Going on Host #4. Too many listings, too little truth.
Anybody with opinion or experience with these hosts please respond. Last time we picked the host left in our original list after the fires burned out. 3 mo later, start again.
Florida- Hosting Matters.com
Idaho- QWK.net
California - Macromesh
North Carolina - WebSmart Hosting
Texas - Simple Solutions

concerned with tech help; we've been in business over 2 decades, using a computer under 2 years. Our site has been up since 1999 but adding to it and maintaining it still require our input. Need help.
help.
really.

I've heard nothing but good things about hostingmatters. I haven't used them though.
The others; I've heard nothing.
Try that little search button. I'm sure there's some information there.

I can tell you that Hosting Matters is an excellent choice. I cannot remember where the NOC is based right off hand, but it is not VDI. Some sites are still on Alabanza (as they did not want to move). Hosting Matters providers excellent support.

Also, the hosting matters community also will provide assistenace where Annette and Stephanie are not available. (ha ha, that is about 4 hours a day maybe at most, or when another user beats them to the answer)

I have to second Gavin here. I began using Hosting Matters a little over a month ago and I've absolutely been astounded at the quality, courtesy, and timeliness of the support offered there. And, yes, the community forum is also a great help and provides an additional resource to turn to with problems. (And, no, I have no affiliation with them other than that of a happy customer.)

I have not hosted with any of the others you mention, so I can't speak to them. As AnIdiot suggested, try searching these forums for the hosts in your list. You should find something on some, if not most, of them.

Hosting Matters is a first class web host with first class tech support. They are based in Jacksonville, Florida. Annette and Stephanie are really great people with a really fantastic service...can't say enough good things about them!

Thanks to all who responded. I did search for references to the others. Only QWK.net comes up.

ANyone else? FYI I am not a "Complete newbie" unless you mean to this forum. How does this moniker get attached anyway?

Okay I see. I post and you change the name.
Computer communities are still terra incognita.

(gah)