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Our FamilyForum Welcome Center => Chit Chat & Humor => Computers & Internet => Topic started by: Skhilled on January 10, 2017, 09:58:25 AM
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I recently told Ken, again, about moving to A Small Orange Hosting for better service and more space, etc.
http://asmallorange.com
However, lately it takes almost a week for them to respond to my tickets! They do have Live Chat and usually respond to that right away. But here's the reason why for the poor change in service. They were acquired by EIG (Endurance International Group) which owns many of the larger hosting companies and have a bad reputation of bringing companies down. Here's their site:
https://www.endurance.com
Here's the companies they currently own:
http://www.webhostingsecretrevealed.net/blog/site-updates-news/the-who-what-when-of-endurance-international-group-eig/
Here's a review of ASO and EIG explaining why their support has waned:
http://reviewsignal.com/blog/2016/01/19/the-rise-and-fall-of-a-small-orange/
ASO was the best hosting I've ever had in all my years on the net!!! After buying them out it is slowly going in the toilet and people are leaving by the droves! So, my search continues for reliable hosting. So far, I've found these 3 which have been rated the best according to my search (in no specific order):
https://www.siteground.com - Site Ground (I do faintly remember something that I don't like about them but can't remember what it is yet)
https://www.a2hosting.com - A2 Hosting
https://www.mddhosting.com - MDD Hosting
I'll keep you guys updated. You can also find out anything you wish about hosting (anything about hosting) at Web Hosting Talk:
http://www.webhostingtalk.com
This site will even teach you how to run your own hosting service! This is where Les and I learned how to run Tinyportal Hosting years ago.
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Good info Steve. :thumbup:
This is something that is of great interest to me currently. ;)
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About ASO, my sites have good uptime and do have R1Soft Backups, etc. The problem I'm having now is customer support. The last 2 times I sent in a ticket it took a week for them to answer each ticket! The problem I had each time was very minor but what if my sites were down? Before the buyout, my tickets were answered within an hour or less. How many hosting companies do that each and every time? They used have the best customer service bar none! Sad...
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Most everything is getting that way, they cut down on personnel and the investors get or save more $$, or even if it a small company. Allot of on line stuff is impossible to talk to anyone, they have a list of useless trouble charts to go through.. and if you get to talk to anyone they have a list to go by and if your issue is not there. then you have just wasted you time and mind :)
Maxx
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The problem with small companies is you don't get much as far as space or power and usually lack some much needed features like auto-backups, etc. I do a lot of testing and tend to have around 10 sites running on my server. So, I usually stay away from the small guys but they do usually give much better support if something goes wrong.
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As reposted from my site:
I've read that link including the reviews from users at the bottoms of the page. Sounds except the review about paying monthly:
JK
30/100 October 27, 2016
Don't use monthly billing.
SiteGround makes you call in every month if you have monthly billing. If you don’t CALL them, they will automatically bill you for a year. This is designed to make you forget one month so that you’re automatically charged. It is unlike literally every other service provider in the world.
Also don’t be fooled by their introductory rate. The real rates are much higher and hidden.
That was a red flag for me since I prefer to pay monthly. Most hosting will not refund unused moths if you terminate the account before the year is up. Also if paid monthly, I leave and there should be no problem with further payments.
I've also read the reviews of A2 Hosting and MDDHosting on that same review site. Both sound good but for A2 Hosting there seems to be a security flaw as started by one reviewer:
Evan
1/100 May 5, 2016
MASSIVE security flaw!
Just signed up for A2 based on the high praise here (and elsewhere on the web). However, I am instantly cancelling the account based on this discovery: The username and password for the main cPanel user—the one with access to every file, database and setting on the server—is displayed in clear text on the client portal. This is on a page called “change password.â€
I changed the user’s password within cPanel itself, which made the information displayed on the portal page inaccurate, however I was then able to use that page to change the password again WITHOUT VERIFYING THE CURRENT PASSWORD. So if anyone managed to compromise the billing account for A2, they’d also have effortless root access to the web server.
Utterly appalled at this “feature.â€
I am not sure if that has been changed since then and I've emailed them and am awaiting a response which I'll repost here.
For MDHosting, the downside seems to be their uptime...slightly less than the others but still not bad at all.
During my search today, I've also found another promising hosting called Squidix:
https://squidix.com/hosting/shared/
I googled it and they seem to have great reviews! The ONLY downside that I've found is there's nothing mentioned about backups of any kind. So, I've emailed them and am also waiting a response back form them which I'll post here, too!
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It took A2 Hosting and Squidix a little over 4 hours each to respond. first is A2 Hosting's response:
Hello,
Than you for contacting A2 Hosting. The cPanel Password is able to be displayed in the Customer Portal. This password can be changed, and the if it is changed by the customer, the password shown will no longer be correct, and the "quick access" from the customer portal will no longer function.
We do offer Two-Factor-Authentication for the Customer Portal.
If you are concerned about security, you are able to the two factor authentication, as well as change the password for the cPanel.
At this time, we do not have two factor authentication for our managed cPanel offerings, as this would cause us to not be able to manage the servers effectively, but for greater security, you could consider an unmanned hosting option.
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Regards,
Jeff H.
A2 Hosting Support Guru
So, basically yes, it does not obfuscate the password (hide while typing) and there was no verification when changing a password. However, I have seen this before in other hosting client areas. Also, 4 hours is a long time to wait if your site is down but the ticket was "low" priority. I can't tell if it was set to a higher priority would they have answered faster or not.
Squidix's response:
Hello Stephen,
We don't touch base strongly about backups, however backups are maintained consistently, and you'll always have access to backups created.
Backups are performed once weekly, on-site and off-site.
There're no fees to restore backups, this is an essential service that we feel the industry is obligated to provide as part of hosting services.
Granted, we will always restore backups for our customers, we use discretion when multiple requests are made (e.g. let's say you request a backup restoration on a daily basis, this would be outside the scope of support and we would provide you the backups to restore on your end). We will however always restore backups upon request within reason.
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Larry Wright
Squidix Management
There is no mention of how a client can make backups. However, their take on it is very reasonable. We would not need them to restore backups daily or hardly at all so it sounds good so far.
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My reply to Squidix:
Thank you for the response, Larry.
That sounds very reasonable. But do you provide a backup feature included in cPanel such as the standard one that is usually seem in most hosting or provide or backup for the customer to use (make their own backup copies) whenever they would like to have one?
Their reply within 15 minutes:
Hello Stephen,
Absolutely! Backups will always be available to you, and you'll have access to all retention dates of your backups on file. This includes 3 weeks worth of backups on a weekly basis.
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Larry Wright
Squidix Management
Sounds like a winner although slightly more expensive.
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The Squidix 10GB plan looks like it would suit my needs, but they don't give a lot of detail on the what's in the plan.
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Read the entire page...what's below the cost and that's everything included with those packages. Unless there's something else you're looking for...
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I did some comparative research against A2 and Squidix. Almost no bad reviews for Squidix at all! Sounds like a winner, winner, chicken dinner to me!
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Then I guess there is more reading/research in my Squidix future! laughing7
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I may port one of my domains there to see how it goes.
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Been reading up on the new https issue (crap, lol) and how sites like these that do not use https and without certificates will warn users about possibly having their data compromised. With all of the Russian hacking, etc. going on I've been looking up a few things. Underdog posted a topic on my site about it here:
http://www.docskillz.com/docs/index.php?topic=1184
So, I looked up Let's Encrypt which is free but seems to be a bit hard to install. However Squidix is one of the hosting that does support it so all you would have to do is ask them for it or it may even be included in the cPanel certs. I'll ask them about it and see...
EDIT: Looked at A2 Hosting and they also have Let's Encrypt support but also their plans are cheaper. I'm awaiting a reply from them. If all goes good I'll buy one and may move all my sites to it.
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Quote from Squidx:
Good morning Stephen,
Lets Encrypt is very easy. If you have any difficulties, we would do this for you upon request. It's easy enough however to learn, just essentially clicking "Issue Certificate" through the control panel.
We offer Lets Encrypt for all our plans, including dedicated servers so they can be carried over when it comes time to upgrade in the future.
If you have any other questions, I'll be happy to assist. Sales phone hours are 9AM-5PM and I'll be more than glad to hop on the phone to answer all your questions as well.
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Larry Wright
Squidix Management
Just waiting on A2 Hosting's response...
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Our host here on OFF is not on the list.
And, while checking this out I tried to access the OFF cPanel and discovered that our domain is still expired! :o
This after first reporting the problem back on 02/09/2017 and receiving assurances that the issue would be fixed. :censored:
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You can probably still use Let's Encrypt but you'll probably need to use SSH...or ask Frank to do it for you.
But I know you are not happy with him atm. LOL
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But I know you are not happy with him atm. LOL
Errr... how did you know that? :whistle1:
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If Squidx's prices were a bit lower I'd try them first.
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It will be interesting to see how this all turns out.
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Well, if they ever reply, LOL, I'll posted it all here. One thing I did notice about A2 is the way they posted their pricing when you try to purchse something. It automatically tries to sell you whatever you buy biennanually (every two years!). I was about to checkout for a package that said it was $12/month and they were going to charge me over $200!!! Then I carefully looked over the page and noticed that there's a dropdown below it where you can adjust the pricing for monthly or yearly too. They also give you a promo code for a lower price (the $12.month) but do not say if it is only for a month, year or whatever. So, I asked them about that as well. Depending on what they say I may or may not give them a go...
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I get the 'why' of their up-sale attempts, but it can be a bit irritating non the less.
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Yup! I wasn't going to buy anything until I noticed the dropdown with the other options.
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Quote from A2:
Stephen,
Thank you for contacting A2 Hosting Sales. My name is Jon and I am glad to help you.
The pricing on our website will include our one-time discount, and is not recurring. Full pricing disclosure is given in step 2 of the order process.
If you have additional questions or concerns, please let me know.
Thanks,
Jon Edney
A2 Hosting Sales Engineer
Certified cPanel and WHM Professional
Full disclosure would have been better if exact pricing was given in this email...makes you think they have hidden fees. Now I'm on the fence again! LOL
Squidx sounds like they are more upfront. That was my original choice anyways....
EDIT: I purchased an account with Squidx. Cost only $6.95 for the first month and $9.95 thereafter. I put my grandfathers site on it for testing and will see how it goes. After I get my account info and change the DNS settings and it works I'll post what happens. The domain is:
http://calvinsummers.com
10gb space should be plenty enough for all of my domains since they are not very active atm.
Almost time for bed so I'll complete the setup tomorrow...
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Frank fixed the domain thing and gave me a free year... it was to be due on 3/11/2017, he gave me a pass on that bill, so it's good until 3/11/2018 now.
But, it now just shows a blank page that never finishes loading. shocked003
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Go figure...LOL
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Quote from A2:
Hello Steve,
I'm sorry if our reply or website left you with that feeling. It was not our intention. While I do not necessarily agree with how the pricing is displayed on the website I would be happy to lay it out for you below even though you've already mentioned looking elsewhere now.
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Monthly: $12.25 w/ discount. $24.99 on renewals
Annual: $123.42 w/ discount. $251.88 on renewals
24 month: $223.32 w/ discount. $455.76 on renewals
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Please note that the discount is 51% off and the longer the billing period the better the discount.
Let me know if you should have any further questions. We're here to help!
Regards,
Scott Wilson
Certified cPanel & WHM Sales Professional
Phone: 1-888-546-8946 Ext 8111
Email: swilson@a2hosting.com
So...I logged into my Squidx cPanel and tried to upload files via File Manager and that did not work. I created a new db and tried to Import a .sql into it and when I clicked "Browse" it didn't work...NOT very promising!!! Here's the support ticket I sent and am waiting a reply since 7:50 their time:
Hi, I just logged into cPanel for the first time and a number of things are not working properly. So far, I've created a new database and cannot import anything into it via phpMyAdmin. When I click the "Import" tab it goes to the screen with "Browse" to upload a .sql file but nothing happens when you click "Browse".
In File Manager, I can't do a number of things like upload files, edit files, and more. I have created a FTP account and can upload files but I'm sure there are a number of other things that don't work.
Can some please look into this?
Thanks,
Steve
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But, it now just shows a blank page that never finishes loading. shocked003
Works now. :)
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Sort of works...not finished uploading yet. I found some bugs with the new Firefox and hostings. Found it with the new hosting and am chatting with Les to see if we can narrow it down a bit. But there seems to be a bug with the new FF upgrade cause of the https issue and some things not working like certain buttons. I thought it was the hosting at first but hosting with the paper lantern theme seem to be an issue. Looks like I found a new bug! LOL
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I wondered if it might be FF, guess I need to check it in Chrome and Edge. :)
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FF = sluggish, but loads eventually.
Chrome = slow and then times out.
Edge = slow, but loads... better than FF.
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I still haven't finished uploading everything yet. That's why it is slow. Les and I spent a good portion of the day testing on his server to see if we could narrow it down. There is an issue with the new FF upgrade. Even the the new hosting is not happy with it and that their preferred browser. I may just have to switch to Chrome to give them a good change and see how good they are. They seem very friendly and helpful.
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Everything works well using Chrome. I've installed my grandfather's blog and it works well. I've also installed a SMF Test forum for comparison.
https://calvinsummers.com
https://calvinsummers.com/smftest
I went into cPanel to see if i can find and how easy it is to Let's Encrypt. I found it very easily and it was very easy to install. Here's a comparison for the SMF test site using http and https. You can see the differences in the images below using Firefox. Please note that you will not see the same in Chrome! It will not show you the part about not being secure even if you are using http.
The only thing I have to do now is figure out how to make everything on that server default to "https" instead of "http" when someone views any thing on it.
On a side note, SMF is MUCH faster than on ASO Hosting. WP is faster but slower than SMF, which is to be expected. After a few more tests I'll decide if I'll move all of my domains there. So far, I'm very pleased with the hosting and their support! I do wish they had other themes for cPanel besides the paper lantern theme. 8)
EDIT: For changing SMF to https do the following 2 things:
1. Add an .htaccess file to your root folder and add the following to it:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{SERVER_PORT} !443
RewriteRule (.*) https://www.example.com/ [R]
2. Run repair_settings.php and change all of the" http" links to" https".
As far as I know you should need to do anything else unless there's a server issue of sorts. I've tried to create a .htaccess in File Manager on Squidix and it never shows no matter what I do so I sent in a ticket...
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That sounds good so far... my interest is still high on this hosting, so thanks for the research that you are doing Steve.
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No problem. I've been saying I've wanted to switch to Chrome. I guess now is good as any. LOL
The SMF test forum is amazingly fast!
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I'm trying Chrome now. Had it installed for years, but never have given it a real test run, gotta do that. Also, Edge... I like what I've seen from it, but again, never given it a real test run.
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Personally, I do not trust Edge/IE. It just a rebranded version of IE to get away from the old security issues with it. It may be a bit better than the previous version of IE but personally I still have issues with it and mostly it's connection to Cortana which takes over your PC even if you disable it. >:(
Makes you wonder how much Big Brother is watching...
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Big Brother is watching. We can and are being tracked on many fronts, including cell phones, email, social media and other ways.