I mentioned this in another discussion a few days ago, and thought I'd better post it before I forget. There are some questions that are usually not discussed that every potential customer should ask of any host they are considering. I'm not talking about the services they offer, uptime, hardware, and the usual information found on web sites. I'm talking about the things some of them don't want you to know, yet customers should.

Let's face it, low costs, improved control panels and current technologies allow for computers to be run as servers in bedrooms, basements, and garages with cable modems and DSL lines. People have a right to know that, yet you can bet such a host won't want to reveal it. (My first host, when I had only my site to be concerned with, started with a couple of servers in a bedroom . I know that for a fact since I met their tech guy when he came to Florida).

Here are some questions people should ask:
1. Where is the server located? (location, facility, NOC or not)
2. How is it connected to the Internet? (T-1, T-3 , etc)
3. Are there redundant, switchable backbones?
4. Are there diesel generators to provide power during blackouts?

No doubt there are other questions some of you can add. You may have to include the reason for asking. For instance, the reason for number 1 (and most of the rest) should be obvious. With web hosting as inexpensive as it is, why would anyone knowingly choose a home based host running on a DSL or cable modem when they could have a host at first class facilities for about the same amount of money, maybe a bit more, maybe a bit less?

They probably wouldn't knowingly do it, which is why they should ask about the hosting facility first.

Those are excellent questions to ask, but one might also point out that most people don't even know what those things are, much less what to do with the information. Most people want to know how much space, transfer, etc, they can get for their money. The Average Joe with no experience in the web hosting industry doesn't know what servers are best or what connections are fastest. And redudant, switchable backbones? Forget it.

I understand that. However any guide that includes the questions they should ask could also include a description of the items, what the differences are, and why they are important. I already have most of it on my site, which treats people as if they know nothing about hosting (as many don't) and tells them what's important to know and ask.

That's thoughtful, too bad more hosts don't take the time to explain their services before selling them.