How can we choose a good host?

Storage space and data transfer. A small information site or personal site will usually only require a few megabytes of disk space, however, data transfer depends on the size of the pages your are offering your visitors multiplied by the number of visitors. Therefore, a popular and graphics heavy website such as online art gallery requires a greater monthly transfer than a mostly text site . You should look at a minimum of 2 GB (2000 MB) data transfer a month. Check with the company that they can upgrade your account if your site increases it’s need for storage or monthly data transfer.

Make a list of the features you want before you start your shopping. Many features such as e-commerce shopping carts and real time credit card processing will cost you a lot of money. Pre-installed scripts such as email scripts and page counters and use of a secure server (SSL) should be included for free. If you can get a browser control panel and browser mail, this allows you extra flexibility with your site.
Browser based email lets you access your mail from any Internet connected computer. Be sure you know what’s included in the cost of your hosting package. If in doubt, contact the company and ask.