what exactly do web hosters do? Options

[rail01]

After you have an idea of a website you want to make, know what you want in it and selected a web host, where does it go from there...?

Do you tell them what you want in it and they do it? Will they have different formats/style you can select from, do you have to make that up yourself or buy it from another site? I know they give you space for what you pay for, but will there be a selection of ways you could have your site done?

Also...will they do the "clickable" stuff for you? example the top of this page says....Layouts, Graphics, Scripts ect. can I tell them what to put up there and they'll do it? Thanks.

[illriginal]

Basically they give you "space" for you to create files (html, pictures, music, movies, flash, etc..) they save it on their server and becomes viewable to the public (unless you set your site to private.)

To further answer your question... if you believe you have the skills to make a site yourself, you can just pay for the hosting on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis.

If you think you cannot create your site on your own... some hosting companies would need you to send them all the data you want put into your website. You tell them how you want your site to look and they will give you examples (pre-made templates) you choose from those ideas and they'll work with you on how you want your site to look.

Also keep in mind, if you plan to have a webmaster from the hosting company, prepare to pay up some big bucks.