When reviewing website hosting packages you'll come across references to things like PHP, Perl, Python, CGI, Apache, Wordpress, AWStats, Cronjobs, etc. These terms refer to features offered by the hosting service under review. PHP, Perl, Python, and CGI are programming or scripting languages that make it possible to support useful website functions.
For example, you may require a specific function for your website and the application that provides this function is written in Perl version 5. Consequently, your web host must support Perl version 5 functionality; if it doesn't, you won't be able to run this application on your website.
From this example we can extract a general principle that should guide your web host selection process. Namely, always keep foremost in mind what your application needs are. What applications are critical to the successful operation of your website? The answer to this question will allow you to eliminate a number of website hosting services because they fail to support one or more of your business-critical applications. Once you've reduced your list of contenders you'll be able to better focus your review on those web hosts that actually meet your needs.
My shortlist of supported functions includes PHP v4 & v5, Perl v5, CGI, Apache, Wordpress, MySQL v4, SSI, AWStats, Cronjobs, and Streaming Audio/Video.
I've intentionally failed to mention that the two major underlying platforms are some flavor of Unix, and Windows. Again, your business-critical applications will determine whether one or the other is unsuitable for the job. Most websites run on some flavor of Unix such as Linux. And if your website host is running Linux, then Apache will be the application that serves up the actual web pages to website visitors. If you require Microsoft SQL Server, then you'll need a Windows based hosting service.
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