Plan Features and Pricing
Most consumers that create websites are not computer programmers and don’t have the time and knowledge to research every little tidbit of information supplied. That’s why it’s important to simplify your search for a web hosting company. One of the simplest plans available to website owners is offered at HostMonster.com, unlike Lunarpages; there’s only one plan and that’s all they need.
This one plan offers the clients unlimited bandwidth, unlimited disk storage on their server and a free domain name and registration with any 2-year agreement. The same price at Lunarpages will get you a 2-year service agreement but it’s a basic plan. Basic as in- you only get 1500 GB of disk storage on the server and only 15,000 GB per month of bandwidth. Although, Lunarpages have many other plans for more money- none offer the same features as the one plan at HostMonster.com for such a low and impressive price.
General Aspects
Another key comparison between the two web hosting services is website set-up. Both services offer installation with plan service agreements, but HostMonster.com uses SimpleScripts. This one-click web application installer allows the user to easily add blogs, photo albums, online stores, forums and much more. It’s simple and doesn’t require any type of technical degree. Lunarpages uses the application known as Fantastico. Although, this program is a great one- it does have its limitations. For example, SimpleScripts can be downloaded in any directory, where Fantastico must only be installed in the main directory only. As well, a local plug-in is required with Fantastico and there is no installation required with SimpleScripts. SimpleScripts works with web sites that use CPanel and Plesk, unlike Fantastico that only works with CPanel. As well, SimpleScripts has no required maintenance and easy, free upgrades that are emailed directly to you and installed within seconds.
Support
Lunarpages and HostMonster.com both offer a realm of help to their customers. One feature that Lunarpages has that is helpful is their beginner’s question and answer tutorial that is available on their website. As well, they offer a glossary of important terms that many website owners may need from time to time. But in regards to troubleshooting- their website is equipped but there is no toll-free number for one-on-one help. You’re calling for help on your dime. HostMonster offers all their clients a free number to call if email or live chat is not your thing.
Reliability
Both websites offer great up-times; so there’s really nothing to compare there. They both have guarantees of at least 99.9% up-time and both website hosting services offer their clients a very secure and fast server. However, as stated earlier, with Lunarpages, you are limited to bandwidth and server space.
Lunarpages does also offer plans regarding dedicated servers and individual IP addresses. So if you’re a big leaguer, you may want to check into that. Otherwise, if you’re just looking for a great website host that can offer you cost savings with unlimited use and bandwidth- go with HostMonster. There 2 year agreement at $6.95 per month can’t be beat!
HostMonster Site Screenshot (http://www.hostmonster.com)
