3) Web Server and Operating System

Some scripts need Apache web server to run. Others need IIS running on a Windows server. Verify your script requirements or check with your programmer to see if you need to get Linux or Windows based hosting, and if it matters which the web server is.

4) Monthly Traffic

This is related to how many people will visit your site per month. Unless you chose a strange hosting package or your website is very popular, it should be enough. As with space, you can upgrade later if necessary.

5) Database

Does your website use a database? If so, then you need one. The hosting package may include a MySQL database, PostgreSQL, SQLServer, or Access. Again, verify your script requirements or check with your programmer to see which database you need. It is also nice to have a utility to manage the database, so look in the hosting plan details to see if they offer a tool like phpMyAdmin, for example. phpMyAdmin is a commonly used admin tool for MySQL databases.

6) Common aspects

These are normally present in most hosting plans nowadays.
-FTP: to upload files to your server.
-POP Email addresses: email accounts you can receive in your email client, not only view online. The number of pop accounts may vary from plan to plan.
-Webmail interface: to view your email from any computer. Useful if you travel, for example.

7) Customer service

It is important that the company answers your questions promptly. Pay attention to which means they offer you to contact them. Will you have a ticketing system to ask questions and inform about problems once you’re their customer?

8) SSL