From: "Geo." 

"RobertB"  wrote in message
news:missinglink-EC9B0F.10275305062007{at}news.barkto.com...

> - Do they all allow you to FTP files and create subdirectories, change
> permissions on those directories, etc.? It seems some try to
"simplify"
> life by providing a Web interface and site builder.

If you are looking to be able to assign usernames/passwords for access to
parts of your site then you will want someone who hosts on unix since it
does that best.

> - Is there anything other than price that I need to consider? I'd prefer
> to use a host that does not get regularly blacklisted.

Best advice, stay away from the hosts who have long lists of capabilities
(php especially) since they usually get rooted pretty regularly. You can't
provide everything and remain secure.

I would start with a free host (check to see if your ISP provides free
homepage websites as most do), see if it works for you. If not then try a
cheap host ($5/month) and see how that works. Work your way up till you
have what you need. One thing you don't want to do is give up control of
your domain to the free or cheap hosts, you need to remain in control of it
so make sure only you can change the DNS server settings at your registrar,
someone else can do the actual dns if you like but you need to remain in
control of pointing the domain to whatever DNS servers are hosting the
actual zone. That way you can move to a new host whenever you feel the
need.

As others mentioned, we (netlink) do hosting but you should try the free
and cheap places first to get a good feel for what you need then I can say
if it's a good match for the type of hosting we do. Mostly we host sites
that are html/asp based and require security and availability.

As for support, that's what these groups are good for. .

Geo.

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