Please Correct if My Concept is Wrong

multiply.me

Hi experts,

Currently, I am thinking of setting up a online shop (included shopping cart, paypal etc)

First thing, I have Dreamwaver and would be design the website myself which would link to database to store informations etc.
For my case, is it good that I take up a virtual hosting? Or is there any different between hosting and virtual host?

As for domain, regardless of anything, as long as I need an online site, i must buy a domain(URL) right?

I used to play with geocities where I can upload the files/codes or database. Which type of hosting is similar to geocities?

Sorry if my question is confusing as I think my concept is totally wrong. =(

Please correct me. thanks

Mystech

no expert, but just to kpo abit.

not 100% sure about VPS and a hosting, but what i can recall is that VPS has a certain something reserved for you. Generally, you wun need it, unless you're doing forums and what not.

theres no need to buy a domain name. theres a few free ones like geocities, blogspot, etc. but I always think its better to get one. looks nicer.

I'm afraid i never touched geo citites, so that i can't comment.

noeclue

If you are serious about your online shop, always get a VPS (virtual private server). This is a virtualization and you get your own resources (memory, cpu, disk I/O, etc). However, you need to have basic knowledge about server administration. If not, you have to engage 3rd party management company eg. touchsupport, platinumserversmanagement, etc.

If you get a virtual hosting, they basically share everything else with others. There are many possibilities in which security issue on other scripts hosted on another account may cause your account hair-wired. Alternatively, you may want to find hosting company which only allow e-commerce clients on their virtual hosting server.

Dont waste your time designing/developing your own online shop. There are many open-source script which you can install and download their themes.

ultimateworker

A VPS may be an overkill for a startup...
i still recommend shared hosting to start with...
$40 vs $10 a month with a 1-2 years commitment

For open source, we develop quite a number of sites on Zencart
and highly recommend it...

alternatively, you might want to look at a Wordpress installation
with a built-in e-commerce theme.

thanks!
ultimateworker