Help with new hosting package please
 

Hi all

I'm looking for a new host. Current host has far too many problems.
Preferably UK, though this is not essential.

We are currently running phpBB 2.0.11 but we have a vBulletin license and plan to make the switch once the Admin and Mods. are all comfortable with the new setup.

I'd like some advice on what to consider when looking at hosting plans.
Our current membership stands at 1300 and is growing steadily.
Logged in varies from 2 to 20 and guests can be anything up to 50
mysql database = 45 mb
total disk usage = 52 mb
We have plans for a Image Gallery, Download Section and Arcade
vbPortal also to be installed.
As always, being a forum based site, speed is essential.

Does anyone have any recommendations ?
Is your host good enough to recommend ?

TIA

I reccoment Surpasshosting (www.surpasshosting.com) very effecient, helpful, cheap, its based in america though :( Im a UK guy myself, and use surpass, brilliant service, friendly as well :)

I do not recommend Surpass Hosting. I had 70% bad experiences and 30% okay experiences with them. Full story here.

I would, on the other hand, recommend A Small Orange.

As well as providing a nice product, their support team treat me well, don't assume I am a moron, and don't cover things up. :)

Have a look on www.webhostingtalk.com for people's stories about their experiences with a company and get yourself a free Host Quote. Enter the details of what you need and hosts email you back direct.

i am actually starting up a web hosting company soon. to combine it with my web design company.

basically its like your one stop shop <_< hehehe

http://www.viper.uk.net

Best host I've ever been with :)!

@Blam Forumz, thanks, had a look at surpasshosting. IMHO way too cheap.

@kall, thanks some useful links there and ASO is already on my list.

@Dean C, will check viper.uk, thanks.

small orange Email policy
Does this mean you can't mass email your members??

Email Policy
Mass Mailings. A Small Orange Software has a zero stance policy on SPAM, Junk E-mail or UCE. Spam, Junk-mail and UCE are defined as: the sending of the same, or substantially similar, unsolicited electronic mail messages, whether commercial or not, to more than one recipient. A message is considered unsolicited if it is posted in violation of a newsgroup charter or if it is sent to a recipient who has not requested or invited the message. UCE also includes e-mail with forged headers, compromised mail server relays, and false contact information. This prohibition extends to the sending of unsolicited mass mailings from another service, which in any way implicates the use of A Small Orange Software whether or not the message actually originated from our network.

Mailing Lists: A Small Orange Software's mass mailing rules also apply to mailing lists, list servs, or mailing services you may contract with. The policy is stated as follows: An acceptable mailing list will be focused at a targeted audience that has voluntarily signed up for your e-mail information or that has made their e-mail address available for distribution of information from you. The list must also allow for automatic removal by all end Customers with non-distribution in the future.

If your actions have caused A Small Orange Software mail servers or A Small Orange Software IP address ranges to be placed on blackhole lists and other mail filtering software systems used by companies on the internet, you will be assessed a $100 charge to your account and $25 per hour for administrative charges incurred to remove and protect mail servers and IP ranges.

Your messages aren't unsolicited. Users who have "Receive e-mail from administrators" are allowing it intentionally.

OK..thank you.