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Before rushing for a web hosting account, you need to check the following features which are important for any web hosting account. So here are the important features you need to check with your hosting company before paying for it.
Technical Support: When choosing a web host give maximum preference to technical support. Test different companies before you sign up by sending them an email with a question or two. If they respond quickly, this is a good sign.
Uptime: The more uptime they guarantee, the better. 99% uptime is the minimum acceptable standard. Look for 99% plus guaranteed uptime.
Disk Space: A basic web site with few images and about 10 to 20 pages will require a less web space. If you require a lot of Graphic or multimedia or you need to store a lot of information, you will need a bit higher disk space.
Data Transfer: This factor is usually overlooked until the data transfer limit is reached. If you go over your allotted data transfer, you will get a hefty bill. If you are running a site with lots of downloads, or a site with lots of images such as a photo post site, your data transfer will be higher than a site with mainly text. The average website uses less than 200MB of bandwidth per month.
Scripting Languages support: If you are using a scripting language to output your html, you need to check whether the plan has support for that script. You will need a windows hosting plan only if you are using microsoft scripting languages like asp and asp.net.
CGI Bin: This is now standard feature with almost all hosting companies. If you do not have access to your own CGI Bin, you cannot install your own cgi scripts and programs.
Perl: If you do not have Perl, you cannot run Perl Programs. Many good scripts that you buy or get for free are written in Perl.
SSI: Server Side Includes are great if you want to spend minimal time updating your site. Again this feature is provided by many hosts.
FTP Access: Unlimited and unrestricted FTP access to your site is essential. You will need an FTP program to transfer files from your computer to the server.
Statistics Program: A good stats program is handy if you want to keep an eye on how many visitors you are getting, where they are coming from, referrers, top entry and exit pages and so on. Some companies offer excellent stats programs as standard while others offer basic stats but you have to pay extra for advanced statistics.
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