If you're out in the Internet market looking for a web host, then you would have come across loads of ads promising you all sorts of things - 99% uptime, Fort Knox-like security, customer support that never sleeps, free shopping carts and blah blah and more blah blah.

How do you filter through these claims and pick out a good web host for your web site? Well, we have the answers for you - Here's how you check a web host to see if he's worth keeping or chucking:

1. What's his customer support like? Does he have a 24/7 hotline that makes you talk to a recorded voice that promises to pass on your message, or do you talk to a real person? Does his 24/7 online support mean that he gives you a ticket, which his staff will look into after the weekend? A good web host will generally return your calls in 2 hours and will feature live online support. The same goes for technical support too - it must be on 24/7 and there should be a knowledgeable person talking to you.

2. What's his infrastructure like? A good web host must have the latest, scalable servers, not just that: the web host must have a redundant server too that comes on when anything goes wrong with the main server. The bandwidth should be fed in from two separate, super fast lines just in case anything goes wrong with one. A generator that runs for 24 hours must be around if the power supply hits a snag. The server must be located in a disaster-free area. And, the web host must back up all data on his servers daily just in case anything happens.

3. What's his software support? Does your web host support the latest software including the latest e-commerce and database software? Will he scale up his software if your website needs that technological push in the future? Does he support the Operating System you want to use? Does he provide telephonic installation help? Ask him all these questions.

4. Does he have a reputation? Check your web host's client list to figure if he is reputed or not - A good web host will have big and esteemed clients. Is your web host financially sound? Do his clients speak well of him? Find out all this.

5. Does he provide web analytics? You need to analyze the traffic that comes to your website and for that you need your web host to install a tracking software right into his server and not on your site, because it will slow down your site. If your web host does not provide you with web analytics, don't even consider him.

Remember, space and costs are not a constraint because nearly every host offers 2-5 gigs at a low rate per month, which should be sufficient unless you want to launch MP3-Part2.com. Everything that's written above will clue you in about what to look for in a web host. So, go right ahead, and start searching for one.

Copyright (c) 2007 Constek inc

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