Allow me to explain my situation.

I have two domains, one is a sub directory of another. The top domain is a site with dynamic pages. Windows based and hosted by CrystalTech. They have done an outstanding job with this.

My second domain, in the sub directory, is not dynamic however I did create it with asp.net pages. Dumb I know but I was used to the tool I made the first one from and just did it with asp.net pages and cached them for what I hope is less strain on the server. I am going to redesign that guy asap.

I just added a phpBB message board to the second domain. I am getting far too many "Fatal error Maximum time of 30 seconds exceeded" errors with it. Pages are partially displayed. I would blame my slow connection but I can access the phpbb.com forums without ever getting these messages or broken pages. So I guess I am right thinking it is a hosting difficulty??

I don't have the exact stats for the second domain but would guess it at about 300 uniques a day with about 4000 pageviews.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

Thanks very much.

Any host will do, and I really do mean any. Every Linux host supports Php+mysql now and you can get prices in Offers section starting from $1.5 to $10/mo

Of course, the usual thing obvious things apply...avoid obvious scammers, new cos, wierd sounding offers, immature hosts etc. etc.

Thank you sir. I guess what I am looking for are recommendations. For example, somebody running a phpbb with decent traffic(I guess mine is decent) and having success. No time out messages for sure.
If I am in the wrong forum, perhaps somebody can point me to the right one. Apologies.

Traffic to your forum is currently on the lower side, not medium.

Unless you wanted the cheapest (which is also a regrettable decision in majority of cases) you could go with the good & respected ones...

venturesonline.com
futurequest.net
hostmatters.com
fluidhosting.com
idologic.com

First of all, I appreciate your input. I thank you.
Can you tell me if there is a good likelihood that switching hosts would eliminate those dreaded fatal error messages? I mean, is there anyway to determine that? In your best estimate, is the host more than likely the reason for those?
Happy holidays by the way.
John

Hey John.
Why not use you current webhost's support area? That's obvious something wrong on their server.
Just look for some input THERE and if it still won' work, look for another host.

AdY-
Thanks. I did that. I contacted them. They asked me if I was having trouble at a busy time. It was happening bigtime yesterday, which was extremely slow for traffic. So I guess I am a little nervous about what can happen when traffic picks up.

I was wanting to blame my slow dialup but I could access the phpbb.com forums with no problem. I have never received any messages of such there. And they are far more busy than I am.

I really don't want to have to look elsewhere. These guys do a very good job with the dynamic pages of my other domain. Being not too experienced with this, I am dumbfounded still.
Thanks.

Perhaps I should add this. I have recently added banners. I have 4 banners that are static. And an additional random banner. However, I see other boards running far more banners than this. I only wish I had more. Maybe I should pose this question in another area here?
Thanks again.

Sure thing with the link. It hasn't done the error message thing since Wednesday. But I fear it will happen again.
http://www.wisetracking.com/phpBB2/index.php
Thanks.

Perhaps, mysql was a little overloaded and took some extra time to process the request --since then it has been restarted and is working fine! Even web servers can act a little wacky every now and then ;-)

I just tested our forums and it looked like it worked ok...

Regards,

Thanks guys I appreciate it. Have a good holiday.

It might have been a temporary PHP/MySQL issue/setting. Can't say for sure until i see it :)
Happy holidays to you too :santa2:

Regards,
Adrian.

Forum hosting is very tricky as forums tend to use the processor heavily and hit the hard drive hard for those forums that get a lot of traffic. However, you are fortunate not to be one of those forums. Just go to google and do a search for free forum hosting, free hosting, free board hosting etc...

Thanks for all the help. Something I have been wondering for a long time. At what point does a person know when they need a dedicated server? I know my traffic is not great, maybe never will be a big boy. But I am curious how one determines that?
Thanks.

Unless you are using 30 Gb or more a month on your forum. (Assuming your forum is PHP and mysql run), you should not need dedicated.

If your web host is using quality hardware and software, there should be no need for dedicated, unless you use more than 30 Gb a month. I may be wrong but from experience that is what I am seen.

Regards,

Thanks.