Price Value
Windows hosting is usually more expensive than Unix hosting because of the Windows operating systems (NT, 2000, etc), which are commercial products requiring license fees (Unix/Linux are open source software programs distributed to the public for free - see our articles on Unix and Linux hosting for more information).
Unix servers tend to be more stable and reliable than Windows servers. However, you may need a Windows plan, especially if you require Windows-only features, including ASP, MS.NET, Microsoft Access DB, SQL Server, ColdFusion, JSP/servlets, etc.
As mentioned above, EasyCGI does not offer e-commerce software, but they do offer free SSL on the Basic plan and above. We therefore recommend that if you use their plan but require a shopping cart, simply search the Internet for a free shopping cart, install it, then use Easy CGI's secure certificate to handle taking customers credit cards securely.
Reliability
EasyCGI's data center is excellent and they are one of the few hosts to provide Windows-based hosting. However, they have dropped down in ranking recently due to complaints we have received concerning unannounced downtime.
Control Panel
One of the greatest weaknesses of EasyCGI's offering is in their control panel, which has very limited functionality. For example, it lacks much of the advanced features that are typcially found in other control panels, such as web creation tools, setting directories as CGI readable, etc. The control panel is very basic in that it only includes mailbox editing and billing information. The administrator does have controls in one place, but they are basic compared to most web hosts.
Customer Support
EasyCGI is well-known for providing excellent customer service and support. Current customers who have answered our survey measuring the efficiency and quality of EasyCGI's support department appear to be very satisfied, and have said that they would recommend this service to other new customers.
Easy CGI only offers toll free phone support 5 days a week, and they do not offer a live chat service option. They do offer e-mail support from 9 am - 11 pm EST, but do not offer 24/7 live support.
Hosting Plans
Windows 2000 Hosting Plan
Basic Web Hosting: 100 GB disk space, 1000 GB bandwidth @ $7.96/month
Intermediate Web Hosting: 200 GB disk space, 2000 GB bandwidth @ $15.96/month
Advanced Web Hosting: 300 GB disk space, 4000 GB bandwidth @ $21.56/month
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