In a move that looks pretty shady to Windows users (also known as the majority of the amateur website-owning population) Network Solutions gives a 99.9% uptime guarantee for Unix servers, but doesn’t make that same promise of its Windows servers. However, testing of the site shows excellent, basically perfect reliability even on Windows servers, but it does strike some fear into your heart when you’re left out of a guarantee.

Unless you’re a Wordpress user, nothing really stands out in terms of special features. You don’t get all of the unlimited basics you get with a lot of providers; instead, only bandwidth is unlimited. Aside from that, everything has caps with the basic package. They do throw in a free domain with purchase of a year of hosting, but that’s pretty standard these days.

There are, however, some cool opportunities for ready solutions for WordPress blogs.

We weren’t wowed by Network Solutions’ lack of live chat. If you’re happy to file a ticket or pick up the phone, this may not bother you. However, the video tutorial database is also pretty underwhelming, so if you like to dig around to teach yourself things, this isn’t the most amazing resource.

Network Solutions, perhaps because of its name recognition from its long history in the space, charges high prices. Even when there are discounts, they only run for 3 months. Also, in an inconvenient twist for small businesses, they’ll need to set up a separate, fairly expensive e-commerce account to set up a cyber store.

However, for WordPress bloggers, Network Solutions has a streamlined WordPress Blog Hosting package for a decent price.

Registration is easy, and you can defer payment if you opt to create a free website account first, test it out, then upgrade and pay later. They don’t do that horrible, sneaky thing of automatically checking some add-ons in the hopes that you won’t notice and accidentally pay for them. As with most hosts, you pay quite a bit less if you agree to a longer contract.

Instead of cPanel, they use an Account Manager, which acts as a similar hub for all products and offerings. Because this is an unfamiliar tool, it can seem tricky and complicated to navigate.  However, like all new things, you will eventually get the hang of it.

Unlike some sites, Network Solutions will not overburden you with tons of promos.