I need to find a web host - clueless

Tobster · #1 09-12-2005, 12:15 PM

I am cluelesss/ignorant

But I am considering setting up a website containing a Vbulletin forum hopefully in quite a professional way and I would really appreciate it if anyone could tell me about any good web hosts that would allow meto do this!

As to a forum site - if it were to get quite big and busy, what sort of resources would be required?

Ahhhh sorry, I will try to do research but a helping hand would be very cool.

Thanks,

Tobes

voxio · #2 09-12-2005, 12:28 PM

How much are you looking to spend?

You will be able to setup a forum on any host that allow php/mysql access with their packages.

Martie · #3 09-12-2005, 12:30 PM

Hi Tobster,

vbulletin is a good choice for forum software. Your host would need to offer PHP/MySQL. Most hosts support that so as you know your choices will be overwhelming.

Just try to research a list of potential hosting companies and also run their co. name on google.com. Send pre-sales emails before signing up with anyone.

Dont be fooled into thinking that you will need 5GB space with 50GB bandwidth.
An average site uses 50-100 mb space and around 2-5gb BW transfer monthly.

Have fun

NS-Icon · #4 09-12-2005, 12:33 PM

Hi Tobes,

You have come to the right place to obtain tips and support. With regards to locating a host, you can check out the offers section of the WHT forum

they seem to have lots of varied hosts there.

Also, be careful not to go with hosts which oversell, offer unlimited bandwidth / disk space as these services don’t really exist and don’t be manipulated to go with a host through gift incentives. If you watch out for some of these tips you can’t really go wrong.

Ensure you test the host you decide to go with to ensure it meets your specification.

And VBulletin is a great forum application to use, I believe it’s the most professional I have seen

Best of luck with that.

If this is a new forum you are starting you should have no problem with a shared hosting account, and as it grows you can easily expand to a reseller account offering more bandwidth and power.

If it begins to exceed the requirements of a reseller account, you can then choose to move to a VPS (virtual private server) or a dedicated / managed dedicated server. But if your starting off new, then you wont need to hurry and locate either of these

Tobster · #5 09-12-2005, 12:36 PM

Thanks guys...I think I will need to do research about how to do research, too!

I think a starting budget could be £20/month but I can increase that if it's totally unrealistic...

I was looking at Lycos.co.uk and their business package, which is cheap enough and has PHP/MySQL, but I don't know how to see if they're any good lol

I will not act rashly, though, so I don't mind embarrassing myself with these questions

voxio · #6 09-12-2005, 12:45 PM

20 pounds a month is a bit high to start with, i would stick to a small plan untill your site grows then upgrade as required, save yourself some money.

NS-Icon · #7 09-12-2005, 12:50 PM

I would agree, you can get plans at a lower cost than that.

Also, you may find the big-boy hosts such as Lycos.co.uk and 1&1.co.uk may lack the personal support / price plans which you may be able to locate with smaller providers who are just as reliable but not as well known.

Consider looking into these hosts as well

you may find a good deal.

Tobster · #8 09-12-2005, 12:58 PM

I don't need to have a big name host, but I don't really know how to compare when it gets down to comparing plans and technical stuff

I will have to learn, won't I

net-trend · #9 09-12-2005, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tobster
I was looking at Lycos.co.uk and their business package, which is cheap enough and has PHP/MySQL, but I don't know how to see if they're any good lol

Make sure you email them asking if they will allow you to host a vB forum. There are quite a few hosts out there that won't host a vB forum.

David · #10 09-12-2005, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tobster
I don't need to have a big name host, but I don't really know how to compare when it gets down to comparing plans and technical stuff

I will have to learn, won't I

Truthfully it's not the technical stuff that matters most!
What you're really going to want to look for is:

1. Their support response times
2. Their quality of support (kin ya' undastand dis? - nope!)
3. Their backend: What they're going to be hosting you on.
a. For example if they're using microwaves instead of servers.

b. Linux, windows? You'll most likely want to go with Linux if you plan on using mysql/php software (like the vBulletin you plan on installing)
c. Panel - personally I recommend cPanel but there are others like plesk and directadmin.

Outside of that price and specs.: What will they be giving you for your money?

Remember - specs. aren't always the most important part of a hosting package: sure it helps to have 900 gigs of bandwidth but if you're only going to use 10 whats the use?

Good luck in your hunt.

Tobster · #11 09-12-2005, 01:31 PM

wow all you guys are really kind and helpful, I really appreciate it!

generouswebhostin · #12 09-12-2005, 03:23 PM

Hi,

You should find a host with Fantastico to make building the forum and website easier. I'm not sure of your experience with design, etc.

A basic linux plan should work to start off. Look for a host that has good upgrade options.

Test out support before signing up. You never know when you will require help.

Best of luck with your website/forum!