I want to start a free webhosting service just like geocities, Unlike geocities i want to add lot more feature such as php, mysql, asp.net (if possible), traffic analysis program etc...

I want the following main admin facilities in my hosting service,

1. Ability to advertise on members websites.
2. Automatic registrations

would you please tell me how can i do that. Which kind of hosting service will be most cost effective for me (VPS, Dedicated server, reseller).

Do i need extra software to handle automatic registrations and advertisement on member's website.

Please also quote the intial cost which i will need in order to start free hosting company.

I can't quote exact numbers, but can guarantee that you're going to need to start with a dedicated server, possibly more.

You're going to need a strong Terms of Service and Acceptable Usage Policy and a team of highly trained people to research abuse/fraud complaints, cause I can guarantee that you WILL get them.

You'll also need to cover what file types you will and will not allow. I'd suggest forbidding any MP3 files, any sites that deal with anything illegal/illicit, any site that deals with Bit Torrents, software piracy and possibly porn (adult only, never allow child porn).

Also, have a strong policy regarding spam. The last thing you need is to be taken offline due to spam complaints.

Any server that you have will have the ability to force advertising, which can be handled at the server level. Please note that if you do this, this will appear on ALL sites on that server, including any that you own.

I'd take a peek at www.hotscripts.com or do a search on here and google for hosting scripts.

IF you do move forward, I would probably recommend a cPanel server with SATA or SCSI drives, and at least 1 gig of RAM.

Free hosting sites CAN be profitable, IF done right. Please do be aware that they're usually more headache than they're worth, though.

if you allow free php and sendmail, i guarantee someone will try to use your site for spamming purposes. better harden sendmail, or disable it if you want to keep your sanity. :)

Thats some very nice advice... :) Thanx.... But what plan should i take...? I mean.. can you guyz recommend anything...???

Regards...

I would advise you to get an server with a LOT of bandwidth if not unmetered, it should also at LEAST be Dual Processors, I currently own a free file/image hosting site and I'm already going to have to upgrade my server soon because the current server (P4 3.00GHz) can't handle it and I'm not even offering php nor mySQL hosting (Which gives the server a LOT of load).

I also would not recommend hosting PHP, it can really be a pain to secure your server enough to aviod huge problems..

Thanks for your help...

The potential for spammers must be tremendous. However, if you offer a very small amount of space and BW it may work. Include pay plans as well.

Best of luck....

you will need atlease a vps to start with.. see servint.com for some good ones.. though a dedicated server is always a better idea..

And for advertising and free registrations, see xpanel.org its a software esp suited for this urpose

And for server management and if you want to outsource support see touchsupport.com

Hope this helps :)

It will cost you a lot, and you should start with a dedicated server if you aim high, although you could get away with a VPS. Also you should make sure you have protection against spammers etc

I appriciate your plans,But just be sure , This take long and long to get the picture , which you are planning to see in future.

Parsv