I've been doing web stuff for a few years and I think its time to get a domain and get some sort of presence on the web.

From hosting my own sites off of my own PC I 'know' (used lightly) what I should have (apache, cgi, https, PHP and MySQL... etc) But what I'm really looking for is some knowlege from this large base of web dev's and hosters... You know what I mean.. things you wished you knew when starting out etc. *shrug*

Thanks peoples...

I hope to be able to share my limited brains around here a bit... :D

in regard to your question: are you just looking for a host, or are you looking to set up a hosting business......from the post I am assuming it is the latter.....so my only advice would be to research as much as you can...........dont rush into anything, but read alot and get an understanding of how it all works.......from just these forums there is a ton of useful info.....

best of luck

research TONS of hosts before going with the first one your friend recommends.

oh yeah...and don't get hosted with Aletia.

heh... I was thinking of getting a hosting plan somewhere first... THEN possibly hosting other peoples sites from there... but lets not get too carried away off the bat. :)

The advice I would have to give is to be patient, and have fun. :)

Go ahead. As a newbie to hosting business, you will face many problems but you will learn a lots from 'em. Good luck.