One host better than another?

[NoPeasHear]

I am currently looking for a host for site, and I am wondering what makes one host better than another.

The site will be used for my portfolio and a couple of other projects, so it won't be high traffic.

Is this like shopping for gas? Should I just choose one and be on with it.
Or is it like buying a cellphone, once you sign a contract you're screwed? How easy is it to switch, if I need more space, or don't like the provider?

Please help.
Thanks in advance.

[toxicpaint]

I've used 1&1 before and they were relly cheap and easy to use. Highly recommended.
http://www.1and1.com

I've never use these guys but the whole setup looks pretty sweet to me. I couldn't find a hole in the contracts they offered..

http://ipower.com/

As with most things, a lot fo sites probably ask you for a year contract which you have to sign up for and fulfil before you can close the account or terminate the contract. But for $5 it's hardly a great strain on the bank account if you're not happy! :P

[ronverdonk]

Apart from the contractual issues and bandwidth, you must make sure that provider can meet your requirements and have that in writing before you sign any contract. Assuming you want PHP and MySQL, your list can look like:

• PHP minimum release x.y (incl. CURL and GD)
• MySQL with minimal z databases
• outgoing mail via port 25
• no of email boxes
• availability (7/24)
• if required: FREE help desk
• availability of phpMyAdmin or other user interface

Ronald :cool:

[2jdesign]

www.dynamichosts.co.uk

Cheap but very reliable, I have used them for sometime and recently became a design partner, loads of features on thir hosting using Cpanel and fantastico.

[dhavalshreyas]

anybody heard of webhostasp.com?