Before you choose your next web hosting package you should stop and run through a checklist to make sure you’re getting everything you need. Here is a list of 10 things to look out for: 1. Geolocation – If you are aiming for a geographically targeted audience – make sure you host in the right country - if you're aiming for a UK market - then host in the UK. Some popular hosting companies in the UK host in Germany and Sweden - so don't take it for granted. 2. Server: Apache or IIS are the main options. If you're migrating from one hosting company to another it's probably wise to stick to the same server type if you have any server side processing - unless you've allowed for added time and cost in your budget 3. Scripting: PHP, ASP, mySQL, Perl, SSI. If you've employed a scripting genius who is the leading expert in his field at PHP - don't give him ASP to deal with. If you want your server to send email automatically when actions take place, PHP provides a very simple command for it. If you want a quality data base - check to see if mySQL is included in the package....I could go on - but you get the message. 4. Disk Space: How much disk space do you get? Is it enough? 5. Server Up Time: A good reason that sites underperfrom SEO-wise is the server reliability - if the server is down whenever the bots come round to check the site - it is not going to be well indexed. 6. Control Panel - does it offer a flexible control panel that allows you to configure things like email accounts 7. Email - and while we're on the subject - what does the email package include - is it as flexible as you want - can you get all mail forwarded to an admin account? 8. Subdomains - sometimes it's good to be able to set up a subdomain - for example if you want forums on your site e.g. forums.mysite.co.uk. Does the control panel allow you to do this? Does it cost extra? 9. Help Desk - How accessible is it? Can you phone them? Is it 24/7 10. SSL – Finally – do you have requirements to gather secure data on your site site? If so – do you need to install an SLL? Can the hosting company provide you with this? By: Hannah Parker
This is more like "everyone knows this already" than a "must read". Very basic and vague tips. Could be useful for giving a complete newbie a couple of things to think about though.
On digital point there are wide base of people and having different skill set. This thread is for those who don’t know about hosting and want to know more key things before choosing a host.
Guys if you like to contribute to this thread please Add your points by replying to this thread, so we can pass quality information to reader..