Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Web Hosting : 4 speciffic newbie questions (php, bandwith,etc)

[GOLGO-13]

my budget has changed, and its time to change hosting.. but i’ve started learning php, so now that i’ll be doing more than just simple html stuff on my site, i have no absolutely clue at all about what i need to look for in a host this time around!

here are the facts about me:

• i use dreamweaver & flash
• i’m learning php/mysql and will start learning XML this spring.
• need to be able to create forums.
• i need to be able to experiment with e-commerce and databases
• looking for 500mb space (or better)
• 10gb data transfer a month (or better)

QUESTIONS:
[list=1][*]now that I’m using php/mysql and XML.. what sort of services do I need to look for in a host? [*]is this possible for $80/year or less?[*]if my site ever gets listed/featured with a large design portal (moluv.com, pixelsurgeon.com, etc.) the hits/bandwidth for a month or two might increase SIGNIFICANLTY!! normally, 10gb is more than enough.. but how do i know how much i might need if i get listed with one or more of those type portals? [*]friends keep telling me to check ebay for good hosting and domain registration deals… MANY of them seem pretty SHADY…. but one or two have seemed like good deals… any thoughts?[/list=1]

thanks ever so much in advance..!!


G-13

[4Hosted]

Hi there Golgo,

I believe most hosts will provide you with the ability of PHP, XML and MySQL databases (If those are the databases you will be using)

Im not sure about the Average price for 500MB and 10 GB transfer for a year but $80/Year should suffice, although i would recommend you raise your budget and find a "Tried and tested" quality host that has good reviews if your Portals are going to be important to you, The last thing you will want is them going down for days/weeks at a time.

Lastly, I wouldnt recommend Ebay as a good place to look for hosting, ive heard a few horror stories of people buying a year of hosting+Domain and the company disappears after a month or even a few weeks, This is a risk most people take on there of course.

Good Luck

[Biowaste XP]

1) Most hosts provide you with XML, PHP, MySQL, etc.

2) You should find a decent host for $80/year. But, I would try around $100/year just in case. Remember that quality is better than quantity.

3) You really can't tell how much bandwidth you will need. You will just have to keep monitoring it.

4) NEVER use eBay for hosting needs.

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by Biowaste XP
1) Most hosts provide you with XML, PHP, MySQL, etc.

2) You should find a decent host for $80/year. But, I would try around $100/year just in case. Remember that quality is better than quantity.

3) You really can't tell how much bandwidth you will need. You will just have to keep monitoring it.

4) NEVER use eBay for hosting needs.

Agreed especially on #4 about eBay.

[Davros]

Another important thing is stay away from hosts who claim "Unlimited" Bandwith or Transfer.

Even if you have potential to get published somewhere that could bring you a mass of traffic NEVER choose a host who claims unlimited. A responsible host that offers a reasonable limit would probably be more than willing to work with you in the event you get 'Slash-Doted' or something of the sort. Whereas you'll see how fast the "Unlimited" plans actually become "Limited" plans.

I'd agree that the $100 price range can get you a reliable host with all of the features you require.

[rasputinj]

Stay away from Ebay for hosting, domains . I have had a few people I know who did not listen and were burnt. Go with an ICANN registered domain name registrar like GoDaddy or others I can not think of at this time that charge like $8.95 a year for domains. Or get it through your hosting company.

Go with a host that has plans that will let you grow if you need to. $80 a year might do for the first year, if you grow, then maybe next year $160 a year. Search the forums there are some great hosts here. For a cheap host I had good success with there is addaction.net, they off 6 months free then $6.95 a month for 500MB, 10Gb, with php, forums etc. They worked out for me until I outgrew them and jumped up to vps with dinix (which rocks by the way)

Some people also rave about lunarpages, there are a lot of great one's to choose from just look and ask for opinions.