Questions about phpinfo(), mod_php, PHP libraries (iPowerWeb -> Bluehost)

[tameone]

Hello to all at Bluehost!

I'm looking for a new hosting company and have spent quite a bit of time reading the forums here. I'm a web designer and currently most of my clients host at iPowerWeb, but I've pretty much had it with their "tech support", lack of account tools/information, and most recently some unresolved database issues that repeatedly shut down every site - not just mine - using MySQL on one particular server. (But that’s another story!)

I've been a bit resistant to switching hosts in part because I'm very familiar with vDeck. I spent a lot of time browsing through the cPanel demo and Knowledgebase here. Most of it will just take a while to get used to.

There’s something I’m not clear on though. Being completely self-taught in web development I’m sure I missed something BIG related to PHP and Apache. Maybe someone could explain?

1. Are there any PHP libraries installed besides ImageMagick and GD?
2. If not, am I allowed to install my own PHP libraries?
3. Must I purchase hosting and run phpinfo() to find out how PHP is configured? I didn't see any links for that in cPanel. :confused:
4. Are you thinking, “DUH, mod_php is disabled,” and that should explain everything? (LOL J/K on that one, but I’ll admit I’m a bit clueless as to the whole CGI vs. mod thing.)
5. Ummm… does anyone else think it’s a pain in the rear to have to modify and upload php.ini to every directory with PHP scripts (as opposed to a single php.ini for global settings)? (Maybe this is just me???)
6. Finally, has anyone else here used iPowerWeb, that might be able to offer some tips on moving my web sites over to Bluehost (i.e. differences in server configuration I should be aware of) ?


It sounds like Bluehost has earned their customers' loyalty. I’m looking forward to hearing from all of you – good experiences and bad! (Always best to know what you’re getting into. :D) Thanks so much!

[lazynitwit]

ImageMagick is not a PHP library, it is an application on its own. There are a lot more libraries than just GD installed. To name a few: curl, bcmath, imap, mysqli, mysql, mhash, and zlib. (There are quite a few more)
Have never attemped, someone else would have to answer.
You can either wait until you buy it, or someone else can post a link to theirs. The configuration shouldn't matter too much as you can edit it with your php.ini.
mod_php is less secure, the way bluehost has it setup PHP scripts are ran as your account, rather than as the web server.
It is a slight annoyance.
As I have never used iPowerWeb I am unable to comment, but I don't see your scripts needing any drastic changes.

[tameone]

Thanks for your fast reply! I stand corrected on my assumption that ImageMagick is a PHP library. :rolleyes:

I'm self-taught in all things internet, have read most of the chapters in the "PHP5 and MySQL Bible" and spend a lot of time learning how things work online. I know I still have quite a ways to go!


Is anyone willing to post their PHP information?

[tameone]

Also I'm wondering if there's any way to see MySQL runtime information and system variables? On iPowerWeb this is available alongside "Show Processes" in phpMyAdmin.

[nine]

Is anyone willing to post their PHP information?

i am pretty sure you can email support at bluehost dot com and they'll send you their default php.ini

[tameone]

Thanks, nine, I'm sure they would. I just didn't want to bug them with a lot of questions. :)