As requested by Karsten and because I have a server that is constantly going down, we'll use this thread to discuss adn recommend hosting.

After a day of research, here's what I found to be the best deals:

1 http://www.eboundhost.com/hosting/vps/ - Most resources (ram/storage) for $49. Has good reviews on web... Storage= 300GB RAM=512

2 http://www.hostican.com/hosting/cpanel-vps.php Storage=45 gigs RAM=384 $45

3 http://www.servint.net/ A little more expensive than the two above, based on resources, but many Bombers have used them for years and I've never heard a problem. Probably the safest pick of the bunch. Storage=15GB RAM=384

4 http://www.hostforweb.com/vps/index.php

5 https://www.rapidvps.com/

Any experience or comments greatly appreciated.

I've using Power VPS for some time now and can't speak highly enough of their support. If you submit a ticket with URGENT in the subject line (and it really IS urgent), it's picked up within minutes. All the sysadmins are a delight to work with, explain clearly what they're doing and what you need to do to help them, and are unfailingly courteous.

They don't give as much storage as some others (from 20GB) but you can add extra to any of the plans. The one I have at the moment is no longer available, it's 10GB for $48.50 but I'll be upgrading soon.

WHM/Cpanels are here:
https://www.powervps.com/cpanel-vps.php

Isobel

power vps is exactly the service I am using and my 3 server got hacked 3 times. Last time a couple of days ago it was totally down and they had to rebuild it! I am still not sure what exactly caused the problem but since I was starting out not a big issue!

I agree: the stuff there is really friendly, helpful and quick to respond but the vps are halfmanaged so you definetly need more knowledge than usual.

I dont have deleveloped yet that kind of knowledge
therefore at the moment I am my own security risk so to speak LOL

bytheway they run specials in the vps/special section of WHT sometimes

I went with Servint and am actually in the middle of moving a server to them right now...They're managed pretty well from what I've heard.

Kirill, my tech expert is the happiest...He said it's nice to work with something "modern".

Some of those deals I posted above "change" once you actually start to order, so be sure to read the fine print. Funny how that works.

Hey Kurt,

I was with Servint for a very long time until last Nov. When I hit a financial problem that force me to cancel. As soon as I begin to make some money I am going back to them I hope.
Tom

Karsten, how strange that it's the same company

I've had my server there about 3 years I think and when I started I paid a specialist $20 to secure it because it wasn't worth my time learning how to do it myself! If you can find someone able to do this, I would strongly advise it, whoever the hosting company is.

Isobel

I'm thinking about getting a vps.

I'm a bit worried...

Right now I have a couple of reseller accounts. They are simple to use with WHM and CPANEL.

Are VPS just as easy?

Also, how do I go about transferring everything from my two reseelr accounts over to a VPS? Is that simple?

Thanks and Merry Christmas!

Ed

If you get a VPS with WHM/Cpanel (recommended), then it's pretty much the same.

What you'll find is that WHM will have more options to help administer the server itself, in addition to all the usual account control options you see with a reseller account. The extra options are mostly one-time settings when you first get the VPS.

With a VPS you will also get root & Linux shell (command line) access, but you don't have to use the shell - most everything can be done through WHM.

As to transferring accounts - VPS/dedicated to VPS/dedicated transfers are easy if both have WHM, as there is a built-in direct transfer capability. Unfortunately, domains hosted on reseller accounts will almost always have to be transferred one by one. That means a backup of files, databases, recreating email addresses, cron jobs, etc. It can be a real pain, depending on how many domains you have. You should probably count on one month (or partial month) of paying for both servers to get everything done.

BTW, here is a really cheap VPS provider. I don't know anything about them, so be careful. They probably nickel & dime you for everything.

http://www.webkeepers.com/vps/

You can read some of these user reviews:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=webkeepers site:webhostingtalk.com&btnG=Search

They only offer Plesk, not WHM/Cpanel. Plesk is 'per domain' licensed, which of course gets into higher costs for multiple domains. They might be a good option either for one domain to run your workhorse scripts from, or purely for backup purposes.

Jeff

Thanks for the thorough explanation!

Hmmmmmm... Maybe I'll just keep my reseller accounts since they are paying for themselves and do my new stuff on a VPS! Then slow move...

Thanks and Merry Christmas!

Ed

Stupid Question...

Why would you want a VPS if your reseller account provides just as much webspace, bandwidth, etc. ? Is it just to have more control?

Thanks for helping a dummy!

Merry Christmas!

Ed

Control is part of the reasoning, but a VPS also gives you guaranteed server resouces, such as CPU and RAM.

How much CPU time and RAM does your reseller account give you? They don't say. And, you have to share those resources with how many other resellers also hosting sites on that same computer (server).

Here's what it really comes down to: A virtual server guarantees a certain minimum CPU power and time, as well as a minimum RAM, all "dedicated" just to you. As a reseller, you have no idea how much CPU time you get, and you have to share it with every other reseller on the server.

Thanks for the quick response.

One more question.

If I have VPS is tech support for my clients up to me? I.e. questions, back ups, etc. Or can I email the VPS provider?

Thanks,

Ed

Hi Ed...

Support is up to you for your clients. You then contact the VPS support.

Get a "managed" VPS. This is why so many Bombers like www.servint.com , it's because it's well managed, but doesn't have all the bandwidth and hard drive space of others.

Plus, you should already be able to handle most of the questions customers will have...Like how to FTP, etc.

Can you do me a favor and check out the service I have for my reseller account?

I just found out they offer VPS services. I wanted to know your thoughts about what they offer. http://www.hostdime.com/services/vps/index.php It seems like a better deal than servint except for only 2 ips.

I have been happy with their service in general.

Thanks,

Ed

Hey Ed...

Servint is "semi managed", which is why many of us recommend them. This means they do all the basic server stuff, like security patches, make sure your machine is up, backups, etc.

Other services may offer more "stuff", but Servint is recommended because of how stable it is.

So...It's up to you. If you feel comfortable with that host, give them a shot. Both use WHM so is "should be" easy to move later, if your host doesn't work out.

https://www.theplanet.com/servers/outlet.aspx

Hey Ed,

Did you go with the VPS?

I have just made the leap into VPS.

It looks like I will have a steep learning curve but am already thinking of the options that will make it pay for itself easily and have the extra resources.

The forum seems quite helpful so I will spend a little time there to get set up.

JB

* 512MB RAM
* 1GB SWAP Memory
* 20GB Drive Space (Now 40GB)
* 200GB Traffic (Now 400GB)
* 8 Dedicated IPs (Now 16 IPs)
* 1 CPU (Now 2CPUs)
* Cpanel Server Licensed
* CentOS 5 Enterprise Operating System

And this below for $87
* 1024MB RAM
* 2GB SWAP Memory
* 30GB Drive Space (Now 60GB)
* 300GB Traffic (Now 600GB)
* 16 Dedicated IPs (Now 32 IPs)
* 2 CPU (Now 4CPUs)
* Cpanel Server Licensed
* CentOS 5 Enterprise Operating System