Last, a control panel helps to upload files, maintain directories, provide security, and other helpful things like mailing lists. There are basics a blossoming webmaster should look for in a web host. The first is enough webspace to have a comfortable sized site. About 50 MB for a starter site to provide room for graphics, back ups, and email space should suffice. The ability to have at least one POP mail box with unlimited email aliases.
Server side includes and cgi-bin to run a dynamic site.
FTP access so you can administrate the site. Greater then 5 GB transfer also known as bandwidth. Last, remember a web host is only as good as the service they provide. If the host goes down more than twice a month or stays down for more than 2 days without explanation then walk away. Caffeine Corner Comment and criticism on just about anything from a caffeine junky.