Choosing A Web Host: Did You Read The Fine Prints?

Too often people are blinded by huge hosting features such as storage space and bandwidth when they shop for a web host, but little do they know about the small prints. The small prints are the provider’s TOS or Terms Of Service, that boring part of the contract where you click “Yes” without reading.

As most web hosting companies are offering long term contracts, you better make sure you’ve got the right host before you spend your hard earned money. While reading their terms of service, you might discover some things you can do and some you don’t with your web hosting account.

Here are a few examples I’ve found. The first one is from WebHostingPad.com:

Server Resources
Any Web site that uses a high amount of server resources (such as, but not limited to, CPU time, memory usage, and network resources) will be given the option to reduce the resources used to an acceptable level, or upgrade its service to a Dedicated Server plan. WebHostingPad will be the sole arbiter of what is considered to be a high server usage level. Any Web Hosting account deemed to be adversely affecting server performance or network integrity will be shut down without prior notice.

Ok so what exactly do they define as a high amount of server resources? Perhaps you might wanna read Charles’ experience about this.

This terms of service is from KnownHost.com:

Resource Usage
KnownHost Customers may not initiate the following (below), if any customer does KnownHost may terminate the account with no refund. Depending on the situation there will/won’t be warnings sent.
a) Use 25% or more of system CPU resources for longer then 90 seconds. There are numerous activities that could cause such problems; these include: CGI scripts, FTP, PHP, HTTP, etc.

Even though it’s pretty hard to limit your website’s resource usage, KnownHost is clear about what is considered as high amount of server resources.

And here’s a last one from HostGator.com:

Backups and Data Loss
Your use of the service is at your sole risk. HostGator is not responsible for files and/or data residing on your account. You agree to take full responsibility for files and data transferred and to maintain all appropriate backup of files and data stored on HostGator servers.

So you thought your data was safe?

That said, remember that reading your provider’s terms of service is important. And if you’re in doubt, email them or call them. A sales representative will be (hopefully) happy to answer your questions!

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