I am starting a site and have absolutely no clue where to start in terms of finding a credible and reliable web host or database.

We have several needs of which the first quite simply is to host the site and deal with an average amount of traffic, but ofcourse be scalable to our growth. I am unable to estimate the amount of traffic we will be receiving.

The next piece is even more simply...a few POP3 email addresses.

The more complicated piece is that we need to find a database to collect user data and also have the ability to rapidly and readily ftp from multiple sites as well as be able to deliver data to multiple companies very quickly and seemlessly. I have no idea how to measure the amount of space needed for file transfer.

Can anyone guide me toward a reliable source which can provide what I mentioned above? Is there any thing else I should be aware of or look for in a provider?

Thanks for any help anyone can offer.

Try to estimate the amount of data you will store on the site at any given time. Unless your needs are really special, I think you will do fine with 50-100 megs. Transfer I don't think you will use more than 1-2 gigs when starting. Remember, if you need more
resources, you can always have your host upgrade your plan.

how many tables and how much data will each user pull down, how many users at a time.

The data base it easy, use MySQL unless you are already doing something in an Access or MS/SQL base and want to stick with that under windows.

Do you have a database application already? Or is that something you will have written?

I would suggest you start with a 100 megs and 4 gig transfer and then upgrade as your needs grow.
It will be easy for your host to change plans for you as you grow and need it.

Stay away from any host that offers you unlimited bandwidth or storage and if the price is too low remember you will get what you pay for in service. As a newbie pay a little more to a good host and you will get a little more hand holding thru the process

Monte Roberts

If you're really just starting, I recommend going to a web hosting directory and reading some articles, keeping in mind all sites pay to be there, and often the articles are biased. regardless, the info will help identify some issues for you.

Try theWHir.com, TopHosts.com, WebHostDir.com, to start, and maybe even **************.com, HostIndex.com, HostSearch.com

What type of databse are you going to be using ? If you're going to be using MySQL you should use a Linux host and if you're looking at using an Access or SQL database I would suggest a windows based hosting solution.

I have no idea what kind of database I will have or in fact need. I think we will have around 10 fields to capture for user registration and probably throw some kind of co-registration on the site as well. In which case, I will need the ability to know who opted-in to which co-registration item and FTP those records to the appropriate partner on a weekly if not daily basis. Is this a difficult process or is this something I, a non-technical person, can accomplish?

So 100megs and up to 4 gigs to start. What would be a fair price for this type of space?

How do I know which database application to use MySQL or Access or whatever? Will a web host provide this knowledge. My main concern is that I do not get taken advantage of as a newbie. However, that being said, I do not mind paying what is appropriate for good service and reliable products.