Finding the perfect web hosting company is sort of like finding the perfect mate. We're all out there looking for something that our hearts tell us is there but our heads say doesn't exist.

By now I'm sure you realize that, just as their is no perfect mate, there is also no perfect web host. Just like people, web hosts are subject to mishap and seem all too often to let us down just when we need them most. Given these shortcomings, finding a web host we can feel comfortable with should follow some of the same rules for finding a mate.

How do you begin? With yourself and your needs; before you can really relate to others you must first know yourself. What do you really want out of the relationship? Are you interested in blogging? Setting up a business site? Starting a chat group on what makes a great web site?

The list of web hosting services can be narrowed by determining what kind of site you have in mind. Do you plan on a full-blown e-commerce site with dynamically generated pages, shopping carts, and lots of database activity? You should consider going straight to a dedicated server. Just want a site to share pictures of your favorite felines with your cat club? A shared host will be more your cup of tea.

Is this your first time? Look for a host that gets good reviews for customer service. Don't be fooled by friendly and eager responses during those heady days leading up to a commitment. Be sure to test their support after you sign up but before you put a whole lot of effort into building your site. Pick various times of day and use all of their available forms of contact and make sure you get helpful answers in a reasonable amount of time. If you don't get support from them now when it's easy, you're not going to get it later when it's hard, either.

Make sure the software you want to run is compatible with the host you select. Will you need MySQL or POP3 support? Do they support all the PHP modules your application requires? Do they have installers for the blogging software or the image management package you want to run? Whether you already know exactly what you want to run or you're not really sure and just want to know what's available, ask. It's better to find out early on in the relationship that the two of you aren't really compatible.

Been there before? Use your prior experience to look for those things that have worked for you in the past. And, although I shouldn't have to say it, stay away from the things that have burned you before. If you've learned the hard way that a terabyte of storage doesn't always mean a terabyte of storage, use that experience and read the fine print this time.

A clear understanding of your needs along with careful research can net you a partnership that you can both be happy with. Remember to always read through the details and always be prepared to leave.

So, there's no such thing as a perfect web host. If you're careful in defining your objectives and do some conscientious research you can find one that you will be happy with for the long term.

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Dan Scott is a Computer Scientist with over 25 years of accomplishments in designing, building, and supporting computers and computing applications. Make sure you check out his web hosting reviews covering the top affordable web hosting providers.