What do you look for in a shared host?

[Cromulent]

I'm just wondering what people look for in a shared host. Would you rather a host that aggressively optimises their servers (but only allows SSH / FTP / SFTP access) by removing the vast bulk of the software that comes with a Linux server distro and just leaving the essentials or would you rather have one that provides a nice easy control panel such as cPanel?

I'm kind of interested in what it is that people actually look for.

[eUKhost.com]

I would highly recommend you to go with cPanel hosting as it has lot of features. It makes easy for domain management,email management, site management, database support etc.

[James-A]

Mostly people prefer cPanel with shared hosting. cPanel is fast and easy to use and allows lots of control and people are quick to pick up the ropes with it.

[alemcherry]

Cpanel all the way. The simple server might help you to host more accounts per server but individual users will prefer cpanel and the normal stuff.