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Geek Culture / Web Hosting Advice

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Libervurto
18
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Joined: 30th Jun 2006
Location: On Toast
Posted: 2nd Sep 2013 14:04
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Hey guys,
I want to set up a website but I know nothing about hosting and all that guff.
Can anyone give me some advice on which hosts are good, what sort of costs I can expect to pay per month and what sort of benefits the hosts offer. Good and bad experiences welcome.

The site needs to have a database of items that is searchable, like ebay, and a map to show the location of items (OpenStreetMap). Also needs payment options like PayPal and bitcoin.

Any help and relevant links are much appreciated.

Cheers,



Formerly OBese87.
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Chris Tate
DBPro Master
16
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Joined: 29th Aug 2008
Location: London, England
Posted: 2nd Sep 2013 14:46
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Well, I've used 1and1for 10 years on their professional package. I am a loyal customer, their customer service has been good over the difficult times. I have 15x 1GB MySQL databases on there. I used them to host websites I created for a few clients of mine.

I've not used anyone else, so my opinion is biased. If you do not find anyone else better; you can use my affiliate link if you want to lol

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The Next
Web Engineer
17
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Joined: 3rd Dec 2007
Location: United Kingdom
Posted: 2nd Sep 2013 15:59 Edited at: 2nd Sep 2013 16:02
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Almost any web host can offer what you need, your most likely looking for one of the following

PHP with MySQL
or
ASP.net with MSSQL (tends to cost more)

As for hosts I can highly recommend JustHost http://www.justhost.com/, for PHP hosting. I used them heavily they are by far the best out of the many many hosts I have used over the years, they are also easily the best value.

I don't use them anymore because I needed something bigger for the sites I run, however I know people that do and they love them.

As for 1&1 I have nothing nice to say about them I had my sites go down many times and the tech team are thick as hell they couldn't even manage a simple permissions issue I had. I used them for 6 months only so glad I left.

Windows 7 Pro, Intel i7 3.8 GHz, 16GB DDR3, NVIDIA 660Ti 2GB Overclocked, 256GB SSD, 6TB HDD

FPS Files - Free FPS Creator media
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Phaelax
DBPro Master
22
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Joined: 16th Apr 2003
Location: Metropia
Posted: 2nd Sep 2013 21:05
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I've used http://www.fastdomain.com/ for years. I never had any major difficult issues so I can't say much about the knowledge of the tech team, but I have always been able to get support when I needed it.

I recently set up a godaddy hosting account for a client. While I don't really care much for their control panel, the service seems good. You can switch between windows and linux hosting at any time you want without any extra charge. So if you suddenly decide you want to do ASP or something, it won't cost any extra like a lot of other servers do.

As for pricing, most are typically around $10 a month or less, usually with much cheaper pricing for new customers.

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PixelF
12
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Joined: 30th Oct 2012
Location: United States
Posted: 2nd Sep 2013 21:42
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Just about every web host will have what you need. What I recommend are:

x10premium
Bluehost
Host Gator
Bounce Web (Offers ffmpeg)
iPage
Fatcow

I am currently using x10premium and the support is great and I never had any down time on my sites.

www.pixeleater.me
Register now to become a reasonably intelligent human being!
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bitJericho
22
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Joined: 9th Oct 2002
Location: United States
Posted: 3rd Sep 2013 04:52
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I would recommend Gandi.net. They are "no bull". They are honest. They are respectful. They are more expensive for some things but worth the extra cost. They offer modern features you'd find with any top-end hosting company.

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MrValentine
AGK Backer
14
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Joined: 5th Dec 2010
Playing: FFVII
Posted: 3rd Sep 2013 06:33 Edited at: 3rd Sep 2013 06:39
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These guys are crazy and awesome http://www.tm-subs.co.uk/ they are giving away free hosting

PHP and MySQL included



The code snippet is important here...


Good Luck

EDIT

Typos

Adding to the above

Hoping you are aware of a Domain Name and the importance of getting a domain from a reliable and reputable domain handler... also be sure you are able to set the DNS settings of the Domain Name... very important for Domain Mapping ...

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easter bunny
12
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Joined: 20th Nov 2012
Playing: Dota 2
Posted: 3rd Sep 2013 06:56
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http://www.000webhost.com/ is one of the best in my opinion. They've got free and paid (free with subdomain, paid with full domain)


The NEW, awesomest app on Google Play
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MrValentine
AGK Backer
14
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Joined: 5th Dec 2010
Playing: FFVII
Posted: 3rd Sep 2013 07:06
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No MissJoJo, Just No...

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easter bunny
12
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Playing: Dota 2
Posted: 3rd Sep 2013 07:15
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if you say so


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MrValentine
AGK Backer
14
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Joined: 5th Dec 2010
Playing: FFVII
Posted: 3rd Sep 2013 07:19
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I was being sarcastic lol just saying I dread sites hosted there... makes me want to ... [PRE-MOD EDITED] so eating green leaves is a bad idea...

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easter bunny
12
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Joined: 20th Nov 2012
Playing: Dota 2
Posted: 3rd Sep 2013 07:22
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I've found it useful for high score hosting, just don't tell them that's what I use it for

I suppose a lot of the reason for bad websites on free hosting is because if you pay for it, you're going to put some effort into it


The NEW, awesomest app on Google Play
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MrValentine
AGK Backer
14
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Joined: 5th Dec 2010
Playing: FFVII
Posted: 3rd Sep 2013 07:30
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I don't mind free hosting, just make it free and not putting adverts on it... and those with flash driven back ends, just eugh...

At the most I only ask for my company name [Not even hyperlinked if not wanting to] or my name at the footer...

I appear to have a strong disgust at adverts on websites and subscription services [Subscription services however are varied so some I can accept others I cannot]

Any way, Any other suggestions?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_hosting_service

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easter bunny
12
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Playing: Dota 2
Posted: 3rd Sep 2013 08:19
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_free_web_hosting_services


The NEW, awesomest app on Google Play
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Phaelax
DBPro Master
22
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Joined: 16th Apr 2003
Location: Metropia
Posted: 3rd Sep 2013 08:42
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Doesn't look like this thread will help the OP much, we all use a different host.

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xplosys
19
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Joined: 5th Jan 2006
Playing: FPSC Multiplayer Games
Posted: 3rd Sep 2013 20:17
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I have been with a number of hosting services over the years, and I've used a few of the ones mentioned here. The problem with hosting services is the same with any service provider.... as long as everything is working, they're great. It's when there's a problem (and it will happen sooner or later) that you realize how good or bad they really are.

I've been using GoDaddy for a few years now. I've also used NetworkSolutions, BlueHost, 1and1, 000webhost and some others. The reason I'm still with GoDaddy is that they are the most responsive and helpful crew I've found. Yes, I've had problems, but they respond within hours and either fix or talk me through the issue. Their control panel/s is difficult to learn, but very feature rich and powerful. That could change over time and they may eventually be as stupid and unreliable as NetworkSolutions.

You never know. While a smaller company may be more service oriented, a larger one usually has better equipment and experience.

So I'm not helping much either. Good luck.

Brian.

I am the underground.
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Chris Tate
DBPro Master
16
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Joined: 29th Aug 2008
Location: London, England
Posted: 4th Sep 2013 03:08
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I think my 1and1 customer service experience is brilliant because I happen to have one of the top packages with 24/7 exclusive support. (£25 per month I believe)

Perhaps you should try the cheap offers from a number of recommended hosts to pick the one you like best. Should only cost $1 a month for each of their cheap offers.

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Libervurto
18
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Joined: 30th Jun 2006
Location: On Toast
Posted: 5th Sep 2013 02:37 Edited at: 5th Sep 2013 02:38
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Thanks V, that's very nice of you.
Thanks everyone, this is all useful information, even the simple thumbs ups/downs.



Formerly OBese87.
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_Pauli_
AGK Developer
15
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Joined: 13th Aug 2009
Location: Germany
Posted: 5th Sep 2013 14:38 Edited at: 5th Sep 2013 14:38
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Number 1 rule for everyone trying to get a website:

Always seperate your webspace host from your domain name registration!

Register your domain on your own via name.org or something similar and mask forward to where ever your webspace is. Otherwise your "full service provider" (like 1&1) will have full control over your adress, as it is written in most of their licence agreements.

Example:
Let's say you want to start an independant game studio and buy a hosting package somewhere for the domain "awesomegames.com". Everything is fine for now. But then all of a sudden you create the next top seller game causing massive traffic to your website. For some reason (traffic, space, speed, reliability, legal issues, etc...) you want to change the provider (or maybe setup a real server) and have to quit the contract. Now your "all-in-one" provider owns your precious popular domain through which your customers would usually reach you - because the company registred the domain and not you!

Visit my blog: sebastianpauli.tumblr.com
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Chris Tate
DBPro Master
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Location: London, England
Posted: 5th Sep 2013 15:29
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Oh, really? I once had to transfer a domain name from one hosting provider to another with no hassle or quibble. I have not experienced what you state could happen; who did this happen to?

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bitJericho
22
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Joined: 9th Oct 2002
Location: United States
Posted: 5th Sep 2013 15:38
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http://www.warriorforum.com/main-internet-marketing-discussion-forum/672549-godaddy-nightmare.html

Just one of the many hundreds of nightmares that GoDaddy has caused.

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MrValentine
AGK Backer
14
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Joined: 5th Dec 2010
Playing: FFVII
Posted: 5th Sep 2013 16:30
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Quote: "Just one of the many hundreds of nightmares that GoDaddy has caused."


Precisely why I always state Never Use Free or Cheap Hosting Providers... people never take experienced advice... Human Nature is funny no?

Long story short, if you plan on doing something commercial/business like, do it properly or do not do it at all... but that is just me...

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xplosys
19
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Joined: 5th Jan 2006
Playing: FPSC Multiplayer Games
Posted: 5th Sep 2013 23:13 Edited at: 5th Sep 2013 23:23
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"GoDaddy is the world's largest web host and domain provider."
Though there are larger hosts, they can make this claim largely because they have 32 million domains, 10 times the number of other large registrars.

You will always hear horror stories about "the big guys", partly because of the sheer volume of service, and partly because some people don't like "big guys" (like Microsoft haters). There is a reason that they are number one, and it's not just because of the great commercials!

OK, mostly because of the commercials, but not completely.

Brian.

I am the underground.
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MrValentine
AGK Backer
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Playing: FFVII
Posted: 5th Sep 2013 23:36
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Quote: "OK, mostly because of the commercials, but not completely."


Care to show us what we have been missing lol

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xplosys
19
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Playing: FPSC Multiplayer Games
Posted: 5th Sep 2013 23:43
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Quote: "Care to show us what we have been missing lol"


I just say that because it wasn't long ago someone was offended and started a thread about how GoDaddy commercials and banners were too sexy. It didn't bother me any, at least not in a bad way.

Brian.

I am the underground.
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bitJericho
22
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Joined: 9th Oct 2002
Location: United States
Posted: 6th Sep 2013 00:05
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The very fact that GoDaddy supported SOPA and PIPA should tell you enough about that company.

But let's go into the tremendous upselling they do. You can't buy a single thing without being asked (or nearly tricked) into buying.

Then there's the fact that once you let a domain name lapse godaddy will buy it up and try to sell it back to you at an even higher price.

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