the best host

[ninikins]

What, in your opinion, is the name of the best free hosting provider? And more importantly, why?

[triumph]

I would ask you, what are you planning to do with your site? A lot of free hosts have limitations on what you can and can't do, some drive advertising etc.

Really depends on the kind of site you are planning on having.

[brian]

As usual, I don't think there's a single "best" host, as much as many good hosts who are pretty good and worth considering.

Even with that in mind, the webhosting industry is pretty dynamic, so today's great webhost could become tomorrow's business failure.

This is especially the case with free hosting - plenty of companies to choose from, but a lot of turnover in the business.

Personally, I would always recommend people simply buy a domain and a small hosting package themselves, and put themselves in full control. Costs are likely to be pretty low, and it's great to know you're in control of your own stuff.

2c.

[suzane]

Good and the best free hosting is difficult to find.You may get pelnty of free hosting companies but the best out of it is difficult to choose.If you get one of it then can you assure that it will serve you nicely.

Well,I personally suggest that paid hosting is better then the free hosting in any ways. Your business depends on good connectivety, tech support and good services. your first priority should be resolve on this.
As price is an secondary factor.But the paid serves you well.

[ninikins]

Yes, i think I've decided to go for paid. Thanks for all the info. Now I just need to find a good host...

[monaghan]

Originally Posted by ninikins

Yes, i think I've decided to go for paid. Thanks for all the info. Now I just need to find a good host...

How do you define "good host" ? Cheap, flexible, runs their own servers, owns their own servers, offers multiple platform hosting, offers servers in multiple locations, you like the owner

[ninikins]

mainly as reliable as possible, cheap as possible with a good support for clients.

[monaghan]

Cheap and reliable tend not to go hand in hand

Our cheapest is £1.95+vat/month

[TWD_Tony]

There really isn't a "best host" but rather a "best host for me..."

Everybody requires slightly different things from a hosting company depending on what they want hosting (business site vs personal site) and other aspects such as support, pricing and add-on features.

I have tackled this little problem by setting up different hosting companies to try and "cover all the bases" so to speak, the hosting industry is such a rapidly changing business that the only way to survive is to be dynamic in responding to clients ever changing needs!

[ninikins]

my main concern is cost really. But I don't want somethigng dirt cheap that's not reliable at all

[monaghan]

Originally Posted by ninikins

my main concern is cost really. But I don't want somethigng dirt cheap that's not reliable at all

You should be fine with someone like Tony or myself, whether you consider us cheap enough is something you'll need to decide. Very few others who post offers here seem to stick around and contribute to the forum, I always think of this as a negative point on a community type of forum such as this.

You can keep the costs low by selecting a host with servers in the USA as these generally cost less than UK ones.

[ninikins]

Thanks, monaghan. I'll check your link out.

[monaghan]

My sites are overdue a remake, so feel free to ask if you don't see what you want. Most of our customers have custom offerings.

I don't want to be biased, so give Tony a look as well

[suzane]

Originally Posted by ninikins

my main concern is cost really. But I don't want somethigng dirt cheap that's not reliable at all

Price should be secondary since your buisness depends upon good connectivety ,24/7 tech support. Certainlly you should go for reliable and cheap host but your frist priority should be resolve on support , good connectivety and services.

[monaghan]

Originally Posted by suzane

Price should be secondary since your buisness depends upon good connectivety ,24/7 tech support. Certainlly you should go for reliable and cheap host but your frist priority should be resolve on support , good connectivety and services.

Do that many business's need 24*7 support ? In my opinion anyone who genuinely needs (not would like, but actual need) 24*7 support would be far better off having their own box with formal SLA's with service credits. This is not the sort of thing you're going to be getting on a shared host. Even then I'd question the need unless you're a global player doing a significiant amount of business. To have 24*7 support, then the business needs to have 24*7 operations staff to be on hand for when the support reply or need further information.

[ninikins]

I wish money could be a secondary object but I really can't afford that much right now, unfortunately. If it wasn't an issue, I'd probably have a host sorted by now

[monaghan]

Originally Posted by ninikins

I wish money could be a secondary object but I really can't afford that much right now, unfortunately. If it wasn't an issue, I'd probably have a host sorted by now

Well, you're not going to get much cheaper than Tony or myself unless you go for a cheap & cheerful overselling host and you're prepared to move hosts every few months when they can't pay their bills and close down - keep good and regular backups

[ninikins]

Thanks very much for that, you seem to have your stuff very well sorted an the services don't cost an arm and a leg. I will get myself sorted out this weekend and will tell some friends about your service too.

[aquariancore]

Free hosting has limitations and people are gravitating away from them. You have to compare what each offers to your long term plan.

[JohnR]

Free hosting is never really free. Free hosting charges you by putting ads on your site. Thus, making money through you. So it's not free.