Looking for free hosting -php/mysql

cyberstar

I'm setting up an ecommerce site so I'm looking for free hosting if possible, that supports my sql, php. Any ideas?

Also are there any disadvantages of free rather than paid hosting?

dudleyboy

You may be interested in 100webspace, which is free:

http://www.100webspace.com/web_hosting/free_plan.html

I used to host my sites there and it was a very good and reliable service. The web-based site and file management system is very easy to use and the technical support for all customers (even those who don't pay) is fantastic. Also your domain name isn't prefixed/suffixed with the hosts'. For free web hosting I can't recommend them enough.

The only drawbacks to this service that I can think of are:
1. It's a US hosting service that doesn't support .co.uk domains
2. Advertising - on my sites, I didn't actually seem to have any (only an additional line of javascript in the html that was counting hits) but other users on the support forum were always moaning about it - not that it was particularly intrusive, only that it messed up their layout or coding.

I also recommend WiserWebStart:

http://www.wiserhosting.com/home/web_hosting_packages/ws_hosting.html

Although not free, from £25 a year it's as good as, and it's an excellent and reliable service. The web-based site and file management system is pretty poor, but adequate, and includes things like osCommerce as standard.

Each have their pros and cons. You might want to compare the packages (storage space, data transfer) to see which is better for you.

stphnstevey

I know you were looking for free hosting, but this one has a good deal at very low prices. Heven't used it myself, but was the cheapest for the largest about of space. I believe GoDaddy is really well known in the US.


http://www.godaddy.com/ - 5GB space, 250GB bandwith for $3.95 (£2) month OR 100GB space, 1000GB Bandwith for $6.99 (£3.70) month

Alot of space for very little money.

zenmaster

A "free" website URL would tend to discourage me from buying anything from an ecommerce site.

Hosting is so cheap, it's a false economy to do otherwise for a pro site.

Check out some of the offers on hosthideout. You don't need to go with a UK host.

Get a domain name from 1 & 1 and you will be up and running, with a professional looking setup, for less than £30 year.

Good luck with the venture.