Web Hosting
You need a Web host to put your site on the Internet. A Web host sells you space on a computer that is connected to the Internet, and lets you point your domain name there. Anyone visiting your website is actually reading files off of the host's computer, though the host's Internet connection.
You get charged for how big your site is and how much it gets used — that's disk usage and bandwidth. If you suddenly become the hot spot on the Internet, then the Web host will charge you extra for the traffic, because you're using more bandwidth. The host's Internet connection is like a pipe from a well, and the host needs to charge you if you're using a bigger pipe or a deeper well.
But a site as cheap as FREE could be all you need for now. Most artist's websites don't need more than a small amount of disk space and site usage unless there are lots of big files like MP3s and videos. For big users, Web hosts offer a lot more disk space and bandwidth starting around $8 a month.
Read about hosting to get a feeling for what you're getting involved in — even if you don't understand everything.
Some informative links:
CNet
Web Hosting Information
W3C Hosting
Tutorial
These sites give some guidance in the search for a Web host:
Cnet
HostIndex.com
bestwebhostingreviews.com
webhosts.thelist.com
ratemywebhost.com
cheap-web-hosting-directory.com
upperhost.com
hostingchecker.com
top10webhosting.com
hostingcatalog.com
Hosts I currently use
Other services
PayPal
"PayPal enables any business or consumer with email to
send and receive online payments securely, conveniently and
cost-effectively. PayPal's network builds on the existing financial
infrastructure of bank accounts and credit cards to create a
global payment system. PayPal has more than 17 million member
accounts, including more than 3 million business accounts. In
2001, PayPal processed over $3.5 billion in payments." Allows easy payment over the Web using credit cards or checking
accounts.
Miva Merchant
Scalable, professional e-commerce engine, provided though Web
hosts like ValueWeb.com
for a higher monthly price than standard hosting.
