Forum Moderators: mack
Welcome to WebmasterWorld [webmasterworld.com]!
You might want to try a site search here on WebmasterWorld (top left corner of your screen). There have been many threads like this one [webmasterworld.com] where hosting is discussed. Some hosts are more reliable than others, some less expensive, and some offer you more control - or much less than you need - of your server. There are many levels of hosting, from a dedicated server down to a virtual hosting account. Then there is the issue of location, if that is important to you.
Hopefully, some of the threads already posted here will help in your selection process, and allow you to ask more pointed questions.
HTH,
Jim
I like the advice you just got in the post or so before this one, except for number 9. I've sent you a sticky mail about the host company I use (I read somewhere we aren't supposed to plug or dis anyone out in the open, hence the sticky note)
I disagree with #9 (Start all over again) because if you find a host that's a good fit, there's no reason to bail and go through the headaches of setting up all over again.
I got lucky. 11 months back, I was green as a fresh cedar, and doing some minor helping with an NFP website when the volunteer web master had job changes and could not give his time to the level necessary for a good site. After the panic attack, I embarked on a heavy learning curve and a lot of reading (oh, how I wish I had known about webmasterworld then)
Six months or so back, the host we had been using when I came on board went down for the count.
The site was down three weeks as I embarked on a new learning curve (I knew nada about hosts, only that we had one) and prayed they were coming back up.
They didn't but I found another one though, and given my newbieness, well, they've been better than gravy on a biscuit to me and I'm happy with them. Our only down time since we fired up at the current host has been a direct result of me 'thinking' I knew what would happen if I did X.
500 errors are scary stuff when you're green, but they got me all fixed up in very swift order notwithstanding I couldn't them very much more than "HELP, I've gone 500 and I can't get up!"
Good luck to you.
Kevin outta Norman, America
Im my "9) Thirty days later bang your head against the wall. Change your host," I was kind of implying that no matter how much initial research you do you're going to have to be prepared for unpleasant surprises, such as a host going down for the count. It sometimes takes a couple of tries to find the right fit.
And you're right, in this business if you find a host that fits your needs and with whom you are comfortable, well, you stick with them no matter what.
Jim
Step 1: search for hosting in the regional area your target market is.
Step 2: signup for the first one within your budget range that meets your requirements!
Ive never been one for planning tho....or research...or thinking things through for that matter...
You may not want to go down this route.
Im happy with the host i picked at random. Its cheap, does everything i want it to do....support is good and my websites there everytime i look.
Im a happy man. :)
Sometimes youve just gotta grab the bull by the horns, you know?
Yeh, therell be things that mess up, but thats what the support teams for! Thats IT for you! ;)
If youre unsure though....rule of thumb - listen to everyone else! :)
JOAT
All of the advice you've heard thus far is quite sound, and I would add the following...
Once you've narrowed your search down to the top 2 or 3 contenders:
1) Seek out sites that have been hosted by them for a year or more and inquire about uptime.
2) Sign up with your top 2 or 3 contenders (many offer 30 day free trials, pay where necessary) Simultaneously send identical questions to their support depts. at different hours of the day and night to track response times along with quality of service.
Also, I've always been wary of yearly contracts. Go month-to-month if possible, or quarterly if necessary.
There is, unfortunately, not a good substitute for trial and error. That's why when developers find a good host they're loathe to change.
There is also the whole OS/web server issue: a Windows host will, more than likely, cost more than a *nix host due to the licensing required by Microsoft. Therefore, while it may cost $20/month for 250MB of disk space and 10GB of bandwidth on an ASP-enable server of the Windows variety, the same disk space/bandwidth allowance, with PHP support, may run $10/month on a Linux box.
If the site is going to be your livlihood, then there's no telling how much is too much. Virtually every host has a problem now and again. The good ones are able to overcome interruptions in service quickly, easily, and with good communication with their customers.
Do some research, compare hosting plans, do some more research, then just dive in.
