If you want to build your home in the Internet, you'll want to engage the services of a Web host. They will give you the space and the connectivity you need to get your site up and running in the World Wide Web. While there are free web hosting services available, paid hosting services are infinitely better and are the preferred choice for those who need more "power" and stability for their online presence.

Before finding a Web host, make sure you know what your requirements are. This is because the fee you pay generally depends on the amount of disk space and bandwith you need. Knowing what you need first gives you the chance to be specific with your Web host so you don't have to pay for extraneous services you don't need.

Web hosts offering different sorts of Web hosting services and plans flood the Internet. Weeding out the bad from the good and choosing the best over who's simply better takes a little bit of patience and lots of research. Here are some traits that you should look for in a Web host:

1. Integrity. This is the first trait of any good Web host. Whether this provider is an individual or a company, your background check should reveal a reputation of professionalism, honesty and stellar service. Moreover, they should tell you all the costs up front. Some Web hosts offer attractively low package rates that have a lot of hidden charges should you decide on an upgrade later on.

2. Redundancy. No, this does not mean that they have to keep repeating themselves over and over. In Web-speak, redundancy refers to the number of connections they have on the Net. Ideally, a T3 connection is best, although T1 suits most small businesses.

3. Supportive. This is exactly what it says. Good Web hosts give you the necessary technical support when you need it. Do they offer 24/7 support? As some web hosts work from a different time zone, you'd want to have this kind of service so you're assured that no matter what time in the day or night, you'll have all the support you need in case of any glitch. How do they provide support? Will they be able to communicate through all means possible- email, chat, video conferencing or the phone? You have to be assured that they can be reached during critical situations.

4. Security. The Web host you choose should be able to guard your site against malware or hackers. With the rise of cyber crimes, you should have a web host that guarantees full security and protection for your website, especially if it's a commercial site where customers share credit card information with you when they make a purchase.

5. Flexibility. You might start out with a simple web site, but over time, you might see the need to expand it. The Web host you choose should be able to accommodate your needs and upgrade your service plan without penalty. Moreover, they should also be flexible in terms of their platform features, templates and other areas that meet the needs of the people who patronize your website.