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HostMonster offers only one plan, but it is all inclusive. HostMonster’s plan includes a domain; unlimited space and bandwidth; unlimited e-mail accounts; and more. It is run through cPanel and offers Ruby on Rails, as well as other scripting frameworks. Everything you need is included in that single plan, whether you are a personal site or business.
The plan includes features most competitors include only with more expensive tiers. This includes unlimited e-mail, IMAP and POP support, MySQL databases, and more. HostMonster also includes three different web based e-mail applications, if you do not want to setup your desktop mailing program to handle your incoming mail.
HostMonster allows FTP and has Web based file management through the award winning cPanel. There is a demo on the website that allows you to take the application for a test drive before you make a purchase. FTP allows you to create content offline then upload it to the server later. It also allows you to change the properties and content of pages that are already live, and have the changes take effect immediately. You can do the same through File Manager from cPanel.
HostMonster has a pleasant interface that is clean and easy to read. cPanel is likewise easy to navigate, with both text and icons to guide you. HostMonster also boasts toll free customer support, and is very proud of the fact that it outsources nothing. All of its customer support is handled out of Utah, and HostMonster personally employs every other position in the company. This means you are always dealing with one company – the same company – no matter what goes wrong.
This is one of the least expensive plans out there, and it is great for personal projects like blogs or hobby sites. HostMonster has a long list of script installations that can be added in one click. These include WordPress, Joomla, and more. You can run your entire site through a content management system and install a bulletin board and messaging forum, if you like. It allows small sites to offer features you would expect from the larger ones.
This also makes it a good choice for businesses that need to keep costs low. HostMonster provides free online stores, up to three shopping carts, and more for business sites. These are in addition to the features available to personal sites, and many can also be installed in one click.
HostMonster can also handle newsletters, has an images gallery, and supports streaming audio and video. It uses a Linux operating system with a power supply back-up and 24/7 monitoring, and provides courtesy site backups. It makes no guarantees as to uptime.
HostMonster provides all the features of higher priced packages for one of the lowest prices out there. It is a great choice for personal and business accounts, especially if cost is important. HostMonster’s interface is clean and easily navigable, and they take pride in outsourcing nothing.
