Looking for new host

[hmcm2006]

We will shortly be wanting to transfer our website and emails to a new host and it looks like web hosting uk is what we are looking for. But first a few questions...

1. Do you provide idiot proof instructions for transferring websites?

2. Our website uses Drupal 5.x CMS will that create any problems when transferring?

3. We plan to implement more opensource programs in the future, which will hopefully include phplist and possibly a time management program - see any problems?

4. What package to you think we would need Reseller/VPN Windows/Linux We currently have two domains of our own and there's also the opportunity for us to host other organisations websites and emails. Our main website currently takes up 1 gig storage for website & emails and 3 gig per month bandwidth

As you can see we really don't know much about what we are talking about. So when deciding which host we go with, it was important to find one that provides excellent customer service. I've spent some time going through the forums and I'm pretty confident we will get the support we will certainly need here.

[James]

Hello,

Thank you for your interest in WebHosting UK's services.

I've answered all your questions as follows:

1. Do you provide idiot proof instructions for transferring websites?
Ans:- Yes, we will assist you with the data transfer process.

2. Our website uses Drupal 5.x CMS will that create any problems when transferring?
Ans:- There will not be any problem during transfer process. You will have to provide us the FTP and phpMyadmin login details, we will download the files and databases on our server and restore it for you. Once the name servers are updated your website will start resolving from our server.

3. We plan to implement more opensource programs in the future, which will hopefully include phplist and possibly a time management program - see any problems?
Ans:- You can host number of open source programs like phplist, time management software etc. on our server.

4. What package to you think we would need Reseller/VPN Windows/Linux We currently have two domains of our own and there's also the opportunity for us to host other organisations websites and emails. Our main website currently takes up 1 gig storage for website & emails and 3 gig per month bandwidth
Ans:- As per your current requirement a Linux shared hosting package should be sufficient but as you wish to host number of open source programs in future, you will have to upgrade to one of our VPS hosting plan.

We provide 24x7x365 support through Email, Live Chat and Phone. You can get in touch with us at any point of time.

Feel free to post here if you have any further questions.

[hmcm2006]

Hi thanks for the response... just another question about emails.

I'm not really clear about how emails would be transfered. We have about 15 mailboxes, some of which are only ever accessed online. Would we have to clear these mailboxes out or could everything be moved over as it is?

[Jill74_1974]

what would be the maximum mail size then?

[James]

Originally Posted by hmcm2006

Hi thanks for the response... just another question about emails.

I'm not really clear about how emails would be transfered. We have about 15 mailboxes, some of which are only ever accessed online. Would we have to clear these mailboxes out or could everything be moved over as it is?

We provide cPanel control panel with our Linux shared hosting plans, if you are using the same control panel with your old host then we would be able to transfer all your emails to our server. If you are using any other control panel then in that case you will have to configure all your email accounts in an email client for example Outlook Express.

[James]

Originally Posted by Jill74_1974

what would be the maximum mail size then?

We have not set any limitation on the size of the mail box. Client's can use the complete allocated disk space for the mail box. Size of each outgoing emails can be maximum of 5 MB.

[rickeybojey]

Thanks for the information. I'm just looking around for a good web hosting site that I could use. I'll surely be putting you on my list.

[hmcm2006]

Originally Posted by James

If you are using any other control panel then in that case you will have to configure all your email accounts in an email client for example Outlook Express.

Hi James - a little confused about what you mean configure Outlook. Does that mean we would have to get everyone who has one of our email accounts to download their emails into Outlook?

Those of us that work in our office already do that but we also have volunteers who have our mailboxes and they access theirs online.

With are currently with namesco and we are using Control Panel version 3 (which I assume isn't cPanel)

[Dan]

Control Panel 3 is different to cPanel. You can still use cPanel, databases and email accounts will need to be setup manually.

[James]

Originally Posted by hmcm2006

Hi James - a little confused about what you mean configure Outlook. Does that mean we would have to get everyone who has one of our email accounts to download their emails into Outlook?

Those of us that work in our office already do that but we also have volunteers who have our mailboxes and they access theirs online.

With are currently with namesco and we are using Control Panel version 3 (which I assume isn't cPanel)

We can not transfer your emails from your old host to our server because the control panels are not same. If you or your Office staff or the Volunteers need the old emails then everyone will have to take the backup on there local machine i.e. configure the email accounts in an email client for example Outlook Express.

[black-dog]

Originally Posted by hmcm2006

With are currently with namesco and we are using Control Panel version 3 (which I assume isn't cPanel)

I've moved a good many sites from Namesco to WHUK. Cpanel is far more comprehensive but can be a little daunting for novice users.

[James]

cPanel is fast and easy to use and the newbies are quick to pick up the ropes with it. Our support team is availabe round the clock to assist you.

[hmcm2006]

We will be moving our hosting to Webhostinguk – when I get back off my holidays!

But I want to ensure we don’t have any down time, so could someone run through the process for me from signing up with webhostinguk to everything transferred and running smoothly (website & email)

For example I know there are some questions I’m not asking cause I don’t have the experience to ask the right questions, so if I’ve not asked something you think I should then please give me nudge in that direction.

For example we did not purchase our domain name with namesco, we purchased that with 124 reg so I know there is some pointing or something we have to do.

Also can someone let me know how we will need to pay for the hosting?

All help much appreciated.

[Rachel]

Hi,

I'll try to explain how it works -

Basically, to move your domain to a new hosting provider is simply a matter of changing the name servers associated with your domain. The new host will provide you with these name servers.

To modify the name servers, you'll have to contact your domain registrar, that is the company with whom you've registered your domain.

You will change the name servers only after your account is fully set on the new server.

So, here is how you will go about with it--

Sign up for a hosting account.

The staff can walk you through the sign up process- just initiate a Sales Chat right from the website to instantly get connected to one of the Operators.

You can pay via Paypal, a Credit Card (all major credit cards accepted) or Bank Transfer.

Once your order is complete, you will receive a welcome email that includes details for your hosting account.

For transferring the data, as explained earlier you will have to supply us with the FTP and phpMyadmin login details, the one you are using with your current host, we will download the accounts files and databases and get the restore done for you.

Once your web site files, databases and emails are setup on the servers you can go ahead and change the name servers for the domain.

Until your domain resolves to the new server, you will use the IP address to get you into the control panel and access your website.

Coming on to the part you are most concerned about --
Since you have the website running on both servers, you should have no downtime as the website keeps resolving from either of the servers.

I hope all the above information helps and if you have any other questions, please feel free to ask. Thanks!

[Matt123]

Nice way of explanation Rachel!
I have quick question; does it mean that I can continue hosting my site on 2 different servers
As you said,

Since you have the website running on both servers, you should have no downtime as the website keeps resolving from either of the servers.

So, if I need traffic to my site from the UK and the US, can I host my site on the servers, one in the UK datacenter and other in the US datacenter
Hope I am able explain what I am trying to get from this