When looking for a web host, it is important to not only know what your needs are now, but also what they could be once your business grows as it much easier to remain with one host and upgrade than it is to completely move your site to another host.

However, many of these terms can be confusing and knowing what you need, or how much of it can be difficult to determine.

SIZE

The rule of thumb is that a page of text with one or two images will take up about 33K. That size means that 1 GB of data transfer would mean 30,000 page views per month, 2 GB 60,000, etc.

A small site expecting somewhat light traffic can have its needs met with 10 to 100 MB of disk space and 1-5 GB of data transfer per month.

While text takes almost no space at all, movies, graphics and sound files eat up space and bandwidth. If the site has lots of these items, 20 to 40 MB will be needed.

Commercial sites could need 50 MB or more with 5 to 30 GB depending on the expected traffic.

Ensure the web host you choose can not only meet your needs now, but also when your business grows by supporting upgrades in space and bandwidth as well as offer a dedicated server should you need.

Ask for a few representative web sites they host so you can see if they are a comparable size to yours as the needs of a small site are not always the same as a large one. This also allows you to check the network speed.

SPEED

As a rule of thumb, a T1 line can transfer 1.5 MB per second while a T3 line can transfer 45 MB per second. There are also OC or Optical Carriers. However, besides speed, hosts should aim to use less than 50 per cent of the available bandwidth as overburdening network connections will result in slower performance. That means a T1 with light traffic can be faster than a T3 with too much traffic.

Make sure to ask about capacity and usage. A good host should have enough space and bandwidth for some growth and the ability to get more as needed.

Bandwidth Reference Guide

SERVERS and APPLICATIONS

While the average personal computer can host web sites, high-speed SCSI disk drivers, error-correcting RAM and powerful microprocessors will result in more responsive web sites.

Dedicated servers are needed for high-traffic sites, or where there?s a need for strong security or customized software.

As your business grows and your needs change, you may need to change platforms, so ensure the host not only offers them, but can also back them up with technical support.

Most servers run on either Unix (Linux) or Microsoft Windows NT platforms.

Unix is the traditional operating system of web servers and are extremely reliable and stable and less expensive. Most CGI scripts were written to be used on a Unix machine and may need modifications to be run on an NT machine.

Microsoft developed NT so it works well with many Windows applications. That?s important for those working with an MS Access database.

While you do not need an NT server if you built your web site using MS FrontPage, you will need to ensure the host has the FrontPage extensions installed on their server.

Also ask the host if everything is already in place for you to run a database, e-commerce solutions, shopping cart or secure online payment system, CGI scripts, mailing lists, web statistics, and other applications you need for your site before you sign up.

RELIABILITY

There is no use in having a web site if it is always down. Look for a guarantee that the system will be up 99 per cent of the time. This can be guaranteed with automatic monitoring equipment, experienced engineers who can anticipate problems and redundant back-up systems. Keep in mind that each per cent of possible downtime is more than 100 minutes of possible down time each week. Ask about hardware use, connections and safeguards.

Also ask if the web host has reliable security features such as firewalls, built in redundancy and daily backups.

SUPPORT

It is important to get the type of support you need, when you need it. While e-mail support works fine in most cases, be wary if no phone numbers are available in case of an emergency when you need to talk to somebody directly. Keep in mind that restricted hours of phone support can also be a problem.

Send an e-mail inquiry or call asking a few questions you might ask if and when you do set up with them to ensure they can speak to your needs and experience level. Try this at different times of the day and week to get a feel for the response time. However, keep in mind that some hosts answer sales questions faster than technical questions.

Also browse through the FAQ (frequently asked questions) section to determine if the host is familiar with the industry-associated problems and can speak a language you can understand.

PRICE

When looking at prices, keep in mind that "You get what you pay for" and "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

There are free sites available, but many require you display banner advertising in return slowing down your site, drawing your traffic to their advertisers and often provide unreliable technical support.

Also, make sure you are "comparing apples with apples." Data storage is easy to supply and is therefore cheaper, whereas uninterrupted, high-speed access is difficult and more expensive as is quality customer service, technical support and guaranteed uptime.

Most web hosting companies offer monthly, quarterly and/or yearly payment options, so make sure to ask about minimum commitment period and cancellation policies.

Look at the flexibility of different packages to ensure you pay for only what you need now and also make sure your provider will be able to handle your needs when your business grows and you need to upgrade.

ONCE YOU KNOW YOUR NEEDS

After determining your needs, find a few hosts that fit the bill, go to their sites to get a feel for their professionalism, check out some of their customers and test customer service. Word of mouth is the best advertising as it?s the most truthful, but remember not every web sites? needs are the same, so make sure you talk with those which are similar in size and needs as yours.

If you are not certain, ask about cancellation policies and ensure there is a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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