I currently operate a website running vBulletin and PhotoPost. My current host suspended my site for 'server overload' (which happened at 1:30am Pacific time, so most members were offline). I want to find another host before they shut me down permanently (if it happens 3 times).

Current stats:
-720 users
-6000 average page views per day (max was 19,000/day for a special event we had - many people were hitting one specific thread).
-3400 images in PhotoPost gallery (totaling 450mb)

current usage
-Disk space - 2.27 GB
-MySQL databases - 84.4 MB
-traffic 36.8 GB/month

I started the site just over a year ago (moving from phpBB to vBulletin in Nov, and adding PhotoPost in Jan). Site growth is pleasantly on the rise, so I need room for increased disk space and bandwidth.

I am currently on a shared server, paying about $5.95/month. I can pay a little more, but not significantly more as I don't make much money on the site.

I need the host to support ASP.net as I want the option of adding my own code.

Chat room option would be a nice to have, but I see there are some services that host this on other sites, so I can go that route.

Any recommendations?

Thank you

It's recommended to use linux hosting for better performance for php script like vb & photopost
You can purchase a separate windows package to host asp.net code.

Upgrade to a VPS. Burst.NET has some great affordable VPS prices. And just get a simple small windows shared hosting package to host the asp.net code. With a VPS running Linux it would help out your vb & photopost.

Thank you for your input, and the host suggestion. It does look like it could fit in my budget. I have a few more questions.

- what CPU and memory do you think I would need for my site? Max users online was 119, but that was an extreme day. Most days there may only be 40 online at once. My May average page views was about 5500, but lately I've been averaging 6000 to 7000, so my site is still growing.

- with VPS, do they basically just give me a server and I'm on my own? Do I need to do a fresh install of vb and photopost? Or could the host (like burst.net) transfer things for me?

- I've never had to install mysql since my current host had it available already. Would I need to install this? I will also want MS SQL Server available for my .NET code. How does that work on a VPS?

- I will want backups somewhere (besides my home pc) - will that be possible with a vps?

Thanks

Hi

If you get a Windows VPS, I'll recommend you to go for a virtualization technology which provides dedicated resources with higher level of isolation (Hyper-V or Xen).


- what CPU and memory do you think I would need for my site? Max users online was 119, but that was an extreme day. Most days there may only be 40 online at once. My May average page views was about 5500, but lately I've been averaging 6000 to 7000, so my site is still growing.


This would be little difficult to answer; however you can consider getting a VPS with 2 vCPU and 2 GB dedicated RAM to start with. I'd also recommend you to inquire with your host to ensure that there is an easy upgrade procedure available for upgrading your VPS / adding more resources as you keep growing.


- with VPS, do they basically just give me a server and I'm on my own? Do I need to do a fresh install of vb and photopost? Or could the host (like burst.net) transfer things for me?


You will essentially get a chunk of server and depending upon service level (Self managed/Fully managed), you or your host will be responsible for managing the server.



- I've never had to install mysql since my current host had it available already. Would I need to install this? I will also want MS SQL Server available for my .NET code. How does that work on a VPS?


Most hosts will be able to perform installations of db engines during initial setup. With regards to MS SQL, you will need to decide whether you will be going with Express edition (no MRC and recommended for small db requirements) or Web edition ($20-$25/m license cost and recommended for production environment).


- I will want backups somewhere (besides my home pc) - will that be possible with a vps?


If you go for self managed VPS, you will be responsible for backups. However, most hosts will have some kind of backup solution available at additional costs.

Hope this helps

There are many fully-managed VPS deals and they cost not much.

- with VPS, do they basically just give me a server and I'm on my own? Do I need to do a fresh install of vb and photopost? Or could the host (like burst.net) transfer things for me?


We do not assist in data transfer at BurstNET, and we only offer OS and Control Panel installations. Anythng else has to be installed by the end-user.


- I will want backups somewhere (besides my home pc) - will that be possible with a vps?

Thanks

Many hosts offer backup services, though it's usually an add-on item (For an additional cost).. and you're welcome.

I think as everybody mentioned going with a VPS would give you more flexibility. And also make sure to ask your client about the upgrade procedures when you need any, as you said your site is growing.

We do not assist in data transfer at BurstNET, and we only offer OS and Control Panel installations. Anythng else has to be installed by the end-user.



Many hosts offer backup services, though it's usually an add-on item (For an additional cost).. and you're welcome.

Thanks for your reply. How much CPU and memory do you think I would need based on my stats (above)?

Where are your servers based?

If I want help transferring my application and data over, does that mean I look for a 'managed' vps environment? I like Burst.net's prices, but may need more help on the server side (on a regular basis) - I'm a programmer, but not too strong with servers/infrastructure. Does anyone have any other recommendations for a host good for vBulletin and PhotoPost... and I guess with a Linux operating system? I want it to have some sort of protection against hackers, too.

Thanks again

Well, if you are not comfortable with server management, I'll definitely recommend you to get a managed solution or get a control panel installed (which will ease out most of your task). Also, please be sure that you get all components that you require (PHP, mySQL, etc.) installed on your VPS during initial provisioning of the same.