If you're just starting out with an online business, or even just a personal web page, you need to find a host that is reliable, inexpensive, and one that offers all of the tools you need to make your business prosper. Most people start out with one domain, and later on add more domains to expand the business.

I've worked an online business for over four years, and I've been through many web hosts in my search for the elusive "Super Host".

Here are the things you will need to know:

1) How much diskspace does the hosting account offer?

Even though you may think you only need a small hosting account, you may find that in a couple of years you need to expand. If you've chosen your host wisely, by finding one that offers at least 2 gigabytes of space, you won't have to upgrade or move all of your files to another host - a very time consuming and frustrating job.

2) Does the hosting account offer unlimited use of mySQL databases, email accounts, subdomains, addon domains, and bandwidth?

I'm speaking from experience, when I tell you that all of these things are very important! Even though you start out small, if you're anything like me, you'll want to add scripts and programs to your site which will require mySQL databases by the dozen. You will need various email accounts for your projects, and plenty of subdomains as well. If you are running an online store, you have to know that you are not going to be penalized for the amount of visitors to your site, so bandwidth is very important - the more the better. Now, when you've graduated to owning more than one domain, having an account that offers addon domains, especially unlimited addon domains, will make your life a whole lot easier, believe me. No need to set up multiple accounts and have to worry about multiple monthly payments, which can run into hundreds of dollars - with addon domains, you have one account and one monthly payment!

3) Does your host allow you to send out as many emails as you need to when you have to contact your list members?

This is extremely important to your business. I've been with some hosts that only allow a small number of emails to be sent out per hour - very hard to do, when you have a list of thousands to contact! Make sure you know what is allowed before you join.

4) Does your host have only a monthly payment schedule, or can you purchase yearly, or even lifetime?

It can be very costly with a monthly plan as opposed to yearly. You usually get a much better deal with a yearly plan. Something that is being seen more lately is "Lifetime Web Hosting". This is the way to go people! My current hosting account is a lifetime hosting account. I paid one fee upfront, and I NEVER have to worry about paying again. Talk about a relief! Hosting fees can definitely cut into your monthly revenue, so do away with it, and host for life.

5) Does your host takes advantage of the latest advances in audio and video technology?

If you are going to be running scripts, graphical programs, audio programs, you're going to need a host that is on the cutting edge - totally up-to-date - one that has everything you need now and in the future.

6) Does your host have 24/7 technical support?

Even though things go smoothly most of the time, if a problem does occur, you have to be able to get help right away - this is one of the most important features, right up there with price, and technology.

7) Does the host offer a 99.9% up time?

Anything below 99.9% up time is no good, period. The norm is 99.9%, and if you see anything below this, you can probably bet that it's an inferior company.

These are 7 of the most important things you must ask yourself about a hosting program, and you will do well to research everything before signing up for your first hosting account.