Questions to ask when shopping for web server hosting

Shopping for server hosting providers is difficult at best, and confusing at the least. It's

even more of a challenge when you don't know what questions to ask the server hosting

providers. Certain features are nice to have, while others can impact the credibility of

your website, and ultimately, your business. The priority should always be on gathering

the tools that your website needs to perform the tasks required of it. Examples of task-

oriented questions to ask web server hosting providers are as follows:

"Do I have access to CGI scripts?" Ask potential web server hosting providers about

Common Gateway Interface (CGI) access. CGI is a script function of web server

hosting. It is used to transfer data from HTML to an application. Most business websites

need to have the ability to generate text boxes and pull down menus that allow visitors

to enter requested information. You might request information from visitors so that you

can process a purchase, conduct customer service activity, or register new members.

Access to CGI scripts requires the permission of the system operator that conducts the

server hosting for your site. Since it is difficult to get this permission for unknown

programs, you should consider going with a server hosting provider that offers CGI

packages that have been pre-approved and pre-written.

"How many email aliases are included in my plan?" Most web server hosting

companies give you a certain number of "aliases" you can use. Examples include:

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You need these even if you are one guy working

out of a basement office. Email aliases provide customers the perception that you

are bigger or more established than you really are. This adds to your professional

credibility.

In addition, ask about speed, uptime guarantees, and domain names. Make a

detailed list of everything you want your site to do, and write a brief description of

your proposed site. Then, check out our serving hosting provider reviews to

point you in the right direction.