What is hosting?
To put it simply, hosting companies provide space on a server so that a client can host their own website that is visible on the World Wide Web. Most hosting companies offer a wide array of packages from very small starting at around $3.99 a month to more complex packages at up to $199.99 a month. Several hosting packages also include a FREE domain as well so you can pretty much have you hosting and domain set up in a matter of minutes.

Important things to understand about hosting:

• Linux or Microsoft - Most people would gravitate towards a familiar name but in this case, Linux is the better way to go. Microsoft hosting requires knowledge of ASP programing or ASP.net. For the beginner, I always recommend Linux Hosting Packages.
• Web Space - This is similar to an iPod in how much data you are allowed to store. Small sites tend to require less space and anything from 10-20 gigs should be good to get you started.
• File Transfer / Bandwidth - This is how much data gets transferred when someone visits your site. If you page consists of one big image that is 1 megabyte, every time someone visits your site, they are transferring 1 meg. 100 visits a day over 30 days is 3,000 megs or 3 gigs. Most hosting companies provide at least 300 gigs per month for basic packages.
• Databases - Once you become more comfortable with HTML and web design, you may want to set up database drive sites. These include blogs, wikis, and CMS (Content Management Sites) and will each require their own database. For now, we will just be using static sites.

Recommended Hosting Companies
Here are a few hosting companies I have used over time and I highly recommend.

Hosting Company	Features	Rating	Website
	I recommend the Baby package as it offers Unlimited Space, bandwidth, and unlimited domains at just $7.95 a month. Offers many instant applications such as blogs, forums, and portals.	5 out of 5	www.hostgator.com
	Another great package as it offers Unlimited Space, bandwidth, and unlimited domains at just $6.95 a month for a 24 month package. Offers many instant applications such as blogs, forums, and portals. Also includes a FREE domain name.	5 out of 5	www.bluehost.com
	Offers a great beginner package at $3.99 a month and includes a free domain, 10 GB of web space, 300 GB of bandwidth, and unlimited hosting of multiple sites under one package.	4 out of 5	www.1and1.com
	Very reliable hosting. Basic package is $7.95 a month and includes 10 GB of storage, 500 GB of bandwidth, and hosting up to 50 domains.	4 out of 5	www.dotster.com