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mac128k-1984 · Mar 10, 2007, 09:49 AM

Can anyone recommend a good webhost, other then dreamhost. While there uptime does seem debateable, I've had problems registering domains (I lost out on one domain because it took them 3 days to process a request) and I cannot seem to be able to register/transfer a domain with a tld of .US Add in thier incredibly slow webmail package, its pushing me to another web host.

I'm playing with site5 (I have a 60 trial) but their interface is wicked clunky and difficult to get around and I seem to need to register for everything, to create a site 5 account then to register for support and then to register for the forums - kind of weird.

There's also godaddy but I'm not sure if they're such a good deal.

There's network solutions, while expensive they may have everything I want (but they're expensive)

Anyways I'm looking for an inexpensive webhost that offers fair amounts of space and bandwidth but can also provide webmail support and .us - anybody has any recommendations?

Edit: I also like to have the ability to log into the site, via telnet (its a nice feature that dreamhost has).

Nebagakid · Mar 10, 2007, 09:59 AM

I hate to say it, but for you are looking for, dreamhost does seem like the perfect match for you (despite the problems you've had in the past).

If you want better support/uptime, you do start getting into areas where web hosting is expensive. You could go for a place like MediaTemple, but again, it is expensive.

mac128k-1984 · Mar 10, 2007, 10:17 AM

Its not a bad fit, I don't need several hundred gig or anything high end, site5 has the space I want but I'm still looking into that.

My problems seem to stem with them registering domains, transfering .us domains and wicked slow webmail. These problems are causing me to reconsider. The .us is the biggest nut to crack because I have the domain names that I want and it makes little sense to get them but not use them.

mac128k-1984 · Mar 10, 2007, 10:40 AM

I've done more searching it appears I may be able to host a .us domain on dreamshost just not transfere it. I'm still doing my research but it appears once I change the name servers and generate a domain on dreamhost it may work. I also have a ticket to confirm this with their support.

I'm still unhappy with the slow webmail but if I can get my .us domains up and running I'll be happy

I still would like info on other web hosts and so please keep them coming.

Railroader · Mar 10, 2007, 01:07 PM

I have had EXTREMEMLY good service with icdsoft.com. Not the largest capacity, but VERY fast servers, all the services that I know of are offered, and I have not had any downtime.

EDIT: they are $6 a month for the cheapest service which is what I use.

mduell · Mar 10, 2007, 02:36 PM

Godaddy for registration
Dreamhost for web hosting
Gmail for your domain for email

CKr · Mar 10, 2007, 03:44 PM

I'm not sure what "inexpensive" is to you, but take a look at Media Temple. I personally have a Dedicated Virtual server through them, but I hear their grid server solution is getting better every day. The Plesk control panel is wonderful and I believe the grid servers support secure telnet.

himself · Mar 10, 2007, 03:47 PM

Bluehost.com or fatcow.com. I've registered a couple of domains with bluehost a year ago, and so far it is great. I've had one site with fatcow since about 2003, and it has only gone down a couple of times, both due to prescheduled maintenance. While fatcow has been very reliable, they've made some changes to their control panel and email system that I'm not comfortable with, so I'm considering switching to bluehost fulltime. I also have an account with godaddy, and I do not recommend them.

mac128k-1984 · Mar 10, 2007, 04:02 PM

I think some of you are confused as to what I was asking. I already registered my domains, and I've been somewhat unhappy with dreamhost (for a variety of reasons) I think I've overcome the issue with .us TLDs in that I cannot transfer the domain to dreamhost (having everything with one company has its advantages) but I can have dreamhost host the domain.

I'm impressed with with icdsoft and I'm looking into that, since I have a 60 day trial I may give them a shot with the new domains.

Dreamhost isn't horrendious and since I can now use .us domains I may stick with them but I'm giving icdsoft a serious look. Their webmail client seems much more superior then dreamhost and if the uptime/speed is there I may give dreamhost the heave ho. The downside is the bandwidth and storage that dreamhost provides but to be honest I don't think I'm even putting a dent in what they give me so icdsoft's rather small amount should suit me. I'm hoping I'll not exceed the bandwidth but I shouldn't I'm not doing multimedia or anything (just some small qt clips and pictures.)

besson3c · Mar 10, 2007, 04:11 PM

You seem to be conflating hosting domains vs. being your domain name registrar. Any host can host your .us domain, as long as they have a DNS server you can use for lookups (which all would have). You don't have to register your domain with the same company that will ultimately host your site. Your hosting company does not have to be your domain registrar.

mac128k-1984 · Mar 10, 2007, 04:59 PM

I'm not confusing the difference others are.

I already registered my .us domains (via godaddy) I had hoped to transfer the registration to dreamhost but they only register (and transfer registrations) for .com/net/org/info (and maybe .name). I can however have dreamhost host my domain once I updated the dns server information.

Now once I figured out that dreamhost can host (but not transfer), I'm thinking I may stick with them. I still have issues with dreamhost but it does offer me the most and cost me the least.

right now I'm checking out icdsoft.com but it appears the way they have things setup, its 6 dollars a month for a domain (and 15 sub-domains) if I want 3 domains then the cost will go up - I'm not a 100% sure on this as I'm just signed up (I have a 60 day grace period to cancel). I don't need a gazillion domains, but I do have plans for two maybe three and so it can get expensive if I opt for icdsoft. The problem with dreamhost is while I have a ton of storage, bandwithdth and webmail what good is it if I cannot access my email and that's been the problem lately. Its been very difficult during the day (night seems ok but slow) when I've been unable to log into my email account.

CMYKid · Mar 10, 2007, 08:57 PM

as a general rule you really do NOT want to have your domains registered through the same entity that you use for hosting. more often than not it becomes a real pain in the ass at a later date when you want to transfer away from them and/or host elsewhere.

Railroader · Mar 10, 2007, 09:59 PM

CMYKid makes a very valid point.

mac128k-1984 · Mar 11, 2007, 07:20 AM

Good point, I was thinking that it would be easier to manage if everthing was under one company, but you raise a very good point.

Eyenovation · Mar 11, 2007, 07:29 AM

Originally Posted by CKr

I'm not sure what "inexpensive" is to you, but take a look at Media Temple. I personally have a Dedicated Virtual server through them, but I hear their grid server solution is getting better every day. The Plesk control panel is wonderful and I believe the grid servers support secure telnet.

How do you like your (dv) at Media Temple?

Big Mac · 05:41 PM

It's not a good idea to use a web host as a domain registrar anyway. Leave the registering to the dedicated registrars and the hosting to the dedicated hosts, I say.

Recommended moderately priced host: Hostway
Recommended moderately priced registrar: Godaddy
Recommended cheap registrar: 1and1

CMYKid · Mar 12, 2007, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by mac128k-1984

Good point, I was thinking that it would be easier to manage if everthing was under one company, but you raise a very good point.

yeah, you just become much less of a "real" customer to them when you arent paying a monthly fee so you definitely don't get put on the top of the stack when it comes to service, or transferring away, etc.

i do have to admit though that, while I use GoDaddy for all of that they definitely have THE worst godawful interface, which is pretty inexcusable for a company of that size.

olePigeon · Mar 12, 2007, 01:48 PM

Originally Posted by mduell

GKG.net for registration
Dreamhost for web hosting
Gmail for your domain for email

Fixed.

DarwinX · Mar 12, 2007, 04:02 PM

I and a friend have been very happy with Web Hosting Services, Affordable & Reliable | Lunarpages.com

Solid price, great up-time and great tech support. Just my 2 cents.

mac128k-1984 · Mar 12, 2007, 04:12 PM

Originally Posted by DarwinX

I and a friend have been very happy with Web Hosting Services, Affordable & Reliable | Lunarpages.com

Solid price, great up-time and great tech support. Just my 2 cents.

I read up on some reviews/rating websites for web hosts and for the most part lunarpages was getting some really bad reviews. While the reviewers did say that lunarpages started out good, they've since dropped the ball.

I noticed the icdsoft was consistently on (or near) the top of the ratings and reviews from a number of different sites. Based upon that and Railroader's positive experience I signed up with them.

What surprised me the most was that I had my sales related questions answered late sunday. I have yet to hear back from DreamHost on a ticket that I opened up on Friday. While the storage quota is certainly a lot smaller at icdsoft, I don't think its going to be a problem for me. So far I'm only using 400meg.

I agree with Godaddy's interface, it is awful but you cannot beat the price and I've been happy with their customer/tech support team also.

Peter · Mar 12, 2007, 05:27 PM

asmallorange

HungrySeacow · Mar 14, 2007, 03:31 AM

I am going to have to say stay away from godaddy.com. I had HungrySeacow Software hosted at godaddy.com and it wasn't very good. Sure it could handle a lot of traffic, but the SQL server was horrible. Another problem I had was that godaddy has a lot of restrictions with PHP. When users purchase YummySoup! they are redirected to my server which uses a PHP script to generate their license file. With godaddy, 25% of the time the script would hang.

Now I am using pair.com which is amazing so far! The server is incredibly fast including the mySQL server! Just check out how fast my support forum is. License files are generated in a split second. The mail server is also extremely fast. Oh, and they give you shell access, so you could install your own software as long as you don't need root access!

Special thanks to Justin Miller of Code Sorcery Workshop for suggesting Pair Networks!

KeyLimePi · Mar 14, 2007, 08:38 AM

I've been happy with Bluehost. A lot of features at a reasonable price.

Also, on a tiny site I do for a friend's restaurant I use HostIgnition. Only basic features and a little clunky to work with, but you can host a barebones site for $20 per year.

Mastrap · Mar 14, 2007, 08:48 AM

Originally Posted by CMYKid

as a general rule you really do NOT want to have your domains registered through the same entity that you use for hosting. more often than not it becomes a real pain in the ass at a later date when you want to transfer away from them and/or host elsewhere.

That's not my experience at all. Every host/registrar I've ever worked with had a simple DNS setup panel.
I've never experienced any difference in difficulty re setup or move, regardless of whether I worked with a dedicated registrar or not.