| Disk Space | | | | language and type of database it may use. Most |
| The amount of disk space offered generally not a | | | | UNIX based plans should have CGI, PHP, Perl, MYSQL |
| factor these days. Most websites will use less than | | | | included and most Windows plans should have ASP, |
| 50 mb and unless you're hosting lots of images or | | | | ASP.NET, MS SQL and support Access databases. |
| video and sound files, a few hundred mb will be | | | | Statistics |
| adequate. If you like to store your emails on the | | | | Make sure they provide software to see statistical |
| server you will want to have more space. | | | | information. Ask what they offer and investigate |
| Bandwidth | | | | whether this contains all the information you need. |
| Most websites use less than 2gb of traffic per | | | | Support |
| month. If this will be a high traffic site look for more. | | | | This can be a very important thing to look for. Look |
| Also inquire about overage charges and about their | | | | for both phone and email/ticket support methods. If |
| policy concerning what happens when a site goes | | | | phone charges are an issue, make sure a toll-free |
| over the limit. | | | | number is available. The most important thing to look |
| OS | | | | for in the prospective Web Host is the turnaround |
| Under most conditions you are going to want to | | | | time for resolving technical issues. It is too late to |
| choose a UNIX based system. These are generally | | | | check or complain about this once a problem has |
| more stable and secure than their Windows | | | | occurred. The shorter the response time, the better. |
| counterparts. The only time I recommend someone | | | | If you are new to the website/hosting world and |
| use Windows hosting is if they need it for ASP or | | | | expect to call in for help with setting up your |
| ASP.NET scripting or for some other reason it is | | | | account, make sure that you check to see if this is |
| required. Many individuals misunderstand that the | | | | allowed. Most support departments will not be your |
| computer they use at home plays no role in this | | | | web design reference section and will charge to fix |
| choice. | | | | design mistakes. |
| Speed | | | | Server Location |
| Before you signup with a company always be sure | | | | The location of your server play's an important role |
| to ask what type of connection they have to the | | | | in the access speed. If your customers are in the |
| internet and what type of redundancy is in place for | | | | United States your server should be in the United |
| this connection. Also see if they have any sample | | | | States. If your customers are in India then your |
| sites they can refer to you so you can test the | | | | server should be in India. |
| loading time. | | | | Price |
| Reliability | | | | If the price is too good to be true, then it probably |
| Ask if there is an uptime guarantee for their hosting | | | | is. You will get what you pay for. If you are spending |
| plans. Look for uptimes of 99.99% or better. Things | | | | less than $10 a month, expect the level of service to |
| happen and servers have issues, but it is important | | | | be similar to that amount. I've personally spoken with |
| to see how quickly these issues are resolved. Ask if | | | | customers running websites that take in thousands |
| they have any historical data of their reliability they | | | | of dollars a day on a $3.95/month hosting package. |
| can provide. | | | | When the site goes down with server issues don't |
| Shell Access | | | | expect the hosting company to pay a single cent of |
| If you anticipate needing shell access, check to see | | | | your lost revenue. If you've got a high revenue |
| if it is available. Many web hosts are disabling this | | | | website a shared hosting plan is out of the question |
| feature | | | | and you should look for a custom package with |
| Scripting Languages allowed and Database | | | | redundancy built in.Scott is the owner and chief |
| Make sure the plan you go with has all the features | | | | designer for Smith-Concepts LLC a Fairfield County |
| you need. Make sure it has CGI access. If you want | | | | web development firm located in Danbury, |
| to install a script make sure the hosting supports the | | | | Connecticut. |