Re: Advice please

mairving — Tue, 21 Aug 2001 18:27:15 +0000

Quote: Originally posted by Annette35

What operating system and server software is being used?
All Unix servers run a customized version of Redhat, using the powerful Apache webserver and Apache SSL server for secure transactions."
....................................................

That statement is too funny. If it is RedHat, it is not Unix. Although Unix and Linux share common roots, they are not the same. Most hosts that run a 'nix based OS, usually run RedHat about version 6.2, where most bugs have already been squashed.

BOF — Tue, 21 Aug 2001 14:19:35 +0000

For what it's worth my advice would be to forget the so-called 'free' hosts. If you want a first-class host, with ample facilities and unequalled service, take a look at FutureQuest - futurequest.net/ You couldn't do better.

Disclaimer: apart from being a satisfied customer I have no link with FutureQuest, apart from a link on my sites.

Annette35 — Sun, 19 Aug 2001 08:02:18 +0000

Thank you. I also appreciate the links to recommended web hosting companies for my future forays into websites and hosting.

Cheers,

Annette

Brian Farkas — Sun, 19 Aug 2001 06:33:45 +0000

Opinions on the hardware? What they're running right now seems like it should be fine for a general hosting setup... A couple questions you might consider asking them:
1. Are those hard drives SCSI or IDE? SCSI drives are generally better suited for the hosting environment, as they handle multiple tasks at a much faster rate, and they are generally more reliable than IDE. However, IDE technology is getting better, and is fine with most dedicated servers... For hosting operations, though, I do recommend SCSI.

2. How many users are put on the machine?

A machine like that sounds like it should probably hold somewhere around 300-350 accounts pretty easily. I'm sure it could physically hold 500 accounts or more, but it's always better to be a little _under_ full capacity.

--
As far as the network goes, it sounds mostly alright.. it doesn't say anything about the actual size of the pipe it's on- though. Some common ones are a T-3/DS3, OC3, OC12, OC48, and OC192 (in order of speed, from slowest to fastest).

In regard to operating systems, Red Hat Linux is pretty standard for the hosting environment, with version 6.2 being the most popular (and possibly most stable?). Apache web server is also very popular among web hosts.

Hopefully this will help answer your questions. Good luck!

Brian

Annette35 — Sun, 19 Aug 2001 03:43:32 +0000

The hosting company is http://www.flowingnet.com.

I have emailed them (and it is in the small print) and they say there are no conditions to continue to host with them after the free 12 months, and you can drop them at any time (just can't use the free offer again). They offer cheap hosting after the 12 months. There is a set-up fee though.

My question was about the 'hardware' type stuff that I outlined in the details section of my post. Can anyone offer an opinion on this? Again, I'm not after advice re: support or other considerations.

Thanks

Annette

PS Someone else has told me about http://www.allsite.co.uk/ which is having a special for August - $20 for a year of NT hosting. Not sure of what their conditions are - haven't read the fineprint on that one. That person is hosting with them and like them, though has only used them for a short time.

mjames — Sun, 19 Aug 2001 03:28:20 +0000

Congratulations on taking the plunge into paid hosting... it is worth it.

What is the name of your host you are considering?

I am a little weary of twelve free months, such a long time. What if you try them for two and find out you hate them? They would be getting ripped off royally, so there must be restrictions where you must continue to use them, no?

Personally, I would go with:

hostrocket.com
hostmatters.com
veoweb.com