create any amount of email accounts with your hosting plan. Email can be accessed using a web browser (webmail) or by downloading it to your email program.
Do I need a domain name to host my website?
Yes, you can either use an existing domain name which you own, or register a new domain. You can also transfer your domain from your current registrar to Hosting Photography do you can manage both your hosting account and domain within our client area!
Which website solution is right for me?
Choose what type of website you want to learn more about:
- Photography Business or Personal Website
- Stock Photography Website
- Fun Gallery for Friends and Family
Photography Business Website / Personal Website
A website for photography business, selling photography services and wishing to display a portfolio of work.
Recommendation
Use the Linux Site Builder with any Linux hosting plan to get a professional looking website which is easy to update using the built in Site Builder features. Alternatively, if you require to use the image gallery module so you can easily create galleries using our SiteBuilder then you need to use the Windows Site Builder with any Windows hosting plan.
Get a trial site today with Linux Site Builder or Windows Site Builder and see which one suits you!
Compatibility: Linux Hosting Plans, WIndows Hosting Plans (for easy Image Gallery)
Stock Photography Website
A website which will contains a large volume of photographs for sale to a wide audience.
Recommendation
There are a couple of website solutions on the market today which will give you what you need. All of the website solutions recommended below enable you to:
1. Take online payments using PayPal and 2Checkout.com (2Checkout.com can be used is the user does not have a PayPal account). Both PayPal and 2Checkout.com can deposit funds into your bank account.
2. Protect your images so they cannot be downloaded without your permission. Photo's are watermarked for additional protection.
3. Add unlimited amount of galleries/events and sub galleries and allow you to password protect them and keep events seperate.
4. Allow modification of website content using the web browser, no html coding necessary.
PhotoStore by KTools.net
It is a professional, user friendly, web based software package that enables you to publish and sell your photographs, images, artwork, prints and products. It is great for event photographers such as weddings, races, sports, kids sports, highschool sports, animal shows, music bands, and much much more. Very good support! Compatible with multiple payment providers.
Compatibility: Linux Hosting Plans and Windows Hosting Plans (Requires License Purchase from KTools.net)
EasyPhotoStore
EasyPhotoStore provides you with all features you need to setup your own ecommerce stock photo website on your own domain name. Very similar to PhotoStore but at a cheaper price.
Compatibility: Linux Hosting Plans (Requires License Purchase from EasyPhotoStore)
Lightbox Photo
Lightbox Photo Gallery Software provides a solution to photographers to display and sell their work online. More expensive than the others but very powerfull. Compatible with multiple payment providers.
Compatibility: Linux Hosting Plans (Requires License Purchase from Lightbox Photo)
Xpoze
Professional script and software to sell your photos online. Xpoze provides lots and lots of features that are a must for any stock photo website, however, it does not support 2Checkout.com
Compatibility: Linux Hosting Plans (Requires License Purchase from EyeMedia)
Fun Gallery
A website for sharing your photographs to your friends, family and anyone else who visits your website
Recommendation
Either of the following:
Compatibility: Linux Hosting Plans
Please read our solution overview to get a flavour of what the different solutions provide you. If you are still unsure do contact us stating what you want to achieve and we will help you find the right solution.