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We run several websites and we have come across several different providers; here is a check list for choosing a new web hosting. If possible, subscribe only for two-three months before going for a long term engagement. Have clear whether you need UNIX hosting, Windows hosting or any.
- Don’t spend too much for a domain name; a .com or .net shouldn’t cost more than 10$ a year (see www.godaddy.com if you don’t know other registrars)
- a good control panel is essential; make sure that it offers a file manager (if you are behind a firewall and the ftp is blocked, you can get round it with a web file manager).
- Be sure the webhosting offers good web statistics (awstat, webalizer)
- If you are using PHP, the plan must comprise MySqldatabase support! Beware of sites that offer it as add-on: the add-on is sometimes more expensive than the hosting itself.
- Small downtime; there is little point in having a website if it is not accessible.
- Good connection; visitors will not come back if the site is too slow. Make sure that you don’t exceed the monthly bandwidth limit, or the website will not be available. Many ftp clients can measure the actual speed.
- The site must support your scripting language of choice: PHP, ASP, Perl etc.
- Offers webmail and a good webmail client; in our opinion Horde is the best one.
- No hidden fees! Beware of setup fees.
Here is a list of the providers that we would recommend having worked with them ourselves (and also one bad example).
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