Guys I have been having a few problems with my host. I'm on a shared server right now and I run a small community site. My host doesn't have 24/7 tech support and are often slow to respond to emails...often blaming mySQL server errors on the user, or responding to major server errors with statements like "are you sure you have the most updated browser?" When I know all my users are experiencing the same problems. :rolleyes:

Like I said, my site is small now www.fusionarena.com/community

But the errors are just getting too be too much and I don't have root access to my server to make a reliable backup of my database (and I certainly don't trust them to make reliable backups).

Right now I only transfer about 2-3 GB a month, which isn't much, but I see my site growing. I'm willing to pay 100 per month for my own box. Question is, do I really need it on a small site like this for now? Am I just wasting cash and should I stick with crappy shared hosting?

Can anyone recommend a dedicated host for people with little server experience, and one that offers 24/7 tech support? I'll need PHP and mySQL, Preferably a host that works well with forums.

Thanks guys

If you're not using that much bandwidth and really think its the server you are on at your host, I would suggest looking for another virtual hosting account. You really don't need your own dedicated server now if you're just going to be hosting 1 site. If you are thinking of marketting some hosting to your forum members, then you might want to go with a reseller account and then, maybe a dedicated server. There are many hosts that can offer around the clock technical support. You should post exactly what you need in the web hosting requests forum to solicit some quotes from hosts. After you made your selection, do a search on the forum to see if they have any positive/negative feedback.

Originally posted by Vray
. . . . . . . I'm willing to pay 100 per month for my own box. . . . . . . . . . Can anyone recommend a dedicated host for people with little server experience, and one that offers 24/7 tech support? I'll need PHP and mySQL, Preferably a host that works well with forums.

Thanks guys If you really feel you want your own box, you may want to look at Nocster's December Specials (http://www.nocster.net/presale.shtml). They have one for $100 a month with no setup fees.

I would recommend you just buy a more reliable virtual plan - spend a little more on a reliable host with a good reputation, you dont need to spend anywhere near 100 to get a good plan for your site with plenty of room for expansion.

Thanks for all the good comments guys. I will post my needs in the request forum as advised.

Also, yes virtual hosting sounds like a good idea. I was just looking at Ventures Online and they seem to offer a good virtual hosting package at an affordable price.

Thing is, in a few months I will be deploying 4 more sites with unique IP addresses. Is this possiblet to have all on the same server if you have virtual hosting or is it only possible with a full dedicated server?

Thanks again guys.

It's possible. Not all providers give you the option, but most do somehow.
Just go with your plan of posting your requirements in the Requests Forum.