Forum Moderators: mack
This is my first post so I hope I am keeping within the rules here. I am new to this world and trying to learn fast, but flailing at the moment. I have quite a number of queries, so I apologise for the length of this post. I would appreciate any help on any part of it.
What I'm stuck on at the moment is trying to find the right host and hosting package. I was hoping someone would point me straight to one, but I see that's not allowed, so please help me find the right one for myself.
I have already gone through 2 providers. The first could not get GD installed or fix their mail problems, the second does not reply to any emails, so I don't know if they can fix the same problems.
What I need a host for:
I want a package (probably a dedicated server/VPS suchlike), which has PHP and MySQL. I also want to be able to host as many domains as I like. I need PHP to come with GD and Zend installed. Also, I am having problems with PHP mail() function which doesn't send mails to hotmail, gmail and the like.
Some of the things I need to know:
1. Do I need root access? My gut feeling is yes, so I can install software if I need to. But is this easy to do? How do I know if I have root access, how do I use it, what do I do with it? Can I use ftp to see root files with root access or can I only use SSH?
2. What control panel do I need?
My first provider gave me CPanel, which I liked. Problem - if you have a subdomain for a domain (shop.mysite.com), you can't have an independent subdomain for another domain (shop.hissite.com) as they only mirror the original subdomain of that name.
My second provide gave me Plesk, which looks flashy, but I don't think is very good. A lot of the buttons didn't work. My biggest problem was with MySQL....PhpMyAdmin didn't work, you can't create a database user with limited options (such as read only) and you can't have the same user access more than 1 database.) Also the Plesk forum ... all the answers require you to need a PHD in computers, in which case you wouldn't need to ask the question in the first place.
3. What is SSH?
I downloaded PuTTY. But what do I do with it now?
4. How much bandwith do I really need?
I will not be using the service for downloading, and do not expect the pages and graphics to be overly large.
5. What should I pay?
My first provider was $10 a month for 1GB and unlimited domains. Bargain, except the site was always down!
My second provider GBP25.99 a month for 7.5GB, but only 100 domains. Thankfully I'm still on the free month when I realised customer service doesn't exist. This also means that I can't cancel my account though. This could be a problem.
6. Why do some sites charge a setup fee?
Many thanks for anyone who replies. I desperately want to find a good host, but cannot find one yet.
First of all welcome to webmasterworld.
I'm very sorry but we really can't do hosting company recommendations on the site. There are just way to many factors to take into account.
Hopefully we will be able to offer you a lot ore advice as you get down to the real webmaster business :)
I will try and answer some of your questions....
Do I need root access? My gut feeling is yes, so I can install software if I need to. But is this easy to do? How do I know if I have root access, how do I use it, what do I do with it? Can I use ftp to see root files with root access or can I only use SSH?
What control panel do I need?
What is SSH?
I downloaded PuTTY. But what do I do with it now?
also see.
[webmasterworld.com...]
Mack.
