Which web host?

[dan johnston]

Hi Folks

Decided to get out of the rat race and start my own business, I'm looking to set up a simple website to advertise my services and most importantly allow potential customers to complete an online form. I have no prior experience of web design/management can anyone recommend a friendly reliable and relatively cheap web hosting company?

Thanks

Dan

[Rob Holmes]

Hi Dan,

There are a few of us around on the forums, vshosting, twd hosting and ourselves www.matrixxhosting.com to name a few.

See: http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/sutra61238.php&highlight=#61238 for a blinding testimonial :)

Hope this helps,

Rob

[DavidHorn]

Hi Dan -

I tend to go with 34sp.com for small, starter sites, and www.mediatemple.net for sites that require a bit more oomph.

I'm sure that Rob and the others he mentions can do great jobs for you too.

David

[dan johnston]

Dave, Rob, thanks for the replies. What features should I be looking for from my host, specifically

1. Bandwith
2. Disk Space
3. The ability for people to send emails to a range of addresses eg, info@, enquiries@, dan@ etc
4. The ability for people to fill in an online form

Apologies for my naivity but I'm totally new to all this

Cheers

Dan

[DavidHorn]

1-3, yes - all those are factors.

4 - well, your web host isn't really responsible, except in what programming languages you're able to send forms with.

Without knowing your full needs, my advice would be to go for a Linux server (rather than a Windows server) which will offer you or your developer great flexibility. (there will be windows hosting providers here who will say different, I'm sure)

You probably don't need much bandwidth or disk space, since it's a simple enough brochure site you're talking about - so most peoples basic end packages will probably do the job for you.

Other things you should look for are recommendations (as you're doing here), and telephone support. You want to be able to reach someone if the whole thing dies a death on you.

[DuaneJackson]

(there will be windows hosting providers here who will say different, I'm sure)


Yep :D But another time another place.

David makes some good points though. I'd like to add that you should not choose who you go with soley on price. There's a reason why some of the hosts out there will host your site for $10 a year - they're crap.

Look at something basic to mid range. Expect to pay around £100 a year.

And do go for a host that has been recommnded by someone you trust.

I'd suggest you also go with one of the smaller firms, like those suggeste dby Rob above. The bigger firms aren't anywhere near as good when it comes to user support.

Best of luck

d

[DavidHorn]

Yep :D But another time another place.


yes - it's often personal preference ... it's certainly not a hard rule that linux / windows = more flexible.

To be honest, if you're hiring a developer, chat with them about your needs and let them recommend hosting to you (or at least let them recommend a hosting platform to you) ... unless you're coding the site yourself, your developer will most likely have a personal preference ... as Duane and I clearly do!

[uksbc]

hi mate,

i will pm you about one of our content management / hosting packages. it will work well based on your needs and limited experience

hope i can help

[DarrenC]

I don't usually recommend hosting companies, but I do recommend www.xilo.net - good support, and so far on 100% uptime on both of my domains.

[Rob Holmes]

Dave, Rob, thanks for the replies. What features should I be looking for from my host, specifically

1. Bandwith
2. Disk Space
3. The ability for people to send emails to a range of addresses eg, info@, enquiries@, dan@ etc
4. The ability for people to fill in an online form

Apologies for my naivity but I'm totally new to all this

Cheers

Dan

Hi Dan,

All of this is pretty standard, any host should provide the email facilities, as for diskspace and bandwidth that all depends on the size of your site and how busy it gets.

If it's new, just a few pages and you're not sendin gtraffic there via an advertising campaign then I'g say 50Mb of Diskspace with 500Mb of Bandwidth would suit you.

Rob

[Rachael]

I'd reccomend http://www.openmindhosting.co.uk/ :)

[multilingual]

If you want a web host, go with Matrixx (Rob Holmes).

Anyone who uses his services will say the same.

Faultless.

(No I don't work for him, I just know how hard it is to find good people in business)

JB

[Toon]

Hi. I can help you out at a great price (we can beat most prices). Please contact me with your requirements.

[annethedonn]

www.freelanceofficeservices.co.uk

We do web design and also hosting through an affiliate program.