Hosting for PHP and MySQL

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Does anyone know of a good (and relatively inexpensive) host for a social networking website? It would need to have PHP and/or MySQL capability... (and anything else?)

If not, that's okay. I've learned, though, that there's a wealth of knowledge on the boards, and thought I'd give it a try...

Thank you!

[Gerto]

Interesting question. I've used DreamHost for a while. http://dreamhost.com/
Their basic plan is absolutely great. However, as soon as there are a couple of 1000 users to your site (if you're planning to grow that big) , it's time to move on. If you'd decide to use them, contact me, if you register through my referal link, I can give you a discount code :).
I have 2 servers of my own at softlayer. For a couple of $ a month , I can give you an account there: It's specifically designed for reselling purposes, so you'd have PHP, MySQL, your own IP address, cPanel access, ... I'd be glad to help you with it :)

Feel free to contact me for anything you'd want to know!

[jetpacklife]

I use softlayer as well. Great for larger operations. I have dozens of servers and they've been great, but it gets $$$$ fast if you have a very large site.

Of course, most people on wish they had the problem of growing too big. I believe the real key is to offer at least something that is truely unique and 'wow' on your site. If you're not a programmer or techie, you should find one to help out.

[Vagabond]

PHP? mySQL? ahhhh!!

man, i remember a time when i knew so much about the computer and the internet but I have just been so out of the look that all of this is greek to me!

now i know how my mom feels when i try explaining to her how to use AOL!! i wont be so rough on her next time ;)

whats the best way to wrap my head around all this stuff? just going to B&N and picking up some beginner books. I'm generally a quick learner and can prob teach myself the basics.


thanks in advance!!!

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Thanks, everyone, for your comments! This helps a lot!

[MiniBlueDragon]

whats the best way to wrap my head around all this stuff? just going to B&N and picking up some beginner books. I'm generally a quick learner and can prob teach myself the basics.


thanks in advance!!!

I started-out by reading many Wiki entries about the technologies themselves and seeing what they're used for and where they originated from.

After that I found that PHP and MySQL are used a lot in Content Management Systems so I Googled "opensource cms" and nosed through various sites to find stuff to download.

Then I downloaded Joomla, Drupal and ZenCart and had a nose at the coding and how it seemed to work.

Next I purchased a PHP Basics book and started playing.

And thus the learning curve began in ernest ;)

I undoubtedly had a headstart with thing as I was a web designer for several years before moving over to software testing (software, NOT games... anymore!) but it's still a perfectly achievable goal.

The only problem is will it help with your 4HWW quest? :)