The Basics of Web Host and Hosting
A web host is like your online landlord. They provide web space for rent. Most of us can't begin to own and maintain our own server, but we can afford to rent our "online address" from a web host.
A web host also provides your email with your domain name, configuring all the technical issues for you.
So armed with that information, what factors SHOULD you look for in a web host? Think of what makes a good landlord - Reliable, Quick to fix problems, with a good reputation for support. Same goes for a web host. You want a reliable host so you don't experience high periods of outage when your site wouldn't be available to anyone. If you need help with your website, you will want a web host who offers prompt, free tech support. You might also want to consider what you want to do with your web site and choosing a web host that offers these features.
When you have chosen a good web host, you will want to put a web site on your rental property. A web site will represent your business, your family, your hobby, your pet - whatever you want it to. It is your personal or business voice to the world and makes you accessible to see.
Do you NEED a website? No, we haven't gotten to the point where commerce or keeping in touch with family and friends is only done through a computer. But it sure makes doing these things easier, cheaper, and more fun!
A web host then offers you a place to put your hat, so to speak, a home online for you to speak to the world (or the kids in California). Choose wisely!