Dynamic Website, need help badly.

[DocEvi1]

Hi
I have been wanting to build a new website to replace the one that there. It's going to be simple ish, but want to be easily updated online. I could do this easy with ASP (indeed built one recently doing exactly that) however the problem is that my host supports virtually nothing.

I have gone through their FAQ's and what not, and it appears as if they have CGI/Perl available, but not to the induvidual. They have a sendmail routine and hitcounters but thats it.

Part of the "contract" is that I can only get mail/FTP access to my site through them (they registered my domain, and host it for free but have an 0845 (local rate) call for the internet to cover costs). I guess they want me to dial up as much as possible to give them more money hence I can't really ask them until I have a definte plan.

Can anyone help? I am a complete novice with CGI, I don't even know if I can read/write text files with the language, never mind how to do it.

Stefan

[qball]

CGI can read/write files, among other things:

http://searchdatabase.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid13_gci213846,00.html

It's not hard, really just scripting, regardless, in www timeframe, ancient.

I would strongly recommend going the PHP/mySQL route, free, works, and will stick around for awhile.

Now, sounds like your ISP blows, ditch them. Either find another free host (they do exist) for your static site, or step up to the plate and pay. You can try to find a free host that offers PHP/mySQL, but I think you will have issues (banner ads and limitations). If you want dynamic processing and DB access, it seems reasonable to pay a monthly fee...

Iffin you don't wanna pay, expect to have to play by THEIR rules.

try:

http://www.webhostingratings.com/

I would research more, but:

http://www.ipowerweb.com/

[DocEvi1]

Thats the thing. I quite like freenetname, it is simple, the ISP (which I use) is fast and the web hosting service is second to none.

I agree that with free hosts, you play by their rules, but thought there might be some language that I hadn't heard of.

I can't afford to pay for hosting, regardless of cost, and moving my domain name would cost a fortune (part of their contract thing). I have been with them for over 3yrs now, so I'll see what they can do / what they intend to offer us in the future.

Cheers anyway.

Stefan

[rh71]

See what the people at http://www.freewebspace.net/forums/index.php can dig up for ya.

[DocEvi1]

thanks.
The problem is that I am really stuck with the company I am with . It is trying to find a language that is supported. I will email them I think.

Cheers again.

Stefan

[qball]

Am I missing something here?


...web hosting service is second to none.


Doesn't seem so to me, also considering,


The problem is that I am really stuck with the company I am with .


Oh well, good luck.

[DocEvi1]

ahh caught me out with my bad english skills.

I meant that the speed, reliabilty and size of space for a free server is second to none. The reason I am trapped to the host is that they registered my domain name for free (they charge me through my dial up connection) but will charge me £90 to move it to somewhere else. When I can register for a new company, and get a years hosting (with a good company offering the stuff I want) for £75, you see why I don't want to move as such. I also like my domain name.......

stefan

[qball]

not to be picky, but I believe you made mistake, imho. You see:


I also like my domain name


That may be true (liking the name), but your ISP/host actually own the domain name, not you it seems. They let you use it for free, but iffin you want it, $$$

[DocEvi1]

I have the certificates at home, they are just charging a release fee....

I know what you are saying, and I agree, but I will continue to give them my support - I can't/don't want to change now. I think what I will do is write a HTML editor which has a built in FTP client to suit my needs exactly, that way the work I have to do is at a minimum.

Stefan

[qball]

So wait, iffin you own the domain, how in the world can they:


they are just charging a release fee....


I'm no lawyer, but that just doesn't sound right.

Good luck.

[DocEvi1]

my prayers have been answered, today I got an email offering me ASP hosting for 2.99 a month, now I am happy :D :D

stefan

[philb]

Who is offering this ASP hosting and what are the details?
it sounds like a good deal to me but depends on the package.

[DocEvi1]

FreeNetName.co.uk They aren't taking on any new clients however.

Stefan