During the night that Hurricane Ike rolled through Houston, I experienced not a second of downtime. However, I did have a question that I needed an answer to so I dropped an email to HostGator.com’s support department.

Much to my surprise, I received a response back from Host Gator’s customer support only minutes later with an answer to my question.

Two thumbs up for HostGator support, it’s a great feeling to know that there’s someone available 24/7, even during the most extreme of circumstances.

One of the most important things that you should take into consideration is server uptime. The most affordable reseller host in the world will turn out to be the most costly if downtime becomes a factor. As a HostGator.com customer, you’re backed by a 99.9% uptime guarantee.

Another factor that is important when it comes to reseller accounts is customer support. I’ve had hosting accounts before where the only way to get support is via email, and I would literally wait days before getting an answer to my support ticket. Unacceptable.

As a long-time customer of theirs, I’ve never once had a problem getting through to HostGator tech support. While I normally use the toll-free phone number listed on the HostGator.com website, there is also a live chat support option as well as email. One thing that you should always do prior to signing on with a web host company is contacting their support staff. You’ll get an indication of just how responsive they are.

All in all, HostGator reseller web hosting accounts are a great choice and I can honestly say that I’ve never been disappointed in their service.

Over the years, I’ve transferred many websites to Host Gator from servers elsewhere. In many cases, HostGator.com support has done everything for me and the transfers have gone smoother than silk.

Transferring a domain or website to your HostGator web hosting account is easy, and only takes a few minutes to do.

1. Go to http://www.hostgator.com/domains
2. Scroll to the middle of the page to “transfer.” Keep in mind that your transfer will typically take 4-5 days.

Bottom line, if you have websites on another web host — don’t be afraid to do a HostGator transfer!

Windows Pro is the top of the range when it comes to Host Gator’s Windows server plans, and it comes at a price of $374 per month. With this price, however, is a free setup, a Quad-Core 3210 Xeon (Kentfield) processor, 24-hour tech support and guarantees for 99.9 percent uptime and your money back after 45 days if you’re not completely satisfied. The server’s datacenter is located in Dallas, TX.

The Windows Pro package has memory storage of 4,096 megabytes and the hard drive has 2 x 250 gigabytes SATA II. As far as bandwidth is concerned, Pro allows for 2,500 gigabytes and there are 10 IP addresses included with the plan. The latest version of the Plesk control panel, server monitoring, and remote desktop also come with Pro.

If you are more concerned about what you can get out of your server, rest assured. Windows Pro plan servers have unlimited abilities to make domains, subdomains, MySQL and MsSQL databases, as well as POP 3 and FTP accounts. Email tools also come by the plenty. Security is added with spam filtering, and there are appealing options like web mail and automatic responders.

Let’s face it — ecommerce is important in today’s day and age, and the Pro’s standard features in this department include Private SSL support and instant osCommerce. But that’s not all. Pro servers are already installed with certain features when you receive it. For convenience, the servers already are equipped with items like CGI, Perl, streaming music and video along with Image Magick and FrontPage.

Always remember that you get what you pay for, and that is true when it comes to the HostGator Windows Pro dedicated server plan. Deciding which level is right for you can be tricky, but you can always make changes down the line if you find that you’re not utilizing the full potential of Host Gator’s cheap yet reliable dedicated servers.

The Windows Standard package goes a step above the HostGator Windows Basic plan and comes at a cost of $219 per month. For this price, you will receive a Dual-Core 3040 Xeon (Conroe) processor and free setup in a datacenter is located in Dallas, Texas.

Windows Standard offers a 1,024-megabyte capability for memory storage it takes a step up with the hard drive- there is room for 250 gigabytes SATA there. In terms of the bandwidth, 1,500 gigabytes is included, which is the same as the Basic package. No contract is required, and there are also guarantees for 99.9 percent uptime and a 45-day money-back if you are not satisfied with the server or service provided.

There are unlimited possibilities when you ask what the Standard package can do. Unlimited domains and subdomains, MySQL and MsSQL databases, and POP 3 and FTP accounts are just a few of the advantages you’ll enjoy. Each dedicated Windows server comes preinstalled with the following: CGI, PHP 5, Perl, Python, SSI, Scheduled Tasks, FrontPage and others as well. Some of the email tools include spam filtering and email alias for security, mail forwarding and auto responders.

The control panel is packed with great features, some of which are redirect URL, instant guestbook, custom error pages and PW protected directories. The FTP and Web features add even more convenience and e-commerce makes this plan smart.

The HostGator Windows Standard dedicated server takes things a step above the Basic plan and is definitely worth the extra money if you need a bigger server package.

The Windows Elite package comes at a monthly cost of $279, and comes with a Dual-Core 3040 Xeon (Conroe) processor. It also has free setup. The plan also includes a big increase in the memory- providing 4,096 megabytes of storage. There’s also 2,500 gigabytes of bandwidth, which is quite an upgrade from the more modest Basic and Standard Windows server plans. Server monitoring comes standard, as well as a 24-hour tech support service and standard and frame domain forwarding.

You’ll enjoy the ability to create unlimited domains, subdomains, MySQL and MsSQL databases, FTP and POP 3 accounts. When purchasing the Windows Elite package through HostGator.com, your server will come preinstalled with features such as CGI, SSI, Python, streaming video and music, and Image Magick.

The email tools are impressive as well. They of course have security, with spam filtering and email alias, but also have appealing features like mail forwarding, auto responders and web mail, among others. The control panel doesn’t lack in technology either.

Web and FTP accounts will be accommodated with the Elite package’s features, including AWStats, Webalizer and referrer logs, while e-commerce is satisfied with private SSL support and instant osCommerce.

Although this particular package makes you reach a little deeper into your pocket, HostGator does provide some of the cheapest dedicated servers around. Remember, if your HostGator Windows Elite server doesn’t live up to your expectations, you have a full 45 day money back guarantee backing you up.

Webhosting reviews really are a great tool which can be used to make the best hosting choices possible. Please take a minute to share your experiences (good or bad) with HostGator’s hosting services, I’m sure it will be appreciated by all!

Remember that HostGator.com offers shared hosting packages, reseller accounts, and dedicated servers — so remember to mention the setup you are reviewing.

The Windows Basic plan offers exactly what it implies – the basics. It is considered to be the best deal at a monthly cost of $174. Windows Basic includes a Pentium 4 2.4-gigahertz processor, free setup, and is run from Host Gator’s Dallas, Texas datacenter.

So what else are you getting for this price? Well, the memory storage allows for 1,024 gigabytes and there is a 80 gigabyte hard drive, which is not bad for the least expensive package. What sets Windows Basic apart from the rest is its IP address account- it has five and the other plans include 10. Microsoft Expression Web comes standard, and there’s no need for a contract. If you aren’t completely satisfied with your dedicated Windows server, there is a 45-day money-back guarantee, and also a 99.9 percent uptime guarantee.

Windows Basic also offers the capability for hosting unlimited domains, subdomains, MySQL and MsSQL databases, along with FTP accounts. Not to mention the preinstalled streaming video and music, scheduled tasks, ASP.net 1.1, 2.0, 3.0 and 3.5. Email tools include, among others, SMTP, IMAP, mailing lists and groups, auto responders, spam filtering and email alias.

The Plesk control panel gives efficiency to customers, and e-commerce options like private SSL support and instant osCommerce also are built to impress. Web and FTP Statistics add even more to this plan, with AWStats and Webalizer included.

The HostGator Windows Basic dedicated server plan may be their least expensive, but it’s a well-rounded plan that delivers excellent value, good performance, and around the clock server management.

The Pro package is the most powerful of HostGator’s dedicated servers, and proving that is the fact that the plan comes equipped with the Quad-Core 3210 Xeon (Kentfield) processor. Setup is free, and the monthly price comes at $279. The datacenter is located in Dallas, Texas.

The Pro package has 4,096 megabytes of memory storage and a 2 x 250 gigabyte SATA II hard drive and there also are 10 IP addresses included. Some of the other features that come with the Pro plan include 24-hour tech support, 99.9 percent uptime guaranteed and a 45-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied, the latest version of cPanel and no contract is required.

HostGator.com’s Pro package also has unlimited capabilities for creation of domains, subdomains, POP3 accounts, MySQL databases and FTP accounts. In addition to that, there are preinstalled programs including, but not limited to CGI, Perl, streamed video and music, Image Magick and several others. Pro’s email tools also are impressive, and have security options such as Spam Assassin. Other included features are mail forwarding, SMTP, IMAP support and mailing list.

The control panel is packed with information and will be sure to provide convenience to the customer using your site. Some of these options include instant counter and FormMail, redirect URL, Web-based file manager and Hotlink protection. The HostGator Pro dedicated server plan also includes standard features for e-commerce, Web and FTP statistics.

Host Gator Standard dedicated servers come with a Dual-Core 3040 Xeon (Conroe) processor, free setup, and the datacenter location is in Dallas, Texas. This plan costs $219 per month, which is not much more than the Basic plan. It includes a 1,024-megabyte memory storage, 250-gigabyte hard drive, and 1,500-gigabyte bandwidth. 24-hour tech support and a 45-day money-back guarantee make this plan even more attractive, along with 10 IP addresses and a guarantee of 99.9 percent uptime. Since there’s no contract required, you don’t have to fear being locked in long term if things don’t pan out for some reason.

The Standard plan has the ability to host unlimited domains, subdomains, POP 3 accounts, MySQL databases and FTP accounts. Some additional features that come preinstalled include:

• Streaming video and music
• GD
• Curl
• FrontPage
• Python

This server setup also comes with ample email tools to help the user stay connected to the outside world. Email options that are standard with this package are mail forwarding, Spam Assassin, email alias, auto responders, mailing list, catch all, IMAP and SMTP. There’s also included features for e-commerce, Web and FTP statistics like real-time updates.

With the HostGator Standard dedicated server plan, you’ll enjoy having access to added storage space and additional features. Also, you might want to check our HostGator coupon code area for available promotions and discounts.

The Host Gator Gold reseller hosting package, available at a cost of $74.95 per month, includes 80 gigabytes of disk space and 600 gigabytes of bandwidth, so there is capacity for generous activity on your site. If you are worried about spending money on something that will not be satisfied with, rest assured — there is a 45-day money-back guarantee, and 99.9% uptime guarantee. Also, there is no contract required.

Other features of this plan include a free and instant setup, a site builder to help create professional looking Web sites, instant backups, tech-support around the clock, free website templates, a billing system and private name servers.

There are many possibilities with the Gold package through HostGator.com. There is unlimited domains and subdomains, POP3 accounts, MySQL Databases and also FTP accounts. Some of the other features include, but are not limited to, CGI, PHP 5 with Zend Optimizer, Perl, Ruby on Rails and Image Magick, along with streaming audio and video for added effect on your sites, and Image Magick. Extra options include another site builder and Chillisoft ASP, which costs an additional $5.

But what good is a site without email? No worries, the Gold plan has mail options that come standard with the plan, which are web mail, email alias, Spam Assassin for security, mail forwards and others.

cPanel also offers quite a few options, including custom error pages, redirect URL, Hotlink protection, instant blogs, PW Protected Directories, and other features as well. E-commerce, FTP statistics and Website options also are included in the Gold price.

With all-day/all-night tech support and guarantees, the HostGator Gold plan is an excellent choice for anyone who is considering a high end reseller webhost package. Remember to check our HostGator coupon archive for special discount codes.

So why would someone pay the extra money for a dedicated server over a shared hosting or reseller account? Dedicated servers are extremely beneficial for both businesses and ecommerce because they have higher levels of security, speed, uptime, and allow for increased flexibility.

The Elite package, costing $279 per month, comes with free setup, a Dual-Core 3040 Xeon (Conroe) processor, server advice and support, and is located in Host Gator’s Dallas, Texas datacenter. The plan is impressive with many standard features, including 4,096 megabytes of memory storage, 2 x 250 gigabytes of space for the hard drive, 2,500 gigabytes for bandwidth and 10 IP addresses. Some of the other standard options with this plan include 24-hour tech-support, a 45-day money back guarantee, 99.9 percent uptime guarantee, site builder (for professional-looking sites) and the latest version cPanel.

This plan also allows for unlimited domains, sub domains, MySQL databases, POP 3 and FTP accounts. Email options included also are endless, with features like mail forwarding, Spam Assassin and SMTP support. The control panel is also feature packed.

With the Elite dedicated server service, the server comes preinstalled with:

• CGI
• PHP
• Curl
• GD
• Image Magick
• Streaming video and music

Making the decision to order a fully managed dedicated server is a step in the right direction if you’re looking to market your site for ecommerce and only want the best. The HostGator Elite plan delivers.

Other reseller webhosting features that come with the HostGator.com Diamond hosting plan are:

• Instant backups
• 24/7 tech support
• 45-day money-back guarantee
• 99.9 percent uptime guarantee
• Free and instant setup
• Free billing system
• Free templates

This great reseller webhosting package also allows for unlimited creation of domains, subdomains, POP3 accounts, MySQL databases and FTP accounts.

Your hosted domains will also have access to many other great options, such as GD, Image Magick, streaming audio and video, Curl, FrontPage, Perl, CGI, Python and others. Extras include a site builder and Chillisoft ASP, which puts together scripting, HTML, customer service and database publishing.

The email features seem endless, with mail forwarding, Spam Assassin, SMTP, IMAP support, catch alls and mailing lists. The control panel’s many options impress as well, some of which are Soholaunch, Fantastico, Instant forums and blogs, Redirect URL and others.

As far as website stats go, the Diamond package has real-time updates for AWStats, Webalizer, Raw Log manager, and e-commerce abilities.

Although Diamond is the most expensive plan in HostGator’s reseller account lineup, it is still extremely affordable and provides good bang for your buck.

The Basic plan, considered to be the best deal by HostGator, is available for $174 per month. The package is comprised of a Pentium 4 processor with 2.4 gigahertz, and includes a free setup at their Dallas, TX datacenter.

Also included with the HostGator Basic server is a memory storage of 1,024 megabytes, an 80-gigabyte hard drive, 1,500 gigabytes of bandwidth and five IP addresses to work with. There is no contract needed, and a 45-day money-back guarantee is provided which should bring some comfort to the table. For technical problems, customer support is available around the clock. Last but not least, you’ll also enjoy a 99.9% uptime guarantee.

With the Basic package, you’ll have the ability to create unlimited domains, sub domains, POP 3 accounts, MySQL databases and also FTP accounts. The server comes pre-installed with features like CGI, Python, Perl, streaming video and music, and FrontPage. You will be able to stay connected with email tools like mail forwarding, Spam Assassin (for security), mailing lists, auto responders and email alias.

The HostGator control panel is packed with options at no extra cost. Some of these include custom error pages, instant counter and FormMail, chat rooms and search engine submittals. There’s also options for Web and FTP Statistics, and e-commerce to make sure business is done right.

While it’s true that the HostGator Basic dedicated server plan is their lowest priced, you certainly get a great bang for your buck.

This package allows for unlimited bandwidth and domains, and includes a generous 1,000 gigabytes of disk space. The Swamp web host account comes with a free site builder, instant backups and does not bind you down with a contract. You’ll also enjoy free and instant set up. All of the domain and FTP features are unlimited, including add-on and parked domains, sub domains, FTP accounts and also anonymous FTP.

MySQL databases are unlimited with HostGator’s Swamp Plan, but the Web hosting features go on and on: CGI, PHP 5, Ruby on Rails, SSH, Chillisoft ASP (only available with this package), Python, Curl and several others. Like the other plans, there is streaming audio and video and module installation, which is free.

What good is a Web hosting service without email? Of course HostGator offers this service, and also makes it secure to use with features like Spam Assassin to avoid flooded inboxes with messages that may contain viruses. There’s also unlimited POP3 accounts to access outside email, mail forwarding and auto responders, along with other features.

The control panel is impressive with offerings like the Fantastico, Soholaunch, Hotlink protection, and the “Instant” features: guestbook, blogs, portals, PHPnuke, forums, counter and FormMail. Ecommerce is also made convenient, with shared and private SSL, osCommerce and a few other features. The Web site and FTP statistics features complete the package with real-time updates for AWStats, Webalizer, and tools like Raw Log Manager, referrer and error logs.

For only a few more bucks, the HostGator Swamp hosting plan has the most to offer out of the shared hosting lineup. With all of the great features and guarantees it comes with, this package is hard to pass by.

The HostGator Silver webhosting package comes at a price of $49.95 per month and includes 60 gigabytes of disk space and 500 gigabytes of bandwidth. It comes standard with private name servers, a free billing service, streaming audio and video, free installation of PHP and Perl modules, FrontPage, Cron, Perl, CGI among other features. Optional add-ons to this plan include Site Builder and Chillisoft ASP.

Email is convenient and safe with features like Spam Assassin that ensure security with this package. There are also other standard tools, like Web mail, email alias, catch alls and mail forwards, among others. The impressive control panel includes customer error pages, instant blogs and customer support desks, IP deny manager and Hotlink Protection.

Ecommerce is almost necessary when trying to have an online business, and the Silver plan makes this simple and convenient with its standard features, including shared and private SSL, ZenCart and Cube Cart, osCommerce and Agora Cart. Silver also allows for Website and FTP statistics, showing real-time updates of AWStats.

If you are looking for a middle-of-the-road reseller account that offers quite a bit of bang for your buck, then the HostGator Silver plan may very well be your best bet. It’s affordable yet reliable, and backed by Host Gator’s outstanding customer support.

The HostGator Hatchling plan offers a plethora of options and features, although it is the most modest plan in their shared webhosting lineup. It has ample disk space at 350 gigabytes and bandwidth and 3,000 gigabytes, and one domain is allowed with this plan.

In addition to the money-back guarantee, the Hatchling package offers a 99.9 percent uptime guarantee, free instant setup, no contract, instant backups, 24 hour a day customer support, and a site builder. There are also unlimited subdomains and FTP accounts.

Web hosting features seem endless for this small price or only $4.95 per month. The Hatchling package includes:

• Unlimited MySQL databases
• CGI
• PHP 5, Ruby on Rails, SSH, Perl, Python, SSI, and Cron
• FrontPage
• Curl
• GD and Image Magick
• Streaming audio and video

The Hatchling web host plan even makes email convent and secure with features like the Spam Assassin. Also offered with this package are Web mail, email alias, auto responders, mailing lists, catch alls, mail forwarding, IMAP support and SMTP. The control panel features are also impressive. They include phpMyAdmin, Web-based file manager, Instant Counter and many other offerings. Web site and FTP stats have Webalizer, real-time updates for AWStats, and a log manager. For those who are interested in e-commerce, this inexpensive plan also has options in that area, including shared SSL, Agora Cart, osCommerce, ZenCart and Cube Cart.

If you’re on a tight budget, it’s almost impossible not to go for the HostGator Hatchling hosting service. It is inexpensive, guaranteed, and backed by great customer support. Each consumer is given “VIP attention,” because they are in fact very important.

HostGator reseller web hosting allows customers to create and host unlimited accounts, with the use of cPanel and Web Host Manager (WHM). This has many benefits.

Host Gator’s Copper reseller package allows for 40 gigabytes of disk space and 350 gigabytes of bandwidth. But that’s not all. Some of the hosting features that come with this package include the following: templates, private name servers, a free billing system, no contract and a free setup that happens instantly. There’s also unlimited FTP accounts, domains and subdomains, POP3 accounts and MySQL databases.

Although the Copper plan is on the lower end of the price range of Host Gator’s reseller hosting lineup, it still includes many standard features that will impress customers looking to build a site. Some of these are free installation for PHP and Perl modules, streaming audio and video, Image Magick, GD, Curl, FrontPage and Cron, among others. Extra services that can be offered include Chillisoft ASP and Site Builder, which will help customers create professional-looking sites conveniently.

Email is always an important part of a Web site, and this package provides many useful email features such as SMTP, IMAP support, email alias, Spam Assassin for security, catch alls, mailing lists and auto responders. The control panel also is packed with instant features, including FormMail, Counter, Portals, Guestbook, Forums, PHPnuke, customer support desks and blogs.

Web site and FTP Statistics will be taken care of by the HostGator Copper webhosting package with its real-time updates of AWStats, Webalizer, Raw Log Manager, referrer and error logs. Finally, e-commerce is also offered with the plan’s shared and private SSL, Agora Cart, osCommerce, ZenCart and Cube Cart.

HostGator’s Baby plan has 600 gigabytes of disk space, 6,000 gigabytes of bandwidth, unlimited domains and costs $7.95 to get up and running. The impressive package also includes a site-builder, support around the clock, instant backups, the freedom of no contract, and an instant setup that is at no cost to the buyer.

There also are unlimited add-on and parked domains, subdomains and FTP accounts. Additional features of the Baby plan include, but are not limited to, MySQL databases, CGI, PHP 5, Ruby on Rails, SSH, Perl, Python, SSI, Cron, FrontPage, Curl, GD, Image Magick, streaming audio and video, and free installation of modules.

Email also comes with the Host Gator’s Baby plan and is widely accessible, with unlimited features such as POP3 accounts. There’s also Web mail, email alias, auto responders, mailing lists, catch alls, Spam Assassin for security, mail forwarding, IMAP support and SMTP. As for the control panel, Baby has Fantastico, Soholaunch, Hotlink Protection among others. The Web site and FTP statistics include real-time updates for AWStats, and other features include Webalizer, Raw Log Manager, Referrer and Error Logs. Finally, e-commerce options included in the Baby plan are Shared SSL, Private SSL, Agora Cart, osCommerce, ZenCart and CubeCart.

Those who purchase any of the HostGator Web hosting plans will be treated on an individual basis, and not just like a number. Their 24-7 support will assist customers with any problems they might have and issues are typically resolved quickly.

In this review, I’ll be covering what HostGator offers as far as hosting options go, features, support, and more. Hopefully by the time you’re finished reading my review, you’ll have a better idea of whether or not Host Gator will be a good fit for your needs.

HostGator was started in 2002 by Brent Oxley, is a privately held web site hosting company, and is headquartered in Houston, TX. When Brent initially founded the company, it was based in Boca Raton, FL. In January 2007, the company relocated to a 20,000 square foot office building in Houston to keep up with their growth.

HostGator.com offers both Linux and Windows web host services in a variety of price levels. Currently, Windows hosting is only available with their dedicated server packages but shared Windows web hosting will soon be an option.

There are currently three basic shared Linux webhosting plans available:

• Hatchling – $4.95 per month, 1 domain, 3,000 GB bandwidth, 350 GB disk space
• Baby – $7.95 per month, unlimited domains, 6,000 GB bandwidth, 600 GB disk space
• Swamp – $12.95 per month, unlimited domains, unlimited bandwidth, 1000 GB storage space

The HostGator reseller hosting packages include five options, all of which allow for unlimited domains:

• Aluminum – $24.95 per month, 250 GB bandwidth, 24 GB disk space
• Copper – $34.95 per month, 350 GB bandwidth, 40 GB disk space
• Silver – $49.95 per month, 500 GB bandwidth, 600 GB of storage space
• Gold – $74.95 per month, 700 GB bandwidth, 100 GB storage
• Diamond – $99.95 per month, 700 GB bandwidth, 100 GB disk space

Host Gator also offers dedicated servers, available at four different pricing levels:

• Basic – $174 per month, Pentium 4 2.4Ghz
• Standard – $219 per month, Dual-core 3040 Xeon
• Elite – $279 per month, Dual-core 3040 Xeon
• Pro – $374 per month, Quad-core 3210 Xeon

HostGator also offers excellent customer support (via live chat, toll-free phone number, or web based support ticket system), a site builder, and free domain transfer, file transfers, database transfers, and script transfers.

The HostGator sign up process is quick and straight forward and the monthly payment can be billed to your credit card or Paypal account.