How to upload files to the server
Main steps
- Choose a hosting provider
- Order the hosting or a free trial period.
- Add the domain name to the hosting control panel and configure the necessary settings.
- Create a database on the side of the new hosting provider, in case it was not created automatically.
- Import the existing database to the newly created one.
File uploading
Using hosting provider's file manager
- A file manager is usually included to almost each control panel. However, please make sure that the control panel contains a tool that can archive or extract files.
- Check the configuration file (such as config.php, wp-config.php, configuration.php etc) settings. Usually, it is required to edit the database name, username and password.
- Archive your files (zip-archives are the most commonly used ones).
- Upload the archive to the corresponding folder (public_html usually) and extract the files afterwards.
- The files are uploaded.
Using FileZilla
All FTP-clients have one particular advantage: they are more comfortable than file managers. Nevertheless, you cannot archive or extract files using FTP-clients. This means that it is required to copy the files one by one which obviously takes a lot of time, especially if you have a lot of files. So, there are two possible ways to upload files. First: upload an archive using an FTP-client and extract the files using a file manager. Second: both upload and extract the files using only the file manager. You can also read instructions about how to quickly upload files using FileZilla here.
Using Total Commander
You can find the detailed instructions here.
Using Far Manager
You can find the detailed instructions here.
Please note that all of the above mentioned instructions are applicable mostly for Shared hosting.
Advice
We recommend using an FTP-client to upload website files (FileZilla, Total Commander, Far Manager - whichever you like more), however, there is a small precaution. While using an FTP-client, make sure that there are no viruses and/or malicious programs on your computer as they might get uploaded to the server.
Files uploaded. What next?
Once done, you need to import the database and connect it to your website. You are welcome to check the detailed instructions here.
We highly recommend not to purchase the cheapest hosting package. Usually, they come with a row of issues: the server is often down, the hardware is outdated, lousy and slow support, registration and payment errors, etc.
For your convenience, we have created a tool that can help you to choose the right hosting package for you just by answering a few simple questions.
CMS is a content management system. A lot of hosting providers offer so-called CMS optimized packages. However, this is a marketing trick because most CMSs do not have special software or hosting requirements.
Trial period is a period of time, usually from 7 to 30 days, during which you can use the hosting services for free to test them.
Moneyback policy allows the customer to receive a refund for his order within a certain period after the purchase.
OS means the operating system is installed on the server. We recommend to choose Linux hosting unless your website requires another OS.
Bulletproof hosting - it’s a type of service that allows to host almost any type of content, even the restricted one (adult content, warez, spam etc). Bulletproof hosting providers do not remove your content in case someone reports an abuse.
Unlimited hosting - refers to companies that provide packages with unlimited disk space, bandwidth, number of domains, databases or email accounts, etc. This is usually a marketing trick but sometimes you can find something worth a try.
Secure hosting - it’s a type of service when the hosting provider is mostly responsible for the security of the user’s account: updates the software installed on their servers, provides an antivirus and malware scanner, firewalls and basic anti-DDoS protection, etc.
DDoS-protected hosting - companies that provide packages that include anti-DDoS protection. These packages are considerably more expensive than regular ones. Nevertheless, they’re totally worth their price because the company will ensure that your website is secured from cyber attacks.
Most websites require MySQL and PHP installed on the server to work correctly. Almost all hosting providers support these technologies.
ASP.NET is a Microsoft web application development platform.
The more comfortable the control panel is, the easier will it be for you to change the website and hosting account settings.
Most hosting providers that are in TOP20 in our rating offer user-friendly control panels, such as cPanel, Plesk or DirectAdmin. That’s why we recommend to pay attention to other, more important parameters, while choosing a hosting provider.