Which web host do you use?
I must mention that my recommendation here is based on only two web hosts that I have used. The best I can do is explain why I liked one web host and not the other. Please realize that this is just the opinion of one guy in a specific situation. If your needs are different or if a host’s quality changes, I cannot control that.
DO NOT TAKE MY WORD FOR IT. I recommend that you investigate thoroughly any host before signing up. Read my other article How to Choose a Web Host, go to several online forums, and in general search around for information on web hosts before choosing. I have not used any free web hosts, so I will not provide information on them here.
My previous web host
When I first chose a web host, I went with FutureQuest. I heard good things about them, and they offered all of the basic things I was looking for, so I gave them a shot. They also had pretty good customer service, their basic package only cost $9.95 per month, and I never had any problems with downtime or slow service during my time with them.
However, what I disliked at first about FutureQuest was their Control Panel and general support services. I did not like their version of a control panel called “Command and Control” because it was very confusing and their documentation was difficult to follow. I could not find useful answers in the forums and was just never comfortable with it. I will say that their customer was great, though. They responded quickly and were very friendly and helpful. It was all the other stuff that confused the heck out of me.
I was planning to leave as it was, but what pushed me over the edge was when I realized I was not given the necessary permissions for the MySQL database. I don’t mean to trash FutureQuest, because they are still a pretty good host. But they just weren’t the right host for me.
My Current and favorite web host
The web host I am currently using is HotDrupal. You can tell right away from the name that they are a web host designed especially for hosting Drupal websites. I had a Drupal site at the time and they were exactly what I wanted, but I ended up liking them so much that I also transferred my other “non Drupal” website. Now I am using HotDrupal without any Drupal sites at all!
They offer all of the important features of a web host, including MySQL databases, numerous PHP modules, and a secure shell account (SSH). But what I like most about them is that they have wonderful video tutorials that walk you through most of the important processes step-by-step. And all of their pages for using MySQL, phpMyAdmin, Apache, PHP, and email are extremely user friendly. Their customer service has been very good and I have not experienced any downtime or slow service.
I’ve found that although their services are geared toward Drupal sites, the functionality works extremely well for pretty much any site. and I have been very satisfied so far. What I like about them most is their reliability, their amount of features, they are affordable, and that they are very user friendly.
Cheaper Web Hosts
Obviously there are plenty more web hosts available, and I will create an Affordable web hosts page soon.
Free Web Hosts
Again, I have not used any free web hosts, but I did take a look around at the many that are available. I will create a Free Web Hosts page soon.
on July 24, 2011 at 7:58 pm
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Whoa, whoa, get out the way with that good inforamiton.