Web hosting is essential for individuals and companies that want to start and run a website. Unless you have a server that is always on and has a static IP address, you will need the services of a web hosting company. You have gone through the domain registration process and web hosting is the next step.

What does a typical web host provide? Well, the most important services they provide are mentioned above. Again, web hosts provide you with a server that is always on and an IP address that does not change. The server must always be on so that people can find your website at any time of the day. The server must have a static IP so that the website can always be located. Beyond these two basics, web hosts provide speed, website space, database access, script ability, email capability, and more. A list of typical web hosting services is provided below.

Typical Web Hosting Features
- Disk Storage
- File Transfer
- Email Accounts
- FTP Access
- CGI
- FrontPage Extensions
- Website Statistics

So what should you look for in a web host? Start by identifying web hosting services that you think are critical. I suggest you look at uptime, server space, database connectivity, scripting ability (.NET, PHP), bandwidth allowance, number of email addresses, support, and the administration interface. Once you have decided on your own list of web host essentials, make a list of 3