Choosing a new web host can be hard work for an expert or beginner, so you should take care not to rush your choice otherwise you may regret it later on. There are a number of steps that you need to think about and write down to start with.

What do you need a web host for?

First off we are asking why you want a web host, starting a new company or advertising an existing one, to start a blog or other personal site, or for email. These reasons will all play a role and take into account when choosing your next web host. Which platform, either Windows or Linux you wish to be hosted on. So you know what the primary function is you have a basis for requirements. E-commerce will need to support things like PHP and MySQL. If you are collecting the card details and storing them within your site then you will need a dedicated SSL certificate. this then keeps the card details encrypted. With blogs you would need mySQL and PHP, but would not need lots of bandwidth or disk space, or just personal use its all down to what you are trying to do with it. For email use its the number of email accounts that is the biggest question on your agenda but also consider bandwidth if you plan on sending and receiving large files regularly. Such companies like KDA Web Services

What is mySQL and PHP?

I hear you asking what am I talking about when refferring to PHP and MySQL? During everyday internet use these are all things you use without even realising your using them. Hypertext preprocessor or those who like acronyms PHP is used for scripts within dynamic websites. MySQL is a Relational Database Management System, and is used to allow data to be stored and accessed dynamically. SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer is a cryptographic protocol that provides a secure communication over networks. But SSL has been replaced by TLS or Transport Layer Security but ultimately does the same job as SSL. SSL is still the commonly referred name as this is what people know and understand.

Bandwidth or how long is a piece of string?

So we have talked about usages and some technical terms used. Moving onto some of the really important and gritty stuff. Bandwidth or data allowance needs to be considered. Normally this is shown in gigabytes, bandwidth can is sometimes hard to work out what your going to need. So when you find your host ask them what your using the server and how much bandwidth you may need. As if you run out there is normally a charge for the extra bandwidth or your site may be suspended till the end of that month.

Finding your web host

You know the spec, and what your server is going to be for and how much bandwidth you might need, next we will need to find a hosting services. One of the best things I have been told is to get a computer magazine, take out all the nice big glossy web host ads, then see what has been left, large companies will have really low prices but their customer services can be some what poor. Personally I would go around the internet and post on some web hositng forums and request recommendations for a package for your hosting. You should find you get feedback and reviews from users about the companies and so should be able to make a well informed decision.