Passwords should be required to control the host and manage or modify your site. All files should be backed up daily. Always look for a host that offers secure transactions. You want to be able to use a variety of background applications, including custom CGI scripts and online forms tailored for your business, says Dave Murphy, president of Damar Group Ltd., a Web hosting company in Elkridge, Maryland. If your site's software runs on Microsoft Internet Information Server under Windows NT, look for a host that supports that configuration.
Personal referrals help, too.
Silberman's new hosting service came recommended by the company that sold him his software. Finally, no matter where you are in the process, don't let anybody snow you, advises Silberman. Some third-party hosts take on more clients than their systems can handle. Let a Web-host directory start the work of picking a hosting service. Check out TopHosts.