Let’s face it, not everyone can run a personal computer lab just to provide their friends with fast, reliable Internet access. Especially since most of today’s personal computers come with sophisticated Internet programs already installed, such as Microsoft® Windows® operating systems and browsers (including Internet Explorer®, Google Chrome®, and Mozilla Firefox®).
You may have heard of Google Web Hosting. It’s one of the more popular choices among people who want to create a website. And it’s easy to understand why. With Google Web Hosting, all you need is a domain name and you can get started hosting a website in no time. In fact, Google provides a simple to follow tutorial that walks you through the process of launching your own website.
The Advantages Of Choosing Google Web Hosting
There are a number of advantages to choosing Google Web Hosting over other web hosting companies, not the least of which is price. While most web hosts will have a free option, typically limited to certain amounts of storage and bandwidth, Google’s pricing is incredibly competitive, especially for the amount of hosting that you get. For example, with their standard package, you get a free domain, free website hosting for one year, and unlimted storage with no bandwidth limitation. (For a limited time, these special pricing options are available by contacting Google’s sales department.)
Another Major Advantage To Choosing Google Web Hosting
Another major advantage to choosing Google Web Hosting is the level of service that you get. First off, Google provides a 24/7 customer support team, which means that if you have an issue at any time, day or night, they will respond quickly and effectively, solving your problem and returning your calls and emails within 24 hours (or less).
Additionally, Google takes care of everything for you, including getting your site set up with a free, easy-to-use content management system (CMS), such as WordPress or Joomla!. Those are the types of systems that you will need to add content to, so that your website can begin generating income. But don’t worry; Google will take care of all the technical aspects of getting your site set up, and you can sit back and relax, knowing that everything is being handled.
A Major Disadvantage To Choosing Google Web Hosting
On the other hand, there is a major disadvantage to choosing Google Web Hosting. If you compare their service to that of some of their competitors, such as Hostgator, you will find that Google’s service is not as good as Hostgator’s. Specifically, Google provides only limited, basic website functionality, including a domain name and hosting, to their standard package. (You cannot install a custom CMS on their servers, and you cannot install a third-party app, like Opencart, on their servers either.)
For example, if you have a product review website that you have developed using a free, open source content management system, like WordPress, you will have to install WordPress on your own computer and then transfer it to their servers, via a process called “caching”. WordPress is a very powerful tool, and it’s very easy to use, but if you are looking for something more advanced, you will have to install WordPress on your own computer and then manually install a theme and custom-create a product review website according to your own unique brand, using only the built-in tools.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that if you are looking for a web host that is easy to use and provides good value for your money, then you should choose Hostgator. However, if you want a complete solution that comes with a domain name, free website hosting, and the ability to install and use a custom CMS, then you should choose Google Web Hosting.