1&1 Webhosting

1and1 Internet is probably the largest shared Web Hosting provider world-wide and one of the best from my experience. We found hosting packages and web tools that are simply hard to beat.

First, 1and1 Internet offers plenty of "product" for its monthly price. 1and1 also throws in free domain registrations (and annual renewal) at no additional charge. As you'd expect from a company like 1and1, the Control Panel's layout and navigation is smooth and logical.

We were also treated to a rather impressive package of client-side software after we signed up (although we did have to pay shipping to have a couple of the drivers and manuals sent). The package includes an FTP utility, search engine placement software and an application that helps boost a website's search engine rankings. But the gems of the bundle were PhotoImpact - a full-featured yet easy-to-learn photo editing program, and NetObjects Fusion - a complete, website building tool that (with a little practice) should allow even novice users to create sophisticated sites.

Included in the Applications suite is a website wizard called website Creator. This basic version let us choose from attractive designs and build websites with up to 18 pages. Keep in mind, this was in addition to the NetObjects software that 1and1 also gave us.

The control panel has lots of features that are easy too use. My favourite is the SEO tool that comes with all 1and1 packages its is a tool for 'site submission'. This tool submits your site of choice to hundreds of search engines including the major engines. Once you turn this tool on it submits your site regurly over time. It will update monthly on your site submission progress

Also inside the control panel are more useful applications, five basic CGIs are packaged together: guest book, forum, feedback form, visitor counter and date/time display.

1and1 offers 24/7 customer support via phone and email.