Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Web Hosting : Need some advice on what hosting service to use?

[fire_lady]

Hi
Im in need of your advice.
Im going to set up new directory and instead of using a free hosting again Im planning to buy a linux hosting service.

What are the other things I have to know in choosing a web service provider?
Any suggestions.

[adamneal]

First of all you will need to decide how much bandwidth and disk space you will need and set yourself a price range. I presume you will be needing php and mysql. Once you've decided on these take a look at the offers section and do a search here on the company name to see what feed back they get.

Draw up a list of 3 or 4 that meet your requirements then send in some pre-sales questions to gauge the responses you get. Once you've narrowed it down some more ask people for their opinions on here. Hopefully this should be a good basis for your decision.

Another thing to remember is that with hosting you often get what you pay for, so if a deal looks too good to be true then it probably is.

Hope that Helps

Adam

[fire_lady]

Thanks for the advice adam.
I will be needing at least 50MB disk space for now.
Im wondering if it is ok to buy a hosting service annually.

[adamneal]

A lot of people would recommend that you don't to start with. I would recommend going monthly for the first few months and then, if you are happy with the host and confident that they will continue to meet your expectations, move up to a yearly plan.

All hosts should be able to offer you 50mb plans at a reasonable rate, but obviously your bandwidth requirements will play a large part in this. If you know what they are from any previous experience it will help in choosing the appropriate plan for your needs.

[GigabitONE]

if you go by month to month you can upgrade to the next package when you need more space. or as mention by admneal if you do not feel comfortable with the host can move at anytime

[sdnet]

Map out what your site will need. Disk space, data transfer (NOT bandwidth), programming language support, databases, email addresses, domain name support, and the like. If you're able to provide these areas with estimated numbers, it will make the search for the right hosting plan easier.

I would tend to agree with 'adamneal' in regards to springing for a yearly payment plan right off the bat. I've been burned with this before, so I would suggest you give it a month or two before commiting further.

[Paloma]

You should determine your requirements to the: disk space; bandwith; Database support; number of hosted domains, subdomains; number of e-mail accounts; support.

[handaajay15]

Steps on hosting a website:
1. Register a domain ( Mostly done for you by web hosting service provider )
2. Create the website, or find the script that you want to host i.e. PHPBb or mambo etc..
3. Find the web host that support your script reqirements.


1.> Although almost every web host provides free domain registeration. But I prefer to register my own domain by myself with ICANN accredited register. This gives me full control.

2> There are thousands of open source scripts available for forums, directories, chats and content management. Find what you need or develop your own. Analyse the requirements.

3> Find a webhost that meets your requirements. Read reviews, do comparision. But remember one thing: Quantity is not Quality in web hosting world. This world is full of misleading words and poor service providers. So choose wisely.

Hope it helps!!!!

[Swelly]

Originally Posted by fire_lady

Im wondering if it is ok to buy a hosting service annually.

I would strongly recommend not purchasing service by yearly pay schedule. You never know what is going to happen with your situation 3 or 4 months down the road with your provider, or your website for that matter.

[Michael K]

It may be helpful to read a lot of reviews. Reading other people's experiences may give you leads to the best hosts out there, but you're the one who will decide which one is it.
Also, free hosting option can be used for testing the host because some or even most of them have it. Even though those services can be separated, it's mostly the same people behind it..
It's good to send them email before you register/pay, asking something about their service just to see how and if they will reply at all.

[ldcdc]

Im wondering if it is ok to buy a hosting service annually.

IMO it's OK only if you can afford the potential loss.

[markjut]

50mb space is not that big, but for a directory service you might need a good amount of bandwidth. But you can probably get the account for pretty cheap and there are plenty of hosts that can provide that for you.

Why don't you do a host quote, by clicking "Find a host" at the top of the page.