Just about anybody who has ever purchased or even thought about purchasing a hosting plan has run across the term TOS.  Usually found next to a checkbox labeled "I have read and agree to the terms and conditions in the TOS," this little three letter term could very well mean the difference between a long, happy provider-customer relationship and one that ends in bitter accusations from both sides.

TOS stands for Terms-Of-Service, which is much like the fine print in a contract.  This is where you will find information such as Acceptable Use (where the provider lets the customer know what is allowed to be hosted on their servers) and Refund Policy (if there is one, who qualifies for a refund, and under what conditions).

By placing a checkmark in the box stating they have read the TOS, a customer is agreeing to a contract, whether they have read the contract or not.  Therefore, don't just blindly check the box and assume everything is fine; take the time to read and understand the TOS so that you know what is being agreed to.

Customers, it is your responsibility to read and understand the TOS.  Hosting providers, your responsibility is to make sure that your TOS is not only understandable by the average consumer, but that it is clearly linked on your site.