Web Hosting

Here are some basic things to consider when choosing a Web Hosting Service:

Space and Bandwidth:
Storage space is the amount of allowable space that could house your files such as web pages, images, flash animations, and files that you want your visitors to download in the virtual world. Your storage requirements are going to be determined by the type of website you have. If your website is a business or ecommerce website that will grow with time, then make sure that your web host has a package that not only covers your current space requirements but is also adequate for future growth.

Bandwidth is the amount of actual data that can be transferred from the web server that holds your website, to the browser of the person who is looking at your website. If you go over the limit, then either you will have to pay an extra fee, or your website will not be available. The amount of bandwidth, you use, is obviously related to the amount of traffic (visitors) that you receive.

Usually, 5GB of disk space and 50GB of bandwidth will be enough for many websites.
Now a days, most of the web hosting companies allow you to host more than one website on one account. If you have more than one website or planning to host more websites, you would better select a web host that offers multiples website hosting on one account.

Features:
Web hosting companies offer a wide range of features and services. Some of other basic features that a web hosting service should include:

Free Domain Name
Free Technical Support
POP3 E-Mail Accounts
Email Forwarding
Email Auto-responders
Email Aliases
FTP Access
FrontPage Support
Own CGI-Bin Access
Free Perl, CGI
Server Side Includes (SSI)
Password Protection
Reseller/referral program
30 day money back guarantee

Reliability:
Finding a reliable web hosting provider is important. Many web hosts offer an uptime guarantee of around 99%. There are instances where the server will go down due to a fault, however a good hosting provider will fix the problem as quickly as possible.

When choosing your host, ask them if it would be possible for them to provide you with uptime statistics, that way you can see what their past uptime history is.

Customer Support:
In the event that a problem arises it is important that it is resolves as quickly as possible, to prevent downtime. Today hosts provide a variety of support options ranging from email to telephone and live chat. We will give a brief explanation of each form:

Email: a direct email address is supplied, responses may be slow depending of the host.

Phone: This type of support may vary, from free phone numbers to 24 hour manned telephones. This type of support may not be necessary for all clients.

Support Desk: This is a useful service, a support desk usually integrates help files, tutorials, and online ticket support. You are able to submit a support ticket and an operator will respond. Again the hours of opening vary.

Live Chat: If you have ever used MSN, ICQ or Yahoo Messenger you will know what live chat is. You are connected in an operator in real-time. Many hosts now offer this type of support.

Before you choose your host make sure that you check out their support options, if you are running a personal website then email should be suitable, however if you are running a website selling a product or service, you should at least choose a host that offers 24x7 support.

Price and Guarantee:
The hosting industry is a very competitive, and you can find some amazing deals, however remember to look at the host's reliability, support options and money back guarantee as well as the price.