Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : VPS Hosting : Very confused

[Trader5050]

Hello,

First time on the site. I'm hoping some of you VPS experts can help me out, because I'm pretty lost.

I'm trying to create a website that allows users to register and upload (via ftp) files. Those files are then run through a script which moves and sorts them. The user can then go on and search, label, favorite, download, etc. these files. The user will be limited to a certain number of days retention, total files, etc. to limit disk use.

The problem is that GoDaddy told me that this is an online "repository" and thus I had to get their VPS service. I've been looking around and it seems ALL shared hosting does not allow any sort of "electronic storage." What sucks is that their shared hosting concept is exactly what I want, except for those requirements.

Well, I now have a VPS... but the configuration is extremely confusing. I want the simplicity of shared hosting back! I'm currently on a GoDaddy VPS with a self-installed Webmin CP.

I only need:
------------
Apache (I could probably use IIS or whatever though)
MySQL
Pure-FTPd*
PHP w/ mysqli

* I chose Pure-FTPd because it allows me to manage users via a database, thus allowing instant FTP account creation when a user signs up.

Are there shared hosts out there that allow storage (even if I have to pay a bit more)? Is there some sort of easy-to-use VPS service in existence? I just want a simple server

Any help is greatly appreciated!

[vpsdeploy]

Try with VirtualMin, is a webmin but with some modules "ready to use" to host websites

# wget http://software.virtualmin.com/gpl/scripts/install.sh
# sh install.sh

[hosting_geek]

You didn't specify distribution that you're using. For some distributions there are scripts that will allow you to do all of these things very fast and with a low resource consumption. If you're using CentOS give "Centmin" a try. It's not standard hosting panel, but it will allow you to easily setup basic web server. But if you don't find that suitable you should go with Virtualmin.

[MikeTrike]

Get a managed VPS with a control panel like cPanel or DirectAdmin.

Managed would mean the provider is responsible for working on the server. Then you get to just use it the same way you would with shared hosting.

[Trader5050]

Originally Posted by MikeTrike

Get a managed VPS with a control panel like cPanel or DirectAdmin.

Managed would mean the provider is responsible for working on the server. Then you get to just use it the same way you would with shared hosting.

The problem there is cost. Even at my current 40-50 bucks a month, it's a bit much. I'm active military with a non-working wife

[MikeTrike]

Originally Posted by Trader5050

The problem there is cost. Even at my current 40-50 bucks a month, it's a bit much. I'm active military with a non-working wife

That's understandable, however WiredTree is a good example of a company that does managed services specifically.

http://www.wiredtree.com/managedvps/

$49/mo includes cPanel, it's hard to beat a managed service for that price.

And about $40/mo from KnownHost with cPanel included. Which also specializes in managed VPS's

http://www.knownhost.com/vps_packages.html

If you go with the right provider, one that has a specific market they service. In this case, Managed VPS, the price fits with what you're currently paying.

EDIT: I should also mention that there are sometimes promo codes you can find to sweeten the deal. But their prices are already spot on.

[M66B]

Maybe this guide can help you, but be warned managing a VPS yourself is something you'll have to learn.

How to setup a VPS as web server

[ArturasLIX]

The best solution for you problem is to have control panel. But Webmin can't be a solution, because it's not so simple to install and configure it. You should install services first then install control panel.

The commercial panels like Cpanel or DirectAdmin doing that stuff for you, so basically you need to run only one command.

As for free ones Kloxo panel installs itself very easily. One command and it's done, it's ready to use.

[ajonate]

Originally Posted by ArturasLIX

As for free ones Kloxo panel installs itself very easily. One command and it's done, it's ready to use.

I also recommend Kloxo. I prepared a comprehensive guide for installing and configuring a Kloxo web server.

http://entomy.com/VPS-Server-Configuration-Guide.pdf

That will tell you 90% of what you need to know.

[raindog308]

Just out of curiosity, what is the total size of files?

A lot of the "UNLIMITED SPACE!!!!" hosting guys are desperately worried that someone is actually going to use unlimited space, and so they monitor space intensely. Perhaps a host that gives you a few gigs of space would not care as much.

As for VPS providers, I would second the KnownHost recommendation. Very good support.

Another alternative is to find a college student or fellow soldier who's more technically savvy and pay them to set things up for you. In my opinion, if you're not technical, running a VPS can be a lot of work, hence managed services. But perhaps having some assistance could be a more budget-friendly approach. Just brainstorming.

You might also post in the shared forum here.

Or you might try the "Find a Host" area here on WHT. Just be very clear what you want (including size) and see who responds.

BTW, thank you for your service.

[Ninjapanther-Greg]

Originally Posted by MikeTrike

That's understandable, however WiredTree is a good example of a company that does managed services specifically.

http://www.wiredtree.com/managedvps/

$49/mo includes cPanel, it's hard to beat a managed service for that price.

And about $40/mo from KnownHost with cPanel included. Which also specializes in managed VPS's

http://www.knownhost.com/vps_packages.html

If you go with the right provider, one that has a specific market they service. In this case, Managed VPS, the price fits with what you're currently paying.

EDIT: I should also mention that there are sometimes promo codes you can find to sweeten the deal. But their prices are already spot on.

Wiredtree are Great!!! and so are knowhost but knowhost has the most annoying billing system in the world I hate there billing system so much I won't use them its so buggy.If you try to login to there clients area with a new pass they send you, it will never let you and it resends you different password that never works and There sign script is rubbish.

[locke815]

I suggest you to get a managed VPS hosting. Pricing range should be around $30 - $50/month and you will be able to find some really good host out there.

[jsk122]

Hey Trader5050 - did you manage to get your VPS sorted out?

If not, let me know, maybe I can give you a hand with it or a least point you in a direction, depending on where you are now.