MY IDLE SPIDER TOOLKIT
Useful tools. Fewer tangles.
A practical starting point for independent traders, makers and creative people. Find plain-English guides, open-source options and help putting the right tools to work.
START WHERE YOU ARE
Pick what helps. Leave what doesn’t.
You don’t need to buy hosting to use the public guides and comparisons. Some hands-on tools and support need an account or a specific plan; each item below says which applies.
OPEN TO ALL
Explore for free
Use these resources whether you become a customer or not.
Start-here guides
Work through websites, domains, email and backups one decision at a time.
Browse guides →Open-source finder
Compare tools by what they do, what they cost to run and how much work they take.
Explore comparisons →Field notes
Honest lessons from building, hosting, fixing and sometimes breaking things.
Read field notes →FIND YOUR WAY IN
Start with the job, then choose the software.
A website, shop, file space and invoicing system all solve different problems. The toolkit helps you work out what you need before deciding where to host it.
Things to explore
- Websites: Joomla and WordPress
- Online shops: OpenCart and other options
- Files and sharing: Nextcloud and lighter alternatives
- Invoicing: Invoice Ninja and other approaches
- Everyday basics: email, backups and updates
Comparisons are guides, not a promise that every application is included in every hosting plan.
WHEN YOU NEED THE SETUP
More help when you’re ready
These parts connect to an account, hosting plan or agreed support. The access level and any costs should be clear before you sign up.
Business app shelf
A guided route to websites, shops, files and invoicing tools, matched to your needs.
Hosting dashboard
Manage domains, email, files and applications through cPanel, with plain-English guidance.
Setup & support
Get help connecting the moving parts. The scope depends on the service you choose.
NO GUESSWORK
Know what’s free and what needs an account.
The public toolkit is open to everyone. Hosting and some extras are separate choices, with the limits explained before you commit.
Open to all
Guides, comparisons and field notes.
Account needed
Access to your hosting controls or selected customer features.
Plan dependent
Setup and support as described in the plan you choose.
INDEPENDENT-MINDED, OPEN ABOUT MONEY
Useful advice should still be useful if you spend nothing.
Idle Spider can earn from hosting, paid features and clearly labelled affiliate links. I’ll explain drawbacks as well as benefits, and tell you when a tool or service may be a poor fit.