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Thread: Web host for Moodle site
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07-19-2010, 05:47 PM #1Newbie
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Web host for Moodle site
I need advice for a new web host as my contract with JustHost will expire next month.
I added Moodle to my JustHost site - installed it through Fantastico - and learned the admin and course creation part of Moodle, but I am clueless when it comes to php and databases. I've spent a lot of time on the Moodle forums and know updating Moodle is necessary for security purposes, but there can be issues associated with an update that I'm not able to handle. The folks over at Moodle.org recommend a Moodle partner, but there is a huge gap in what they offer - on the low end, affordable teacher accounts that are too restrictive for my purposes; or costly accounts for large organizations. Nothing for a sole practitioner just starting out.
I don't anticipate a huge number of users. I am a software trainer and continuing education provider for a niche group of professionals. If I have 5 trainees accessing my Moodle site per month, I will consider it a success.
Each of my courses will consist of Flash .mp4 videos, 5 to 10 minutes in length, between 6-12 MB, with associated .html and other files; simple .html pages; and a quiz. Each course will only be 2-3 hours in length, and I will allow trainees access for 30 days (for those who actually want to learn the material as opposed to going through the motions to get their CE credits).
Eventually I'd like to have at least 12 courses, but it will take probably a year - I have to build the course, request approval from the accrediting board, wait for feedback, make required changes, etc.
My budget to start is $15 per month, and if I generate enough traffic and revenue, I expect to pay more if upgrades are needed. If help with Moodle updates and databases is not included, I'd appreciate a reasonable fee for that kind of service. (I read on the Moodle forums that a Moodle partner charges a $400 minimum. There's no way I can afford that!)
So, if you are a hosting provider who has a familiarity with Moodle, and you are honest and fair with your customers - in other words, the opposite of JustHost - or you know of one, please advise.
Thank you.
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07-19-2010, 05:51 PM #2Web Hosting Master
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Howdy KavT,
I'm not sure why they recommended a Moodle Partner, but as you said Moodle can run on any host. They just need a basic understanding of how it works. Medium sized companies will usually be more helpful then larger organizations such as JustHost. Some hosts do have experience with Moodle while as others do not, I would recommend asking their sales team and ask for a demo if they help run one. I would start with a small plan then scale up as needed.
As far a host, try to stay away from anyone offering "unlimited" disk space or bandwidth.
Best of Luck!
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07-19-2010, 06:14 PM #3Web Hosting Master
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Agreed. You don't need to host with a moodle partner. You can run moodle on any host. Like GCM said above me, stay away from hosts that offer "Unlimited Disk space and Transfer", because it's impossible to offer. Your best bet would be to go with a small to medium size web host, because they would be more willing to help you with the issues in regards to moodle.
Check the offers section here on WHT. There are plenty of web hosts who can offer you exactly what you are looking for.
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07-19-2010, 06:18 PM #4Web Hosting Master
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I need advice for a new web host as my contract with JustHost will expire next month.
I added Moodle to my JustHost site - installed it through Fantastico - and learned the admin and course creation part of Moodle, but I am clueless when it comes to php and databases. I've spent a lot of time on the Moodle forums and know updating Moodle is necessary for security purposes,
Databases can be a bit of a pain, however, once you understand how they work it becomes a little more easier to manage and maintain, generally you won't need to touch them.
but there can be issues associated with an update that I'm not able to handle.
The folks over at Moodle.org recommend a Moodle partner, but there is a huge gap in what they offer - on the low end, affordable teacher accounts that are too restrictive for my purposes; or costly accounts for large organizations. Nothing for a sole practitioner just starting out.
http://docs.moodle.org/en/Upgrade_fr...iki_upgrade%29
^ This is a base idea however to upgrade your Moodle sotware.
- Seems you can contact their support team and their community for assistance which might come in handy seeing as it's a free program.
http://moodle.org/
I don't anticipate a huge number of users. I am a software trainer and continuing education provider for a niche group of professionals. If I have 5 trainees accessing my Moodle site per month, I will consider it a success.
As Axigy said above your better off finding a Medium sized hosting company and one that does not oversell there services heavily, search a service and product that fits around your needs.
Each of my courses will consist of Flash .mp4 videos, 5 to 10 minutes in length, between 6-12 MB, with associated .html and other files; simple .html pages; and a quiz. Each course will only be 2-3 hours in length, and I will allow trainees access for 30 days (for those who actually want to learn the material as opposed to going through the motions to get their CE credits).
In any respect this can cause load with constant hits, however, as this seems to be very limited you should be fine with both flash and streams on a shared environment.
Eventually I'd like to have at least 12 courses, but it will take probably a year - I have to build the course, request approval from the accrediting board, wait for feedback, make required changes, etc.
My budget to start is $15 per month, and if I generate enough traffic and revenue, I expect to pay more if upgrades are needed. If help with Moodle updates and databases is not included, I'd appreciate a reasonable fee for that kind of service. (I read on the Moodle forums that a Moodle partner charges a $400 minimum. There's no way I can afford that!)
So, if you are a hosting provider who has a familiarity with Moodle, and you are honest and fair with your customers - in other words, the opposite of JustHost - or you know of one, please advise.
Talking from some experience you do not need a host that entirely understands Moodle, more databases if it's regarding upgrades - though some experience would be advised.
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07-19-2010, 08:20 PM #5Newbie
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Thank you all for your replies.
I have an understanding of the "unlimited" issue. I haven't needed an "active" website (visitor interaction as opposed to static "about me" html files) for over eight years and discovered the hard way that web hosting has changed to the detriment of consumers.
It's my understanding that the folks on the Moodle forums advise using a Moodle Partner because Moodle Partners contribute a portion to the Moodle cause, and because they can deal with all Moodle upgrades and issues.
Unfortunately, the Moodle Partners do not have anything available for the little folks like me.
Yes, my Flash videos will be streamed. I won't even upload a PowerPoint presentation because I don't want it downloaded. Unfortunately, in a small niche market, you have to protect your work product.
I have investigated the web host offers on this forum and it's pretty overwhelming. <snipped>Last edited by ldcdc; 07-19-2010 at 10:00 PM.
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07-19-2010, 08:28 PM #6Disabled
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They are recommending you to a Moodle Partner because a lot of web hosts will not offer support for scripts that are installed via Fantastico, Softaculous, or Installatron.
If you find a Moodle Partner host, you will get the support you need in order to understand the functionality. If you go with any web host, they will probably be doing the same thing as you. Browsing Moodle forums to understand what it does and how to support you with it.
I would ask if anyone knows of anyone that has any experience with Moogle, and have the users here point you in the right direction. You know what you need as far as disk space and bandwidth. So now you just need to be pointed to the right place. I have no idea I just thought I would tell you why they are suggesting a Moodle Partner. If the Moodle Partners don't have or can't work with you on giving you what you need then you will need to do what you are doing and search for a host here that knows how to use Moodle. And believe it or not, there are hosts here that will learn for you as they are good companies (most of them).
I can recommend you a few hosts, ones that I use. I am not sure if they can support you but I can tell you that they have great support and I have had a great experience with all of them. Sean from SpeedySparrow hosts one of my sites. He just gave you a boatload of info. EZPZHosting.co.uk hosts a reseller package of mine. DMEHosting.com (probably the last choice you should go with) and then MDDHosting.com (great customer oriented company)
Best of luck in your search!
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07-19-2010, 08:33 PM #7Web Hosting Master
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Here is a post that I made in another thread here at WHT. It gives information and tips when choosing a web host. Hope this helps you a little.
Thread can be viewed at (2nd post):
http://www.webhostingtalk.com/showth...ght=AdeptHosts
Just look in the offers section, find a couple hosts that you like. Contact the hosts and see which you get a good vibe from. After that, follow the steps/tips listed above and you should be alright.
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07-19-2010, 11:38 PM #8Web Hosting Evangelist
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I would say go with a known name like Host Gator, Dreamhost, etc. Don't just go by the name but there are plenty of people who can help here at WHT!
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07-20-2010, 09:14 AM #9Disabled
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In her case thename of the company means nothing. She needs a host thatwill sit down and help her with the necessary software. She can not find a host that will support her MOODLE so she is going to have to get a host that will research and help.
For abnormal support @ hostgator, just host, or any large companies she will pay a fortune!
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07-20-2010, 10:59 PM #10Disabled
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Any luck? Hve you found a host yet?
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07-21-2010, 05:48 AM #11Web Hosting Master
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Just look for a host that gives you a limit and isn't too pricey for you. Easy-peasy.
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07-21-2010, 01:54 PM #12Newbie
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@ldcdc - Thank you for editing my post. I still haven't found an edit option.
@HS-CB Matt - I'm just getting back to this, so I haven't found a host yet. I'll be making some inquiries today - after I read your blogs!
Thank you, everyone, for all of your help!
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07-21-2010, 02:11 PM #13Junior Guru Wannabe
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What exactly are you trying to do with moodle. Are you looking for help to install it, or do you need help to configure it.
Hosting will matter alot, but what about how much space and bandwidth do you think you need.
Also, like it was said here a lot, Dont let the word unlimited fool you. Go for something that has limits. You can even go with a cheap plan like slicehost to get your site up.
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07-21-2010, 02:30 PM #14Junior Guru Wannabe
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As others have shared, unlimited is a marketing hyperbole, there is no such thing as an unlimited hard drive.
I'd make sure you go with a smaller host that can provide you with custom support, beyond the fantastico automated script installs. You're probably going to want a host that also offers development services, and has some experience with the LCMS you've selected (Moodle).
What version of Moodle are you planning on using?█ Circle Tree, LLC
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07-21-2010, 03:40 PM #15Aspiring Evangelist
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I once did hosting from an "unlimited" place and they pretty much shut me down after I was using "potentially high bandwidth". They told me they projected my usage too high for their servers.
Just be wary, what you pay is what you get. A more expensive "unlimited" plan will probably have a higher limit than the cheaper ones•••••••••••••••••••••••••
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07-21-2010, 03:44 PM #16Newbie
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07-21-2010, 03:49 PM #17Newbie
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07-21-2010, 04:01 PM #18Newbie
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I've never had my account with JustHost suspended, but one time I submitted a support ticket because I was getting 404 errors for pages that I knew were there. This was their reply: "The server was a bit overloaded because of some customer's scripts
That customer's account was suspended and forwarded to our billing department in order to proceed its cancellation so the similar problem shouldn't happen any more."
When I asked how I could prevent that from happening to me, I got a lot of non-answers. When I asked whether I'd be notified or just automatically suspended, I got no answer.
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07-21-2010, 05:22 PM #19Junior Guru Wannabe
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@KayT
If you get the host, then i can help you to install and configure it.
Do you know if you require SSL?
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07-21-2010, 05:38 PM #20Newbie
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Hold on while I look up "SSL"...
Nope.
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07-21-2010, 05:56 PM #21Web Hosting Master
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07-21-2010, 06:25 PM #22Junior Guru Wannabe
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It was a fair question to ask, I know of a few site that never sell anything, but still have ssl for some sections because of personal information.
I myself uses ssl for my sites customer area
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07-22-2010, 01:47 AM #23Junior Guru Wannabe
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Steps to install moodle
- Download latest moodle release
- unzip it to your desktop computer (or use SSH to 'unpack' directly on the server)
- Upload files to your server
- Setup a database using your host's control panel
- Configure moodle to use database
- Done!
It's pretty easy in practice, the only gotchyas include the background info that goes into working on the web: FTP, SSH/control panels, Ports, MySQL, PhpMyAdmin, etc.
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07-22-2010, 01:50 AM #24Junior Guru Wannabe
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07-22-2010, 01:55 AM #25Web Hosting Master
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