Rather than using a free web hosting service and being required to display banner ads on each of your web pages, you can elect to rent web server space from one of many web hosting firms.  Thousands of businesses world-wide offer a variety of web services, and costs vary significantly.  Before deciding on a web hosting service provider, consider the following questions: 

	Does the host provide reliable service?
	Does it support the database software you use?
	Is good technical support provided promptly?
	Does the host support streaming media?
	Does it provide e-business capabilities?
	How much storage space and bandwidth will be required?
	Will a dedicated server be needed or is a virtual server sufficient?
	Given your requirements, what packages are available?

 

Although selection of a web host is an important decision, it is also one that can be revisited as your requirements change.  The bottom line is to know your particular requirements and select a web host accordingly.  Don’t pay for services you don’t need and monitor server performance regularly.