Nicker on 31/3/2009 at 23:00
Yeah I know how much we hate being asked that BUT...
I have been trying to unravel the Gordian Knot of domain names and web-hosters. Despite the fact that I have been online before there even was an online (thanks Al) I have never registered a domain nor engaged a hosting service. Trying to figure out what I really need and who is offering the best value is like picking a cell phone plan... only worse.
BTW this is for a small commercial venture (CD sales and music promotion).
So I appeal to the infinitely wise and forbearing TTLGers here to offer an insight or two, or even an outright recommendation for these services. Should I get them as a package or individually? Will they make my ass look fat? Etc. etc.
Thanks in advance.
fett on 1/4/2009 at 01:41
I'm in the same position Nicker. It's a web of mystery and deceit. I'm not even sure I know how the whole thing works - I need someone to 'splain it to me like I'm five.
BrokenArts on 1/4/2009 at 02:13
First off, don't search for your *supposed and or desired* name until you are ready to register that name. Because people look for names to snatch, you search for it now, expecting to go back later and register, nine times out of ten, it will be gone.
DO not use the same company for your registration AND your hosting. Because if you are not happy with their hosting, and want to move to another server, they could hold your domain hostage.
To register the name, try this. Namecheap.com
As far as hosting your site, there are a ton of site. I use Cookiehost.com. They've been really good, reliable, and dependable.
Hostgator.com. Asmallorange.com is getting some good reviews. Lot of people use godaddy.com. Popular but, *meh* on service.
Webhostingtalk.com will give you a lot of information at your finger tips. Browse, have fun.
Volitions Advocate on 1/4/2009 at 07:08
I've never worried about my domain being held hostage.
Currently I use 1and1.com They're cheap and seem to be pretty reliable. They also give you a bunch of free tools. (and some programs you have to subscribe to if you want to use them... gay)
and once you figure out the administration page it gets pretty easy. You just have to know how to use an FTP program and your set.
I can't seem to get my email working though, I can only access it through the website. But I"ll blame outlook or whatever MS is calling it now.
Time for a 3rd party app.
I get 120 gb of webspace for something like 6 bucks a month. and bandwidth is something like a thousandth of a cent per MB, but it seems theres a threshold it has to cross before they actually charge you for bandwidth. I"ve never been charged extra.
Kolya on 1/4/2009 at 09:48
Quote Posted by BrokenArts
DO not use the same company for your registration AND your hosting. Because if you are not happy with their hosting, and want to move to another server, they could hold your domain hostage.
This strikes me as a bit odd. I've have sites hosted since 2001 and I moved a few. Never did any host try to keep the domain and I doubt the legality of such a practice anyway. Usually you just fill out a move-form that you send to both parties and off you pop.
Not having to worry about the domain staying registered has a lot of advantages, if your host does it for you. I've seen enough domain owners forget to renew their registration and have their domain grabbed by domain-grabbers. (Hello Underdogs!)
I can't help you much since you're probably in another country (check, yes you are), anyway things to look out for when choosing your host is a free human-answered hotline and mail support. Otherwise just compare prices and there are lots of host review lists. Once you have ahost things are pretty straight forward but feel free to ask again. The number of databases they offer is rather unimportant, just a convenience thing.
EDIT: For a site like you described you need no more than 500MB-1000MB webspace and 20-30GB traffic per month, plus PHP & MySQL support are necessary if you want to run PHP apps like wordpress, forums or a CMS.
Kolya on 1/4/2009 at 13:21
Um, that link's dead atm.
Queue on 1/4/2009 at 13:28
Damn internet.
BrokenArts on 1/4/2009 at 15:58
Quote Posted by Kolya
This strikes me as a bit odd.
Its not at all odd when its happened to other people, which is why people speak out about it, and are against it.
Its threads like these can inform someone, and hey, knowledge is power! :p
