Howdy forumites, I am in need of a hosting provider and struggle with allocating time to desk-research, I come asking for suggestions. The provider needs to fulfill the following requirements: grants full access to everything I require FTP PHP Perl Python MySQL all the usual apache modules or methods that provide similar functions optional: ruby on rails has no traffic or space limitations (fair use is acceptable) accepts PayPal does not require CC information handles domain registration for me integration with CDN services like CloudFlare or the ability to allow me to adjust the nameservers 24/7 live support (crucial because I sometimes have crazy ideas and/or screw up harshly in live environments) can be cancelled anytime and has no minimum runtime Thanks for your assistance. Edit: shared hosting is acceptable.
Do NOT, under any circumstances, go with GoDaddy. I have several friends who hosted with them, and they were the worst, with random, unannounced blackouts and the like.
You may want to look into Bluehost. Unless I missed something, they fulfill your requirements, and are fairly inexpensive. The only real limit they have is the number of files you upload, and the number is large enough that you shouldn't have a problem. (I've been uploading at minimum 4 20Mb mp3s per week for the past 5 years, and I've never had an issue.) It's shared hosting, so be aware that it won't be as flexible as something like Linode, but otherwise you should be fine.
For the most control, get a micro setup on AWS. It's not much more expensive, and gives you far more control than any host ever will. But it also requires quite a bit more up front work. Otherwise, yah, Bluehost is the one I consistently hear good things about. I'd avoid dreamhost (That's what we put our Wordpress server up on and it has not been the best situation), and GoDaddy.. well. sucks.
I'll look into Bluehost, cheers. AWS is not an option because they require a valid CC, CCs are not a thing where I come from and I am not willing to get one -- this is where the paypal requirement comes from. CC = dealbreaker
In Germany we primarily pay by direct debit or by remittance, we still use cash as well. Credit and debit cards are outside the ordinary and I possess neither -- which is why I use Paypal (which in turn uses direct debit to my giro account).
