one word of caution, though. make sure you pay attention to the package you choose. if you have linux, make sure you DO NOT “upgrade” to microsoft or all the data on your websites will be lost.

i was not so fortunate. i specifically told the person i wanted to keep my linux package, and an hour later found out i was being switched to MS. i frantically called them, and told them to stop the transfer, and all i got was “sorry, too late. you lose” in so many words. i asked for a back up of our databases and files, and while i did get a backup of our databases, all our files were lost. (we even recorded the conversation and told them we were recording but it didn’t help). my access to our linux server files was cut off so i could not back up the files myself. they say the transfer will take up to 24 hours, but it seemed they did a rush job for once and had it switched over after a mere hour. i did manage to backup three of my websites, but lost four others. they keep saying it is my fault, but i specifically said i wanted to stay on linux. they say you can only move between servers once every thirty days, but they allowed us to move back over after only one day. they did restore our databases for us and those were working just fine until two days ago when they suddenly deleted all of our databases (which i had backed up when i got access again). again they insist that only i can delete them but i KNOW i didn’t.

all of this could have been avoided if they had ASKED if i wanted the $2 upgrade instead of forcing it on me. meanwhile, all their price lists still say 9.99 for their business package.

At 1&1, we make every effort to offer our customers the most
advanced technology and services available in the industry.
For this reason, we have decided to include unlimited traffic
with all of our webhosting packages and online shops.

Now, you don’t have to worry if you exceed the monthly transfer
volume limits in your package!

Unlimited traffic will allow you to offer downloads to your
visitors, add flash animation or other types of high resolution
graphics to your site.

In the past if you had more traffic than your package included,
you had to pay an additional $0.49/GB. Unlimited traffic means
you can rest easy, instead of paying additional fees for a
successful website.

Your advantages:

* More visitors to your site will not mean more money out of
your pocket.
* Transfer large files via FTP and don’t worry about added fees.
* Offer file downloads without concern for a huge bill at the end
of the month.

Sincerely,

Your 1&1 Internet Team
1&1 Internet, Inc.
httP://1and1.com

================================================================
Copyright 2009 1&1 Internet Inc.
701 Lee Road, Chesterbook, PA 19087

While I am pleased with the promise of “unlimited traffic” I see that my general fees have been increased:

We are pleased to unveil the new 1&1 Business Package with more
web space and unlimited traffic coming in October 2009. As a
result, starting October 2009 your Business package will cost
$11.99 per month*.

Overall, I am satisfied with 1&1 (U.S.) and I thought you would be interested in this update.

I am interested in Robin’s statement: “you can’t use MYSQL if you plan to monetize your wordpress blogs.” Where does 1&1 state that?
1&1 offers some kind of disappointing “WordPress Light Blog” but it is possible to install the full WordPress on your MYSQL. I’m not that great at doing WordPress installations, I had a Facebook friend help me out — the reason why my blog is not up is I am trying to decide upon a unique look and have not done so yet.

I miss Fantastico.

One thing I don’t like it that 1&1 has a weird way of calculating the disk space used.

1&1 Support is pretty good: if you contact them via their web form or via the phone they try to solve your problem as quickly as possible.

I think 1&1 is a great & inexpensive registrar.

Overall I am satisfied with 1&1 — they are very steady and reliable. I also enjoyed the CD filled with different programs they sent me when I initially joined 1&1.

1and1 (US) is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau, is rated F (worst of the worst) and has hundreds of registered complaints last year alone. Avoid!

And check whichever hosting company you are considering with the BBB, consumer protection agency or equivalent in your region. Some are horrible others are ok. You will not find this info on typical ‘top 10 review’ sites either.

Beginning with the agreement statement when you sign up that says you can’t file a class action lawsuit. Why would you want to if they deliver quality service?

Customer service is abyssmal with help like ‘your nameservers have changed and your website will be deleted on such and such a date’

Rates are very high.

Downtime is the worst problem and there have been several long outages. Their response ‘As you are probably aware, 1&1 experienced a major problem with the server your website is hosted on in the last few days…” and a small refund.