06.08.08Some Problems…
The obervent amongst you would have noticed that the blog has been offline for the past few days - basically we were subject to a hack effort which resulted in the blog being taken offline by the Datacentre (and they never bothered to notify me neither!).
So basically the hacker proceeded to upload malicious files onto the server, mainly phishing related - I noticed this a few days prior to being taken offline on one of my other websites hosted on the server and brought it to the notification of the server administrators - I thought they might beef up security, ban some IP’s, or do something. No, that costs money, and all the administrator is interest in is profit - letting his clients go way down the list of his priorities isn’t going to get him far! Remember what the doormouse said - feed your head (whatever that means).
I’ve been too busy lately to be dealing with the middle men who haven’t a clue what’s going on - the server admin hires anyone any 12 year old with access to a computer and basic English as a Support Rep! I’ve sent around 15 emails to various support reps, the datacentre, as well as the server administrator - none of the above have responded! That’s charming isn’t it? I pay THEM to host my websites and for the apparent 24/7 live support and 99.5% guaranteed uptime. Hmm there are countless times when my websites have been offline and the ‘live support’ is set to BUSY.
I think I will be hosting on Irish soil from now on - afterall support is only a phonecall away, and you’re talking to someone who knows what they’re on about. It’s a little more expensive but I think from here on in it’s worth the investment. I’m presently on an emergency hosting account which I have on Hosting365 until I get around to sorting out some permanent hosting - will get onto a few sites to see what deals there are 
Until then please bear with me whilst I get the backup online. I’m having difficulty uploading the database at the moment as my internet is patchy to say the least and has been for the past two days - will be moving to Digiweb soon *hopefully*. IBB is doing my head in, every so often it gets stroppy and refuses to connect or will suddenly crash. And the Vodafone Mobile B/B isn’t much better neither - so Digiweb seems like a good alternative (a neighbour moved to them recently and is happy with them).
To top it all my car has cost me a fortune on parts - have’nt time to fit them neither. Have to send the cylinder head off to a specialist to get it refaced and ported before refitting with a new head gasket, and manifold. Fitting an alarm system I got off eBay has been a nightmare as it’s not earthing properly meaning it won’t arm! And a few bits and pieces I bought off eBay (mainly tools) have yet to arrive despite being ordered from the UK 14 days ago - and my paying for premium postage!
Roll on August 19th - off to Spain for a week of relaxation…
Man, hostgator! I know you said you wanted Irish hosting but seriously, hostgator are damn good. I pay $10/month (~€7?) and have unlimited domains and have never had a problem. They have a 24/7 customer support chat system which I’ve seen in action and it’s really good.
I have a discount coupon so you’d get the first month for 1cent, so you’ve nothing to lose in giving them a go.
If you use my affiliate link I’d get a payment but that’s not why I’m recommending them. Feel free to email me anything you wanna know
August 6th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Blacknight!
I’m not joking either. I’ve recommended them to others and they more than satisfied!
They tend to have a more personal touch than any other Irish providers I’ve come across. VPS from €16 per month! Shared hosting from €3 per month!
August 6th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
If you’re looking to stay with Hosting365, we can offer you excellent dedicated server options…
August 7th, 2008 at 8:07 am
I’d stick with an Irish company. They are very competitive, and has been mentioned, they are local so it’s easier to contact them. Look for Irish company, Irish servers, Irish support! Our own shared hosting packages (Spiral Hosting Ltd) start at €2.50/month with free domain name when you pay yearly.
August 7th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Thanks for the recommendations lads. Will stick with Hosting365 for the moment until I get the time to search around and compare the market.
But I’m definitely staying on Irish soil for this blog anyway, a friend of mine has taken pity on me and is hosting a few of my sites on his server.
I’ll be sorting everything out once I get back from Holidays - everything should stabilise once more when I get back to the grind!
Aaron.
August 9th, 2008 at 9:51 pm