I'm considering moving to a new server and would like to get feedback on services that are the best for my needs. Currently, I'm looking at Ventures Online, tera-byte, interland, or other. First, let me state that I'm a web designer, not a hardware person. I can't afford to spend time trying to figure out things like telenet, setting up software on the server, etc. The extent I basically have is setting up mail accounts, FTP to transfer from Dreamweaver or software and interfaces for setting up general site settings. I do feel comfortable with interface control panels if they are easy to use. But, they MUST have documentation that's available from the web hosting company that fully outlines ALL features and their use.

I've taken a look at 4webspace/tera-byte and find their interface to be somewhat hard to figure out, email setup, mysql, etc. Also, I've seen the demo on Ventures Online and find the interface to be more user friendly for someone like me. I should state that I'm looking at "dedicated" servers with a price range of about $200 a month.

Here's what I need from my host, I simply can't spend time figuring things out so here is the list:

1. toll-free tech support that's friendly and eager to help, especially someone new to server setup. Great response and quick turn-around time for it.

2. MySql, php control panel for setup, maitainence, etc. with an easy to use interface.

3. No software installed by me, only them. I've seen Venture offers $50/hour setup of items like "Vbulletin", etc.

4. No interface that requires me to learn how to telnet, all should be a simple point and click interface or provided by their support.

5. Ability for service to transfer my existing domain(s) without requiring manual transfer either by calling them or via interface.

6. Email service that allows multiple users (i.e. support@domain.com, tech@domain.com, etc.), an easy interface, "bounce-back" function to email address when there's a message sent from our site that can't be delivered to user, etc.

7. FULL and EASY to understand documention either on-line or mailed with easy to understand listings on how their control panel works, how to setup, mail setup, dns setup, contact for support/billing, etc.

I don't want to spend my time learning things because my time is spent on the software side designing web sites only. The service must be user friendly for newbies as well. That's why I don't really know who's best for something like this.

Thanks for the input.

How many sites, and how much transfer do you need or think you will need on this box??

jayglate:

About 2-3 sites at most, size about 25-50GB transfer, memory on server 128-256MB. I saw Venture had a beginner dedicated server that fit in that range for $200.

Thanks.

What is your email??

I forgot to note that I'm not wanting a contract with anyone either. Since I've found web hosts to vary in quality, I want to be able to switch whenever I want and pay monthly or 3 months only. Also, I don't want to switch my web site around once I find a great host. I'm looking to stay for a long time as long as they meet my requirements.

What I need is a full service company that will do the job right, provide support, help hold my hand with any needs that arise in using the dedicated server, etc. I want to spend my time developing web pages and not worrying over dedicated server issues. Like I said, if it's got a very well documented control panel with great support for questions anytime I need something done then that's fine.

Thanks.

Since you aren't sure about the hosts and is considering a dedicated server for the first time, look into a host that gives you a money back guarantee.

So far only http://sy.net/general/15_day_guarantee.htm and http://www.burst.net seems to be promising to do that.

I am also looking for a dedicated host, I wish more hosts would give a money back guarantee like virtual hosts do, but then again I can understand why they often don't.

While I did not consider the other hosts that you mentioned, I do recall seeing significant user grumbles, either here or at alt.www.webmaster, or was that in PCWorld? ...about Interland. I don't remember what exactly it was about but the complaints were significant. Might want to look into that. I'm not convinced you'll get the service you bargained for, with them.

I think just about everyone here knows that I host with Ventures Online. :) Right now I'm a Virtual customer but my goal is to be dedicated in two years.

Given the choice at this moment I would not hesitate to have Paul and Daniel set up my server if I was going with a dedicated box. They do take care of all this for you and $50/hr seems to be fairly reasonable. And in my experience, software issues have been done "right," whereas I have worked with other hosts who offered me (for instance) twenty nifty gadgets as part of my account -- but only 12 of them actually worked. Not so with VO. Their features have worked beautifully for me!

The CPanel is really easy to figure out and work with. VO has a FAQ section which you may view on their website before you even sign up. It explains about general server issues, as well as some of the specifics (like chmoding, etc.). I am in the process of writing my own FAQ based on CPanel for my own resold accounts, and once posted, would invite you to use it as a resource. :) Not that I think you will need to. The way CPanel is set up, the features I've used have been VERY self-explanatory. Do a little exploring and you'll probably find things fall right into place. This is the 4th control panel I've used (with various hosts) and by far the nicest and most robust of them all. It is really straight-forward to work with.

Tech Support... VO doesn't have phone support. I know this sounds scary! BUT... it sounds like you and I have about the same knowledge/skill level and please rest assured, you are not going to be left floundering. You should not have trouble with the majority of issues. And when you DO have questions, simply ICQ Paul or Daniel, or e-mail them. In my experience, they always get back to me within a matter of minutes... usually with an exact solution, but if not, it's at least with an acknowledgement to tell me they're working on it. Honestly I've never had a tech issue that took more than 10 minutes to address. Everything's been working fine. And Paul is very patient with questions. Very patient. And prompt. I have worked with many web hosts since I first went online in Sept. 1997, and Ventures Online has provided the most outstanding support of all, hands down. I recommend them on the support alone.

Not to mention connection. I monitor my sites with netwhistle.com and they've always been up, since I signed up. And my customers are no longer complaining about speed. I had a lot of complaints about speed last fall, but now that I'm with VO (VDI connection) those complaints have dried up. Now they only complain about the speed of the shopping cart (I use a web-based one, completely unrelated to Ventures) which is hosted at RackSpace. tsk, tsk.

I wish I could invent an excuse to get a dedicated box. I think it would be a HOOT. What fun! And the day I can think up a good excuse for it, I'll be havin' the boys at VO set it up. :) They have my vote! They have done a fine job of providing me, and my customers, with very good service to date. If they had not done so, my tune would be different.

Anyway I hope my experiences are helpful to you.

*plink, plink*

Good luck in your search!

:D Bailey

MovieGuy, what Jay was asking about (email), -you can turn it on in your profile and if members click on the the email icon under your posts, they will see a contact form (not your email address). Try it on mine if you want to take a look at what happens. (That is, if you want offers from hosts here).

For the last few months I have been looking at getting a dedicated server for my 20+ current web2010 resold accounts and finally decided to go with a resold account at Ventures.

The thing that really got me to step back from a dedicated right now was setting up a Linux box on my DSL line. This made me realize the true level of devotion it takes to maintain and secure your own box. My hats off to all of you who are doing it. The last thing I would want is the server to crash or get hacked right before a nice relaxing vacation. My time is already spread thin and with dedicated box I would have to give up food or my girlfriend. God, I love to eat, what a tough decision. ;)

Good luck with your decision.

-Bubba

I also reccomend VenturesOnline. The staff has been extremely helpful and it seems like they never sleep. All my support requests, e-mails, and ICQs have been answered within minutes. Great doesn't even describe the service I have received from them. I don't think you'll be sorry if you go with them. The prices are good, the support is terrific, and the connection is excellent. :)