How to choose the right computer equipment for your business to increase your productivity and efficiency without it costing the earth.
Business software helps you complete a range of tasks. Choose the right software, provide support and train your staff with our introduction.
It is highly likely that you depend on the internet for some aspects of your business. Find out how you can use the internet more effectively.
Good communication with customers, partners and suppliers is vital for business success. This summary explores business communication methods.
How would you cope if your IT system failed or was breached? We cover the main IT security issues and how to protect against them.
Good IT management can help you choose, use and implement IT. Our overview helps you manage IT in a way that maximises the return on your investment.
IT support is vital if you rely on your IT system. But how can you set up an effective safety net in case things go wrong? We explore the options.
Getting the right IT is just the first step. Appropriate training, policies and working practices can help you maximise return on your IT investment.
Web hosting allows you to publish your company website for the world to see.
Your choice of web host will affect how long it takes your website to load, its speed during browsing, the efficiency with which it handles large visitor numbers and its availability.
Picking the right web hosting service will make your website more effective, and your business easier to find online.
When you buy web hosting, you get access to one or more servers to which you can upload the files that make up your website, enabling you to publish it online.
You'll encounter different types of web hosting. The most common options are:
Your hosting requirements may be an important consideration when deciding how to build a website. For example, most template-based website creator packages usually include business hosting.
Similarly, if you're working with a web design agency, hosting might be included in their service. In this case, you still need to consider how appropriate the hosting is to your specific needs.
The key things to consider when you choose a web host are:
It can be hard to estimate exactly how your website will grow and what changes you will make in the future. This means it's often a good idea to start with a cheap web hosting package which you can upgrade easily when you need to, rather than opting for a more expensive package from the start.
However, do be aware that the cheapest packages are often a false economy. Their deficiencies will show up at crucial times - like when your site receives an unusually high number of visitors or you urgently need support.
It's a good idea to look for a guaranteed level of service from your web hosting provider. This is usually provided in the form of a service level agreement (SLA) stating the service you can expect – and entitling you to compensation if those targets are missed.
