Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Web Hosting : Looking for an alternative to Aplus.net

[joeturner]

Hello,

I have been with Aplus.net for over a year now, and I have started to get fed up with them. My sites are down fairly frequently (or at least more frequently than I would like), sometimes they mess up my .htaccess files, and even delete my favicons, it took them a month to set up ssh, and I can't even use cron. They have also charged me extra each month for FTP accounts I am unable to delete. Worst of all, though, is there control panel not only looks bad, but it's also really confusing, slow and doesn't really let you control much. Luckily, I didn't buy by the year or anything, so I can switch whenever I want.

I've been thinking of switching hosts for some time now, and I've decided it's finally the time. I use this server for some personal sites for me and a couple other people, but also for a web service and a company site. Disk space is not an issue, and really, bandwidth isn't much of one either. However, MySQL databases are very important for my uses. So I'm really just wondering what hosts you suggest for these purposes. Ideally they will also have a nice-looking and functional control panel, and won't try to rip me off. I'm willing to pay up to $30ish a month (but would consider paying more if it's a very highly recommend host).

Thanks!

[FernGullyGraphics]

Originally Posted by joeturner

Hello,

I have been with Aplus.net for over a year now, and I have started to get fed up with them. My sites are down fairly frequently (or at least more frequently than I would like), sometimes they mess up my .htaccess files, and even delete my favicons, it took them a month to set up ssh, and I can't even use cron. They have also charged me extra each month for FTP accounts I am unable to delete. Worst of all, though, is there control panel not only looks bad, but it's also really confusing, slow and doesn't really let you control much. Luckily, I didn't buy by the year or anything, so I can switch whenever I want.

I've been thinking of switching hosts for some time now, and I've decided it's finally the time. I use this server for some personal sites for me and a couple other people, but also for a web service and a company site. Disk space is not an issue, and really, bandwidth isn't much of one either. However, MySQL databases are very important for my uses. So I'm really just wondering what hosts you suggest for these purposes. Ideally they will also have a nice-looking and functional control panel, and won't try to rip me off. I'm willing to pay up to $30ish a month (but would consider paying more if it's a very highly recommend host).

Thanks!

Do you know how much diskspace and bandwidth your website uses? It doesnt sound like you will need much (almost all shared hosts provide what you are looking for).

Filling out an inquiry via hostvoice.net is always a good place to start, also take a look at the offers section http://www.webhostingtalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=4

If your websites are basic (with low traffic), you should be able to get something around $5-10 per month.

[ubservers]

I'm not sure to quite understand your needs. Are you looking for a dedicated server? Or shared hosting? Or even a VPS?

30$ is much for a shared hosting account while extremely low for a dedicated one.
Would you mind explaining a bit more?

[GCM]

Ouch, sorry to hear Joe. A majority of hosts do not limit the amount of FTP accounts you can have. As far as SSH, not all providers give this out and if they do they do ask for some identificaion.

If you want a good looking and functional control panel, look for a host who offers cPanel in the offers section. It is a great software and you can demo it heree - http://www.cpanel.net/products/cpanelwhm/try-demo.html

Try to stay away from hosts offering "unlimited" disk space and bandwidth since they are scams. Best of Luck on your search, also be sure to look for reviews on a host you're interested in.

[ubservers]

Originally Posted by GCM

Ouch, sorry to hear Joe. A majority of hosts do not limit the amount of FTP accounts you can have. As far as SSH, not all providers give this out and if they do they do ask for some identificaion.

If you want a good looking and functional control panel, look for a host who offers cPanel in the offers section. It is a great software and you can demo it heree - http://www.cpanel.net/products/cpanelwhm/try-demo.html

Try to stay away from hosts offering "unlimited" disk space and bandwidth since they are scams. Best of Luck on your search, also be sure to look for reviews on a host you're interested in.

I agree here. cPanel is probably your best bet for a simple and good looking control panel. Also, try to avoid those unlimited offers when it comes to space & bandwidth

[joeturner]

Originally Posted by ubservers

I'm not sure to quite understand your needs. Are you looking for a dedicated server? Or shared hosting? Or even a VPS?

30$ is much for a shared hosting account while extremely low for a dedicated one.
Would you mind explaining a bit more?

Sorry about that. As of now, I'm looking just for shared hosting.

As far as diskspace and bandwidth, we use maybe 1-2GB. Bandwidth: Aplus seems to have this part broken, but I would expect 10GB max.

[ubservers]

Originally Posted by joeturner

Sorry about that. As of now, I'm looking just for shared hosting.

As far as diskspace and bandwidth, we use maybe 1-2GB. Bandwidth: Aplus seems to have this part broken, but I would expect 10GB max.

With those specs, you wont have any problem finding this in the offer section for about 5$

[fast_fusion]

Have to agree with Ubservers, there is some fantastic and well respected hosting comapnies who can provide what you need in the offers section, as said above go with someone who has reviews.

Just remember you usually get what you pay for, most of the companies who offer unlimited everything are usually gone in a few months, try to go with a smaller package but slightly more expensive if you expect quality.

I would say for maximum budget should be $10 per month.

[joeturner]

Originally Posted by ubservers

With those specs, you wont have any problem finding this in the offer section for about 5$

Ah yes, I just found a bunch

I'm looking at the SharkSpace 50% off lifetime deal, and it looks pretty solid. I might just go with that

[cd/home]

i,d also like to add that companys which advertise such huge limits is just aswell an unlimited host...

IE 500GB DISK, 20TB BANDWIDTH = UNLIMITED

[ubservers]

Originally Posted by joeturner

Ah yes, I just found a bunch

I'm looking at the SharkSpace 50% off lifetime deal, and it looks pretty solid. I might just go with that

Just one thing. Before you buy out a host, make sure to research a bit about them or try to talk to them. Make sure they dont have many bad reviews and so on.

[Iamatt]

is there a check list somewhere on what to look for when migrating hosts ?

[XeHSean]

Originally Posted by Iamatt

is there a check list somewhere on what to look for when migrating hosts ?

Not really. The best advise is really to find a host that interests you and then to search reviews on that provider. If the reviews look good, check to see if they have a money back guarantee. Then, give them a shot

[Jedito]

How big are your DBs? and how many you have?

[Caysha]

Hi Joe.
I’ve read your post and am very sorry to hear you’ve had troubles recently. I will work with you personally to address all challenges you’re having. Can you send me your account number and the best way to contact your directly? Please email me at customer.relations@aplus.net. Your business is very important to us.


Caysha
Manager, Escalations and Retentions
APLUS.NET, a Deluxe Company
Toll Free: 888-771-7587
Email: cayshas@aplus.net