Need a domain and hosting, what's recommended?

Cianos

Hi there,
A friend wants to set up a new website. It'll be a simple 4/5 page site, but she wants to allow people visiting the site to pay for and download a number of PDF files from the site. The plan is to archive the PDF's in to zip files or something and put singular files up for download. The visitor pays for access to the PDF and can download directly to their computer.

I've recommended Blacknight, but I have some questions;

1. She'll start with just one "set" (or .zip file of PDF's), but gradually add more sets over time. Would your 'Minimus' package be good enough for this purpose?

2. Should she start with a monthly minimus package and then upgrade if/when necessary?

3. If she were to buy a years subscription, can she still upgrade mid-term?

4. Also, she'll be using a Mac for editing etc, but I only see the option for Linux and Windows

5. Are the only details the web developer will need for publishing the website her Blacknight login details?

5. Finally, do you have to buy the domain separately from the hosting package or can you get a domain with the hosting?

Thanks for any help!
Cian

mneylon

Cianos wrote: »

1. She'll start with just one "set" (or .zip file of PDF's), but gradually add more sets over time. Would your 'Minimus' package be good enough for this purpose?

It should be. The Minimus gives you plenty of space and bandwidth

Cianos wrote: »

2. Should she start with a monthly minimus package and then upgrade if/when necessary?

It's more cost-effective to get the Minimus plan annually when you combine it with our current offers (see: http://domainoffers.me/)

Cianos wrote: »

3. If she were to buy a years subscription, can she still upgrade mid-term?

Yes

Cianos wrote: »

4. Also, she'll be using a Mac for editing etc, but I only see the option for Linux and Windows

Linux / Windows refers to the server. What you or your friend are using on your desktop isn't important

Cianos wrote: »

5. Are the only details the web developer will need for publishing the website her Blacknight login details?

Yes
The FTP settings are accessible via the control panel

Cianos wrote: »

5. Finally, do you have to buy the domain separately from the hosting package or can you get a domain with the hosting?

You can get both at the same time

If you have any other questions please let us know

Cianos

Thanks for the reply. I'm on my phone now so can't check again properly, but when I was looking the last time I couldn't see the option to get the domain with Minimus?

Also, would you recommend the Linux or Windows server?

Thanks

mneylon

Cianos wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. I'm on my phone now so can't check again properly, but when I was looking the last time I couldn't see the option to get the domain with Minimus?

Search for a domain and add the hosting to it during the checkout process

Cianos wrote: »

Also, would you recommend the Linux or Windows server?

Thanks

There isn't a huge difference between the two unless you're coding in ASP.net (which needs Windows)

dunkellin

Hi Blacknight,

Just after coming across this thread which is really helpful. You've answered most of the queries I had when you answered Cianos below.

I've a query which I hope you can help with. I'm messing with a Joomla to build a website for a sports club I'm a member of. I've done a bit locally on my PC using Joomla. I've a couple of general questions if you don't mind..

- Is it possible to transfer what I've done so far to Blacknight and then work on it until its ready to go.
- Does the Blacknight application vault mean I can use Joomla within Blacknight (not sure if that's the phrase to use but hopefully you get where I'm coming at) to start afresh again or manipulate what I've transferred up already?
- Finally, does your website go 'live' when you sign up or have you the option of keeping it offline until you think its ready to go?
- Can you 'buy' certain domain names and point them back to where your actual website is?

Thanks for the help Blacknight,

D.

mneylon

dunkellin wrote: »

- Is it possible to transfer what I've done so far to Blacknight and then work on it until its ready to go.

I've no idea in what form your work is at the moment ,but assuming it's "normal" - yes

dunkellin wrote: »

- Does the Blacknight application vault mean I can use Joomla within Blacknight (not sure if that's the phrase to use but hopefully you get where I'm coming at) to start afresh again or manipulate what I've transferred up already?

The application vault is a simple auto-installer. It's aimed at people who don't feel comfortable configuring things

If you're going to be doing any customisations you'd be better off with a manual install

dunkellin wrote: »

- Finally, does your website go 'live' when you sign up or have you the option of keeping it offline until you think its ready to go?

It's going to be live as soon as you configure it, but not as soon as you signup

dunkellin wrote: »

- Can you 'buy' certain domain names and point them back to where your actual website is?

Yes

dunkellin

Thanks for the reply. I've created a basic website using the latest version of Joomla. I'm assuming its 'normal' too!

Anyway, thanks for the time to respond to my query