Need A Web Host!

[Karney]

I am looking for a web host, but with all the spam I'm having a hard time finding one with all the web host spam around. I am using one right now, I won't say the name, but they are very bad! They have a major flaw in their software that's allowing me to view other customers login, database, and FTP details and they really don't seem to care. They are based in India.

I have been looking at Server Intellect, and was really impressed with them, but they are not going to work for me because they are completely windows-based.

I need a host that will allow me to have a windows-based server, and still run vBulletin (requires PHP and MySQL to be installed). I also want a company that is completely based in the USA so I know that I can trust them, and I know that they are required to meet the business standards set in the USA.

If I can't locate the host I'm looking for, and decide to go with Server Intellect, does anyone know of a Windows-based forum that is comparable to vBulletin? I've seen a lot of free forums a few years ago but wasn't impressed.

Thanks.

[Marc G]

Maybe you can try the forums at http://www.webhostingtalk.com/ it's dedicated to webhosting issues.

[Karney]

I've been looking around, am I started to wonder if it would be possible for me to save a lot of money and make my own server? I have a extra computer laying around, and a broadband connection. Its running Windows XP, I can't remember if its Home or Pro, but either way I can install Pro if needed. I have an unused copy laying around.

Its not that powerful but the only thing on my website will be vBulletin. For right now it should do the job, and if my website gets really big I can purchase one of those servers from Dell or something. There kinda basic but its only hosting one website.

Is it possible or worth doing something like that? Or are there too many ways people could hack into my website then? I'm not sure what the web host does behind the scene to protect my website but it looks like most of them now days are resellers anyway.

Might be possible for me to get Windows Server later in the future if that's more secure then XP.

[HairyMonkeyMan]

I have something similar to that up and running for a friend.

check it out: http://partygallery.servebeer.com/main.php

You will need apache/iis(xp pro only), mysql and php. Getting them all to work together isn't exactly a barrel of laughs.

Good luck ;)

[Karney]

Wow that was really slow though, took nearly 5 mins to load the page. I guess its because its being run of a personal computer?

[HairyMonkeyMan]

Yes... over a wireless connection to a shared hub on a stone age computer.

If your going to do it from home, also make sure you don't exceed your transfer quota from your isp.

I think he's probably also using the machine at the moment to burn a dvd or upload images or something.

Its probably best if you can dedicate a machine to specifically be a server.

[Marc G]

Depending on the number of simultaneous users, your PC doesn't really need to be that powerful, however, your upload bandwidth is very very important. If your broadband connection is assymetric, like for example ADSL, your upload speed is much lower than your download speed.

[Karney]

We'll I'm trying but its really annoying. There are so many b/s hosts out there now days. Anyone in the world can become a web host, all they need is money for a reseller account which are not really that much anymore.

It's really hard to find a host that does what I need, and still be someone that can be trusted and reliable. I have one host right now that is located in India, and I only pay them month-to-month. It cost about $2 more a month but then I know if they go out of business I didn't just lose 10 months worth of money. I also make backups of my entire website and download them to my computer every night... just in case. I've heard way too many horror stories about web hosts.

I think the safest option is for me to host on my own computer, but I'm not sure if there is a limit to data transfer. I'll have to call my cable company and find out. Last time I called and asked if I could use my person computer as a server for my website, they didn't even know what I was talking about.

[Arjay]

I don't know where you are from, but you can get a website hosted in the U.S. for $5 a month or less.

[HairyMonkeyMan]

I think the point is that most webhosts are lousy these days.

streamline.net, midphase.com are at the top of my hatelist at the moment. You can run into problems anywhere if using a shared server. This seems to be a reoccuring pattern for me:
1. Sign up with host, upload website, point traffic to site (change a records)...
2. Have site suspended as it is putting too high a load on a shared server.
3. Get offered one of their dedicated servers.
4. Demand refund for shared hosting.
5. Find that I've breached 'usage rights' soI cant get refund.

[PeejAvery]

1&1 (http://www.1and1.com) is the only hosting I currently recommend. It is inexpensive and you get great customer support. I have used and recommended them to all my clients for the past 3 years.

[Karney]

Thanks for the replies. I'll check out 1&1 and see if they will work for me.