What to look for in a good hosting company

There are many hosting companies that provide you with server space to store your files. But a good hosting company isn't just storage space.

Ultimately, you will want to have as much control over your files and their manipulation, especially if you decide to create a website. Hosting companies should be able to provide you with as many features as possible to make your web and internet presence easy and manageable.

Here are some points to consider when looking for a hosting company.

- Make sure that it provides you with Domain Name registration and renewal. There is nothing worse than finding you DN has expired because it was monitored by a company other than your hosting company.

- You shouldn't have to pay more than $10 (I would say $8) a month for good, basic services.

- The company should provide you with sub-domain options so that you can have secondary websites.

- There should be good email services, including web-email.

- Free amenities (like blog builders, web design tools) are standard features in all competent companies.

- At least one type of e-commerce service should be available.

- Make sure that there are current databases available.

- Other programs and software should be current

- Additional storage space can be purchased