Ok, I've done a search for them on this forum and read thread going back about 6 months.

I've heard a lot of people saying not to use them but very little, in fact almost no actually reasons to not use them.

The only reason's I've heard are poor customer service, and billing issues.

There were some complaints about virtual hosting, and I'm assuming these are on a shared server, which doesn't interest me.

Can anyone give valid reasons not to use them for a dedicated server, with no reselling? Assume that I'm a knowledgable Unix admin and am comfortable installing and managing my own OS and utilities.


Please don't waste my time telling me to check out other hosts. If you don't have specific problems with ***** then don't post. I don't want another 40 post "me too" thread. Facts only.

Thanks.

new1,

***** has a whole lot of bandwidth. They only charge you for actual web pages downloaded, so if you are hosting an FTP site or a web site on a port other than port 80 all bandwidth is free.

They have routing problems which doesn't allow you to keep telnet connections/ssh connections open for more than a day. This might not seam important, but it signals that they often have network issues.

***** installs a backdoor on all dedicated servers that gives their dumb technical support reps access to your computer. If you disable this, they will pull the plug on your server.

If your server is down, you will be lucky to get it rebooted within 12 hours. A call to their technical support number will take thirty minutes plus to get through, then they submit a ticket, and then who knows what happens.

Their billing sucks...If you create an account with them be sure you are not paying startup and use a creditcard with a limited/low credit limit.

Furthermore, I have no proof, but I'm pretty sure when they say they give you a Pentium II 1Ghz they are actually giving you a Pentium 500Mhz. The compile time and speed on my dedicated servers did not match up. Their custom install of Redhat with all their crap makes it impossible to verify.

Signup if you wish.

Matt

new1

We could use an update. Go ahead and let us know how it works out. However, do give us the benefit of the doubt and take out the cheapest plan they have until you form your own opinion. Pay for the minimum number of months and pay by check if you can.
Gary

As far as additional facts, they also have an "unsatisfactory" rating with the Better Business Bureau:
http://www.fortworth.bbb.org/report.html?compid=98080001
or get the report on ***** (note the spaces) at http://www.fortworth.bbb.org if that link doesn't work.

"Complaints brought to the firms attention concern services performed and billing. Specifically, complaints allege that service was not connected or was unsatisfactory and billing errors."

I believe it takes 30 unresolved complaints for a company to be rated "unsatisfactory." Multiply that by the number of people who just take their business elsewhere without bothering to complain....

The complaints about ***** date back to 8/03/98. As a former ***** customer I can assure you that there are other, better options.

Hi, again, i fell into the ***** dedicated server trap and not only does their support suck badly but their network also has serious flaws.

On average i had at least 30 minutes downtime EVERY DAY.

Their online support screen causes my computer to freeze for 30 seconds every 5 minutes, making it impossible to carry on working while im waiting for their support people for about an HOUR.

they have minimum contract terms and bind you into a crap service after the first month.

and it took me a threat to them from VISA before they refunded my money promptly, as they were going to wait a month before refunding me !!

if thats not enough, i can add more of my experiences with ***** but i think thats enough for now.

oh, they also REFUSED to support me in any way if i didnt use some antiquated version of RedHat, I asked for RH7 and they refused to support me !!

the end, STAY AWAY PLEASE FOR GOD SAKE DONT come back here in a month saying you have been fried by ***** like so many others have, hey even i fell for it a few months back :(