new web hosting server: HostMonster.com

UPDATE: HostMonster is throwing another promo... at $5.95/month! Click here to get the special deal. (2008-09-19 14:44:29)

UPDATE: Looks like HostMonster just ended their $4.95/month promotion. The price is now back to $6.95/month, same as Bluehost. That was fast! (2008-08-10 16:53:22)

Yesterday, I changed my web host to HostMonster.com to save a few bucks with its $4.95 per month special promotion and superior plan which includes some of these features:

Previously, I was using an older web hosting plan from Bluehost.com, which charged around $13 per month and has more limited features such as 15 GB hosting space, 400 GB/month bandwidth, 20 add-on domains, and 50 SQL databases. However, I should note that I've come across some interesting findings while doing my consumer's share of due diligence prior to my switch...

HostMonster vs. Bluehost

• Bluehost currently offers new customers a promotion as well that's slightly more expensive: $6.95/month (vs. $4.95 for HostMonster).
• Only HostMonster offers unlimited domains; all other features are thes same compared to Bluehost.
• HostMonster is a subsidiary of Bluehost and both companies share the same data center and support network (the same employees run their 247 tech support hotlines) located in Orem, Utah.
• Both uses the same registrar: Fast Domains, Inc.

With HostMonster, I get unlimited domains, cPanel with Fantastico, Shell Access (SSH), 999 SQL databases, unlimited subdomains, Ruby on Rails, choice between PHP4/PHP5/PHP5 FastCGI, custom php.ini configurations without memory usage limitations, and so much more. This is more than what any advanced user will ask for.

The only feature that HostMonster (and Bluehost) does not offer though is FFMPEG, a program that can record, convert and stream digital audio and video in numerous formats (and allows you to basically run your own YouTube site), as FFMPEG is too resource intensive (according to their tech support). If you really need FFMPEG support, I'd check out CirtexHosting... they have plans starting at $2.99/month (even cheaper!) but of course with more limitations in other areas.

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