So everyone claims to provide 24 x 7 technical support these days, but beware as the definition has become somewhat gray.

Here are a few types of 24 x 7 tech support we've seen. Consider this information when selecting your host.

Traditional 24 x 7 Support Telephone
This means someone is there around the clock, on holidays and weekends to answer the phone and help you out. If you want to know if someone really offers this level of service, call their tech support line in the middle of the night. Needless to say, you can expect to pay a little more for this level of service.

24 x 7 Email Support
This means someone will respond to your email anytime, day or night. Some hosting companies will call you directly if requested, but other than that handle all issues via email. Since offering support this way cuts operation costs, most hosts competing to provide the lowest price will offer this level of support.

Business Hours Support
There are also hosting companies that simply tell you straight out, they provide technical support during business hours.

Wait! It's not that simple!

Not only is the definition of technical support gray in the time available and access methods, it's also very gray in the "what is supported" area as well.

Some consider technical support to be customer service... You have a question about using their service, you ask, they give an answer.

Other hosts consider technical support to be there only when something breaks or is not working properly. Many hosts will actually charge you extra if you ask a question that does not fall within their guidelines of technical support! Other hosts will simply ignore the request.

These differences of opinion about what and when technical support is available are one of the most common reasons why customers angrily leave their host. When selecting your host, it is important to receive their firm definition of what their technical support entails and make sure it fits your style.

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