Looking for Web host without registering a domain

[numnum]

I'm looking for a web host for a personal site without registering a domain. For example:

mysite.angelfire.com

I just need the basics: FTP access and PHP -- just a place for my files and to run a few PHP scripts, where invitees can view my pages. No ads served by the host, please. I'm more than willing to pay. The one listed above is the only one I've found. Do any webhosts or ISPs offer this anymore?

[topr8]

if you are willing to pay for hosting, then look for a webhost that allocates you an ip address, then you could use that instead of a domain name (assuming the server is set up correctly)

alternatively i did a quick search on my favourite search engine and found lots of hosting companies that offer free use of a subdomain, i can't personally vouch for any of course, some even offer a choice of names that you can have a subdomain of.... eg subdomain.example.com (where there is a choice of several 'examples'), as you know it's against the rules to suggest search terms here to combat spam, but i'm sure you could work out what to search for, 'subdomain' would certainly be one of your search terms.

[piatkow]

@ numnum
I am suprised that you could only find one hosting service, like topr8 I am aware of plenty that provide hosting with a sub domain.

"Free" sites often try and lock you in to their own editor and may not support PHP or even FTP but if you are willing to pay then there are plenty about although you may need to be a little creative with search terms.

[lucy24]

Out of curiosity... Why do you not want a domain name? General invisibility, or some other reason? There may be alternative and simpler ways to achieve your underlying purpose.

Presumably you've already got one or more sites that live somewhere. Isn't there a way to piggyback on those?

[keyplyr]

Try Amazon Web Services (aws.amazon.com) No domain registration necessary. Pay for just the bandwidth you use (scalable.) Many cloud services offer this nowadays.

[tangor]

If you are willing to pay, then for the price of a happy meal register a domain name and for the price of two beers and a steak dinner get a shared host. All can be done for about $35.00 US. ... and you are not "lost" on a subdomain.

Meanwhile, if you want to hide it that way, use an absurd domain name with makes no sense to anyone except those you wish to use it. (No recommendations, other than it is not a dictionary or keyword type name).

[mack]

Like many others have stated I would buy a domain. There are a few reasons. The main one is ownership. Lets say your site becomes popular, and you are getting a decent amount of traffic. You want to know that you can move to another host if you wish. Having a sub-domain means you do not own the domain and can't move it away from your chosen provider.

Domains are really cheap these days. It also means you can use email services (with your domain name).

Having some free space with a sub-domain can be great for simply messing around and testing some new stuff out, but you really should conciser buying a domain.

Mack.