• Carbon Dating Web Hosting Services – Ok, not exactly actually carbon dating that goes back over centuries, however, it’s important to perform a WHOIS lookup to obtain information on when the web host was initially purchased and how long it’s been in business.
• Verify the address of the web host. Again this step can be performed by a simple WHOIS lookup to discover the domain name.
• WHOIS Lookup – DNS Stuff grants users access to IP WHOIS lookup.  This step allows you to locate the IP block and which data center is being utilized.  Also use this option to ensure your respective hosting company isn’t in fact hosting a server from a home ISP connection.
• Ping – To assess the time it takes you to access your host simply bring up the DOS, and then type “ping DomainNameofHost”.  In return you’ll receive a specific number which can be compared to various other hosts.   Additionally, it’s possible to inquire from the host to obtain the URL of a test file to verify download speed.
• Monitor traffic and growth potential.  Alexa is a vital tool for keeping track of traffic patterns.  Simply by visiting the website and typing in a specific address, you can easily obtain a general estimate on current and potential future traffic.
• Reviewing older web pages – Wayback Machine is an essential tool for accessing any older web pages from the hosting provider as well as if the domain name was used for other purposes.
• Spam Check – Although it’s rare, but often your hosting provider may be included on a spam list.  It’s very important to check to see if your web host is listed on a spam list, if so, you should opt for another web hosting provider.

While there are numerous of other ways to perform a background check of your own, the above points are excellent suggestions to serve as a general benchmark to weed out the shady web hosts from the more trusty-worthy and reliable web hosting providers.

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Advanced Domain Management

The FreeHostia control panel allows you to create subdomains, register and transfer domains, change your nameservers, DNS records and much more.  These are features normally provided by a conventional domain name register but FreeHostia makes it so you can do it all from your web hosting control panel.

Extensive Website Management

Similar to cPanel, the FreeHostia control panel comes with a web-based file managed integrated within the software.  It also supports a number of FTP clients and lets you easily set up FTP accounts for your users.  The unique aspect of this panel is that it provides a facility that allows you to install SSL certificates onto your domain.

Website Tools

FreeHostia has bundled a nice variety of tools in its control panel.  One of the most notable is the Efefante Installer utility, which is similar to Fantastico in cPanel.  This tool allows you to add programs such as forums, photo galleries, blogs and content management systems onto your account with a few easy clicks.  Elefante is also integrated with a suite of marketing tools that can be used to enhance the popularity of your site and attract more visitors.

Web Analytic Tools

Once traffic starts rolling in, you can analyze those statics and the performance of your site by viewing detailed reports on your visitors.  Learn where they are coming from, what keywords they used find you, and make improvements where needed.

Built-in Support Ticket System

The FreeHostia customer support staff can be reached quickly right from your control panel.  Simply visit the Open New Ticket section, fill in the form, submit it and wait for a reply. You can also track the status of all open tickets and review prior inquires as well.

Conclusion

The FreeHostia website management software is more than your average control panel.  While it offers many of the same features and capabilities you will find in other applications, it also has some unique qualities you don’t see all that often. For example, it is one of few control panels that allows you to upgrade your web hosting package directly through the interface.  Once the addition has been paid for, the entire upgrade process is fully automated and done in a matter of minutes.  Throw in the billing system and all the advanced management tools and it becomes clearer to see why FreeHostia is the home of thousands of happy customers.

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Amazingly Low Price

It’s true – web hosting is very affordable, so much that “cheap hosting” has become one of the most highly sought after offerings on the market.  Unfortunately, some providers have to make substantial sacrifices in order to drop the price of their service.  Whether it’s overloading the server with customers or cutting back on support, it all affects the overall quality of service and could leave you with major issues.  Not all cheap web hosting packages are of poor quality but because several are, you need to be very weary of an amazingly low price.

Limitations

Whether it’s for personal or business matters, your website is almost certain to expand.  Over time, you will need to upload more files, possibly add new software and hopefully receive more traffic.  Don’t go after the first web hosting deal you run across or one that only offers enough to support you for the first couple of months.  Instead, check out a variety of hosts and focus on those with features that allow your site to grow.  Sometimes, a provider’s one-size-fits all hosting package isn’t the solution you need.

Unprofessional Site

A web host that comes with all the bells and whistles may warrant the red flag but so should a company with an underdeveloped website.  It doesn’t have to be glamorous, but a respectable web hosting provider must look the part.  They should have a professional appearance with a site that is simple to navigate, making all the essentials easy accessible.  You should have no trouble locating the FAQ page and especially an email address or phone number.

Incredible Claims

Most web hosting companies advertise a 99.9% up time guarantee, which is to ensure that your website is up at least 99.9% of the time over a given month.  Sadly, many hosts are just advertising this percentage instead of upholding it.  A host that really lives up to its up time guarantee will offer money back, credit or similar items if they are not able to deliver as promised.  This is actually a rarity and if you don’t know you’re supposed to be compensated, your site will just be down until the issues are worked out behind the scenes.  This could be hours or days.

Questionable Business Practices

You should strongly consider avoiding any provider with complex pricing schemes and other questionable methods.   For example, the price might be advertised as $3.95 per month but you may have to lock into a three-year contract in order to get that price.  Although this is a common practice, you need to make yourself aware of situations where promises turn out to be tricks.

Non-existent Support

A web hosting provider’s approach towards support can tell you a lot about their approach to the overall service.   When you call or email with questions, they should be more than happy to help, or at least act like it.  Don’t just fall for their 24/7 support claim.  Put them to the test to get an idea of how they will react when you really need help.

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