Siccaro.co.uk Review

Based on checking the website Siccaro.co.uk, it appears to be a domain that redirects to Xilo.net, a UK-based web hosting provider. This review will therefore focus on Xilo.net’s offerings, legitimacy, and overall ethical considerations from a user perspective.

Overall Review Summary:

• Company Name: xilo Ltd.
• Primary Services: Shared Hosting, Reseller Hosting, Cloud Servers, Dedicated Servers, Premium Hosting, Domain Names, SSL Certificates.
• Pricing Transparency: Clear starting prices listed for core hosting services.
• Contact Information: Multiple contact channels including sales and support phone numbers, enquiry forms, and ticket submission.
• Legal Documents: Provides Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy.
• Longevity: Operating since 2003, indicating significant industry experience.
• Ethical Standing (General): Web hosting services themselves are generally permissible and provide essential infrastructure for online presence, supporting various legitimate businesses and initiatives.
• Ethical Standing (Islamic Context): The service itself is neutral. The ethical consideration lies in what is hosted. Xilo.net’s “Acceptable Use Policy” is crucial here, as it defines what content is permissible. A responsible Muslim user would need to ensure their hosted content adheres to Islamic principles and that the provider’s policy aligns with prohibiting illicit content.

Xilo.net, as a long-standing web hosting provider, seems to offer a comprehensive suite of services ranging from basic shared hosting to more robust dedicated servers, catering to a wide array of users from small businesses to larger enterprises. Their transparency in pricing and readily available contact information are positive indicators. The company’s long operational history since 2003 suggests a degree of stability and reliability in the often-volatile tech sector. From an ethical standpoint, particularly within an Islamic framework, web hosting is a tool. Its permissibility largely depends on its application. Hosting services are fundamental for establishing online businesses, educational platforms, and charitable organisations, which are all beneficial endeavours. However, it is paramount that users critically review the “Acceptable Use Policy” to ensure that the provider actively prohibits the hosting of content deemed impermissible in Islam, such as pornography, gambling, interest-based financial schemes, or any other morally reprehensible material. Without a robust policy or clear enforcement against such content, even a neutral service can become ethically problematic by facilitating impermissible activities.

Here are some alternatives for web hosting services:

• SiteGround
  • Key Features: Excellent uptime, fast loading speeds, managed WordPress hosting, strong customer support, multiple data centres including one in the UK.
  • Average Price: Starts around £2.99/month for shared hosting.
  • Pros: Renowned for performance and support, user-friendly for beginners, robust security features.
  • Cons: Higher renewal rates compared to initial offers, storage limits on lower-tier plans.
• Krystal Hosting
  • Key Features: UK-based, 100% renewable energy powered, focus on privacy and ethics, cPanel hosting, various hosting types.
  • Average Price: Shared hosting from £4.99/month.
  • Pros: Environmentally conscious, strong privacy stance, excellent UK customer support, transparent pricing.
  • Cons: Slightly higher price point than some budget hosts, smaller market presence globally.
• Hostinger
  • Key Features: Affordable pricing, good performance, user-friendly hPanel, free SSL and domain on some plans.
  • Average Price: Shared hosting from £0.99/month (introductory).
  • Pros: Very budget-friendly, good for beginners, decent speed, global data centres.
  • Cons: Support can be slower at times, renewal rates increase significantly.
• DigitalOcean
  • Key Features: Cloud hosting for developers, highly scalable “Droplets,” simple interface, strong API.
  • Average Price: Starts from $4/month for basic droplets.
  • Pros: Extremely flexible and scalable, excellent for developers, pay-as-you-go pricing, robust community support.
  • Cons: Requires technical knowledge, not suitable for absolute beginners without development experience, managed services cost extra.
• A2 Hosting
  • Key Features: Focus on speed with “Turbo Servers,” developer-friendly, various hosting types, 24/7/365 Guru Crew Support.
  • Average Price: Shared hosting from £2.99/month.
  • Pros: Excellent speed and performance, reliable uptime, good for various programming languages.
  • Cons: Higher-priced plans can be expensive, support quality can vary.
• Fasthosts
  • Key Features: UK-based hosting provider, domain names, email, and various hosting solutions, 24/7 UK support.
  • Average Price: Shared hosting from £3.00/month.
  • Pros: Local UK support, wide range of services, established UK brand.
  • Cons: Can be more expensive than some competitors, some users report mixed experiences with support.
• GreenGeeks
  • Key Features: Eco-friendly web hosting (300% renewable energy match), SSD storage, free SSL, free domain for the first year.
  • Average Price: Shared hosting from £2.95/month.
  • Pros: Strong environmental commitment, good performance, reliable uptime, excellent customer support.
  • Cons: Initial pricing is promotional, renewal rates are higher, slightly more expensive than budget options.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Siccaro.co.uk Review & First Look

Siccaro.co.uk, upon initial inspection, doesn’t present itself as a standalone active website but rather serves as a redirect to Xilo.net. This observation is crucial because any review of “Siccaro.co.uk” effectively becomes a review of Xilo.net. So, let’s dive into what Xilo.net offers. Xilo.net is a well-established UK-based web hosting provider, and they’ve been around the block a few times, operating since 2003. That’s nearly two decades in an industry that’s seen countless companies come and go. This longevity suggests a certain level of stability and trust that’s often hard to come by.

Initial Impressions of Xilo.net

The homepage of Xilo.net is straightforward and functional. It’s not overly flashy, which for a hosting provider can be a good thing – you want clarity, not distractions. They immediately highlight their core offerings: Shared Hosting, Reseller Hosting, Cloud Servers, and Dedicated Servers, each with a clear “from per month” price point. This upfront pricing transparency is a major plus; you don’t have to dig deep to understand the starting costs.

Key Information Availability

• Contact Details: Prominently displayed sales and support phone numbers (0800 905 5000 and 0333 773 3000 respectively). They also offer an enquiry form and a ticket submission system, covering various communication preferences. This accessibility is vital for customer support.
• Legal Documents: Links to their “Terms of Service” and “Acceptable Use Policy” are easy to find in the footer. These documents are non-negotiable for anyone considering their services, as they outline the rights, responsibilities, and limitations for both the user and the provider.
• Company Information: They clearly state “xilo Ltd. | Registered in England and Wales: 06451134 | VAT Registered: GB 930 3394 39 | © Copyright 2003-2025 xilo Ltd.” This level of detail on their registration and VAT status builds confidence, showing they are a legitimate, registered UK business.

User Testimonials

They feature a client testimonial from “Paul – Totally Techy Ltd, October 2008,” praising their support since 2003. While positive, it’s worth noting that this testimonial is quite old (over 15 years old). While it speaks to long-term client relationships, more recent feedback would provide a more current view of their service quality.

Xilo.net Features

Xilo.net provides a solid range of features designed to cater to different segments of the web hosting market. From individuals and small businesses needing basic web presence to larger enterprises requiring robust infrastructure, they seem to have the technical capabilities covered.

Shared Hosting Capabilities

• Core Technologies: They offer cPanel & Installatron, which are industry standards for web hosting management. cPanel provides a user-friendly graphical interface for managing websites, databases, emails, and more, while Installatron simplifies the installation of popular applications like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal with just a few clicks.
• Programming Language Support: PHP 5, MySQL 5, and CGI Perl are explicitly mentioned. While PHP 5 and MySQL 5 are older versions, it’s crucial for users to verify if newer, more secure and performant versions (like PHP 8.x and MySQL 8.x) are also available or if they are planning to upgrade. Running outdated software can pose security risks.
• Email Solutions: “MailFoundry – Webmail” indicates they provide a web-based email interface, essential for business communication.

Reseller Hosting Features

• Management Tools: Includes cPanel, WHM (Web Host Manager), and Installatron. WHM is the control panel for resellers, allowing them to manage multiple cPanel accounts, set up hosting packages, and oversee server resources for their clients.
• Infrastructure: Emphasises “UK Servers and Support,” which is a significant advantage for UK-based businesses concerned with data residency and latency.
• Account Management: “Unlimited Sub Accounts” is a compelling feature for resellers, offering flexibility in managing their client base without worrying about limitations on the number of accounts they can create.

Cloud Servers & Dedicated Servers

• Operating System Choice: For Cloud Servers, users can “Choose Linux or Windows,” providing flexibility based on their application requirements and technical expertise.
• Performance & Network: Both Cloud and Dedicated Servers highlight “Reliable and Fast Network” and “UK Network & Support.” High network reliability and speed are paramount for mission-critical applications and e-commerce sites.
• Access Level: “Full ‘root’ or Admin access” for Cloud Servers and “rDNS, Full Management*” for Dedicated Servers indicate that users get significant control over their server environment, which is crucial for advanced configurations and custom software installations. The asterisk on “Full Management” for Dedicated Servers suggests there might be terms or specific service levels associated with it, which users should investigate further.

Domain Names & SSL Certificates

• Comprehensive Offerings: Beyond just hosting, they also provide domain name registration and SSL Certificates. This allows users to manage their entire web presence under one roof, simplifying administration. SSL certificates are vital for website security, encrypting data between the user’s browser and the server, and are now a standard requirement for SEO and trust.

Xilo.net Pros & Cons

Every service has its strengths and weaknesses, and Xilo.net is no exception. Understanding these can help potential users make an informed decision based on their specific needs and priorities.

Pros of Xilo.net

• Established UK Presence: Operating since 2003, Xilo.net has deep roots in the UK hosting market. This longevity translates to experience, stability, and a reliable understanding of local market needs and regulations. They are a registered UK company (xilo Ltd., Reg. No. 06451134), which adds a layer of trust.
• Transparent Pricing: The clear “from per month” pricing on their homepage for core services is a significant advantage. It allows users to quickly grasp the entry cost without hidden surprises, fostering transparency.
• Comprehensive Service Range: From basic shared hosting to powerful dedicated servers, they cater to a wide spectrum of users. This scalability means a user can potentially grow their online presence with Xilo.net without needing to switch providers.
• Dedicated UK Support: The emphasis on “UK Support” and readily available UK phone numbers (0800 and 0333 prefixes) is a major plus for UK customers. This can mean faster response times, culturally relevant assistance, and resolution of issues during standard UK business hours.
• Standard Control Panels: The inclusion of cPanel and WHM ensures that users familiar with these industry-standard control panels will feel at home, reducing the learning curve. Installatron further simplifies application deployment.
• Acceptance of Various Payment Methods: Displaying logos for Visa, Mastercard, and potentially other payment gateways indicates flexibility for customers.
• Clear Legal Documentation: Easy access to Terms of Service and an Acceptable Use Policy demonstrates professionalism and outlines the rules of engagement, which is crucial for legal compliance and user understanding.

Cons of Xilo.net

• Outdated Testimonial: The prominently featured customer testimonial dates back to October 2008. While it speaks to long-term customer relationships, a testimonial that’s over 15 years old doesn’t reflect the current state of services or support quality. More recent feedback would be beneficial.
• Potentially Outdated Software Versions: The mention of PHP 5 and MySQL 5 on the shared hosting page is a concern. These are very old versions and can pose significant security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues with modern web applications. Users should confirm if newer, secure versions (e.g., PHP 8.x, MySQL 8.x) are available by default or as an option. If not, this is a major drawback.
• Limited Public Information on Performance: While they mention “Reliable and Fast Network,” there isn’t readily available information on their homepage regarding specific performance metrics like average uptime (beyond the status page link), server response times, or specific hardware details for shared hosting.
• Generic Acceptable Use Policy: While present, the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) is a general legal document. For an ethical review from an Islamic perspective, it’s crucial to confirm if their AUP specifically prohibits content such as gambling sites, adult content, riba-based financial services, or other impermissible activities. A general AUP might not be strict enough to align with certain ethical standards unless explicitly defined and enforced.
• No Clear Refund Policy on Homepage: While their Terms of Service likely cover this, a direct link or mention of a money-back guarantee on the homepage or service pages would be beneficial for new customers.
• Website Design Feels Dated: The overall aesthetic and layout of the website feel somewhat dated compared to many modern hosting providers. While functionality is key, an updated user interface can improve user experience and perception.

Xilo.net Alternatives

Given the specific context of ethical considerations, particularly within an Islamic framework, when choosing a web host, it’s not just about technical specifications but also the provider’s general stance and the nature of the content they facilitate. The goal is to choose a host that is reliable and supports ethical business practices.

• SiteGround
  • Reason for inclusion: SiteGround is known for its high performance, excellent customer support, and robust security. They are a reputable global provider with data centres in the UK, making them a strong choice for UK businesses looking for speed and reliability. Their general terms of service typically prohibit illegal and abusive content, aligning with a broad ethical approach.
• Krystal Hosting
  • Reason for inclusion: Krystal stands out for its strong ethical stance and commitment to sustainability (100% renewable energy). Being UK-based, they offer local support and have a reputation for transparency and privacy. For those seeking a host with a conscious approach, Krystal is a prime candidate, as their values generally align with supporting ethical businesses.
• Hostinger
  • Reason for inclusion: Hostinger offers extremely competitive pricing while maintaining good performance. They are a popular choice for startups and small businesses due to their affordability and user-friendly hPanel. Their large user base and general terms of service typically prevent highly illicit content, making them a viable option for legitimate online ventures.
• DigitalOcean
  • Reason for inclusion: While more developer-centric, DigitalOcean offers powerful, scalable cloud infrastructure. For those with technical expertise, it provides immense flexibility to build and host applications ethically. They have a clear Acceptable Use Policy that prohibits harmful or illegal activities, ensuring a clean hosting environment.
• A2 Hosting
  • Reason for inclusion: A2 Hosting is renowned for its speed, particularly with its “Turbo Servers.” They cater to a wide range of users, from shared hosting to dedicated servers, and are known for their developer-friendly environment. Their AUP is standard, prohibiting illegal content, which makes them a suitable choice for ethical projects requiring high performance.
• Fasthosts
  • Reason for inclusion: As a long-standing UK-based provider, Fasthosts offers a comprehensive suite of services and local support. Their established presence and range of solutions make them a practical choice for UK businesses. Like other reputable hosts, their terms are designed to prevent the hosting of illegal materials.
• GreenGeeks
  • Reason for inclusion: GreenGeeks is unique for its strong environmental commitment, matching 300% of the energy they consume with renewable energy credits. They offer reliable performance and good customer support. For those who wish to align their hosting choices with ethical and sustainable practices, GreenGeeks provides a clear advantage while maintaining high service standards.

How to Cancel Xilo.net Subscription

Cancelling a web hosting subscription, like with any service, typically involves following a specific protocol to ensure your data is handled correctly and your account is properly closed. It’s crucial to understand the process to avoid unexpected charges or service interruptions.

Understanding Xilo.net’s Cancellation Process

While the Xilo.net homepage doesn’t explicitly detail a step-by-step cancellation guide, common industry practices and general terms of service suggest a standard procedure. Most hosting providers require formal notification and often prefer it through their client area.

• Reviewing Terms of Service: The first and most critical step before attempting to cancel any service is to thoroughly read Xilo.net’s “Terms of Service.” This document will outline their official cancellation policy, including:
  • Notice Periods: Do you need to provide 7, 14, or 30 days’ notice before your next billing cycle? Failure to adhere to notice periods can result in being charged for an additional month or year.
  • Refund Policies: Under what conditions are refunds issued? Is there a pro-rata refund for unused service time, or are specific services non-refundable?
  • Data Handling: What happens to your data after cancellation? How long will they retain backups, if at all, before deletion? It’s your responsibility to back up all your data before cancellation.
• Accessing Your Client Area: Most hosting providers manage cancellations through their client portal. For Xilo.net, this would likely be via the “My xilo” login (https://my.xilo.net/).
  • Locate Service Management: Once logged in, navigate to your services or subscriptions section. There should be an option to manage individual hosting plans or domains.
  • Initiate Cancellation Request: Look for a “Cancel,” “Request Cancellation,” or similar button or link associated with your active service.
• Submitting a Support Ticket: If an automated cancellation option isn’t immediately obvious, or if you prefer written communication, submitting a support ticket (https://www.xilo.net/support/submit/) through their system is a robust method. Clearly state your intention to cancel and provide all necessary account details.
  • Keep Records: Always keep a copy of your cancellation request, including the date and time of submission, and any confirmation emails received.

Important Considerations Before Cancelling

• Backup Your Data: This cannot be stressed enough. Before cancelling, download all your website files, databases, emails, and any other critical data. Once the account is terminated, your data will likely be permanently removed.
• Domain Management: If your domain name is registered with Xilo.net, consider transferring it to another registrar before cancelling your hosting, especially if you plan to keep the domain active. Otherwise, you risk losing control of your domain.
• Email Accounts: Ensure you’ve migrated any essential email correspondence and address books if your email service is tied to the hosting account.
• Website Migration: If you’re moving to a new host, complete the migration of your website to the new provider and thoroughly test it before cancelling your Xilo.net service to minimise downtime.

Xilo.net Pricing

Understanding the pricing structure of a web hosting provider is essential for budgeting and comparing value. Xilo.net presents its initial pricing clearly on the homepage, which is a good starting point, but it’s important to delve deeper into what these figures entail and potential additional costs.

Overview of Stated Pricing

Xilo.net displays “from per month” pricing for its main hosting categories: Zerodotnine.co.uk Review

• Shared Hosting: From £3.99 per month
• Reseller Hosting: From £8.49 per month
• Cloud Servers: From £9.99 per month
• Dedicated Servers: From £69.99 per month

These are introductory prices and typically refer to the lowest-tier plan within each category, often requiring a longer commitment (e.g., annual or multi-year payment) to achieve the advertised monthly rate.

Factors Influencing the Final Price

• Billing Cycle: Most hosting companies offer discounts for longer billing cycles (e.g., paying for 12, 24, or 36 months upfront). Paying month-to-month usually incurs a higher effective monthly cost. Users should verify the actual monthly cost for shorter terms if annual commitment is not desired.
• Tiered Plans: Within each hosting category, Xilo.net (like other providers) likely offers multiple plans with increasing resources (e.g., more storage, bandwidth, domains, CPU cores, RAM). The “from” price is for the most basic plan. Upgrading to a higher tier will increase the cost.
• Add-ons and Extras:
  • Domain Names: While some plans might include a free domain for the first year, subsequent renewals or additional domains will be an extra cost.
  • SSL Certificates: While basic SSL (like Let’s Encrypt) is often free, premium SSL certificates with higher validation levels will incur additional fees.
  • Backup Services: While basic backups might be included, advanced or daily backup services often come at an extra charge.
  • Managed Services: For Cloud and Dedicated Servers, if “full management” isn’t entirely inclusive or if you require specific managed services, these could add significantly to the monthly cost.
  • Security Features: Beyond standard security, advanced firewall rules, DDoS protection, or malware removal services might be premium add-ons.
• Renewal Rates: This is a critical point that new users often overlook. Introductory prices are promotional. After the initial term (e.g., first year), the renewal rate can be significantly higher than the initial “from” price. It’s crucial to check the renewal costs in the Terms of Service or by contacting sales.
• VAT: As a UK-registered company, all advertised prices will likely be subject to VAT (currently 20% in the UK) unless explicitly stated otherwise. This should be factored into the total cost.

Comparing Value

When assessing Xilo.net’s pricing, it’s not enough to look at the raw numbers. Users should compare:

• Included Resources: How much storage, bandwidth, CPU, and RAM are included in the base plans at the advertised price?
• Feature Set: What specific features (e.g., number of websites, email accounts, databases, control panel versions, one-click installers) are part of the package?
• Support Level: Is the included support 24/7? What channels are available? Are there limitations?

By considering these factors alongside the base prices, users can determine the true cost of ownership and the overall value proposition from Xilo.net.

Xilo.net vs. Competitors

When evaluating a web hosting provider like Xilo.net, it’s insightful to compare its offerings against some of its well-known competitors in the UK and global market. This comparison helps highlight strengths, weaknesses, and where a provider truly stands out or falls short.

Xilo.net vs. SiteGround

• Xilo.net: Established UK presence (since 2003), good range of hosting options (shared to dedicated), clear initial pricing. Legacy systems might include older PHP/MySQL versions.
• SiteGround: Global reputation for performance, speed, and exceptional customer support. Managed WordPress hosting is a strong point. Generally, offers more up-to-date software versions and performance optimisations. Has a UK data centre.
• Verdict: For cutting-edge performance, modern features, and strong customer service with a slight premium, SiteGround often wins. Xilo.net might appeal to those prioritising a long-established UK-only provider with a more traditional setup.

Xilo.net vs. Krystal Hosting

• Xilo.net: Long-standing UK provider, broad service portfolio.
• Krystal Hosting: UK-based, strong ethical stance (100% renewable energy), focus on privacy, excellent UK support, and cPanel. Generally seen as a more modern, ethically conscious UK alternative.
• Verdict: Krystal appeals strongly to users who prioritise sustainability and strong ethical business practices alongside reliable UK hosting. Xilo.net is a more traditional, established choice.

Xilo.net vs. Hostinger

• Xilo.net: Offers dedicated servers and a longer operational history in the UK.
• Hostinger: Extremely aggressive pricing, especially for introductory offers. User-friendly hPanel (their custom control panel) makes it accessible for beginners. Global data centres, good performance for the price.
• Verdict: For budget-conscious individuals or small businesses, Hostinger often provides more bang for the buck, especially for basic shared hosting. Xilo.net’s pricing starts higher but offers more robust options up to dedicated servers.

Xilo.net vs. DigitalOcean

• Xilo.net: Provides managed hosting options, including shared and reseller hosting, suitable for less technical users.
• DigitalOcean: A cloud provider primarily aimed at developers and businesses needing highly scalable, unmanaged cloud infrastructure (“Droplets”). Requires technical expertise but offers immense flexibility and pay-as-you-go pricing.
• Verdict: These serve different audiences. DigitalOcean is for tech-savvy users building custom applications and needing granular control. Xilo.net is for those who prefer more traditional, potentially managed hosting environments.

Xilo.net vs. Fasthosts

• Xilo.net: Established, broad range of services, UK focus.
• Fasthosts: Another major UK-based hosting provider, offering a wide range of services from domains to cloud, with 24/7 UK support.
• Verdict: Both are strong UK-centric options. The choice often comes down to specific plan features, current promotional offers, and personal preference for support interaction, as both are very similar in their market positioning.

Key Differentiators

• Longevity vs. Modernity: Xilo.net’s primary differentiator is its long history. Some competitors, while newer, often leverage more modern infrastructure and software versions.
• UK Focus: Xilo.net strongly emphasises its UK servers and support, which is a major draw for UK businesses prioritising data residency and local support.
• Niche vs. Broad Appeal: While Xilo.net covers a broad range, some competitors might excel in a specific niche (e.g., SiteGround for WordPress, DigitalOcean for developers).

The ultimate choice depends on a user’s budget, technical requirements, desired level of support, and specific ethical considerations regarding the content they intend to host.

Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) and Ethical Hosting

The Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) of any web hosting provider is arguably one of the most critical documents to review, especially from an ethical standpoint. It dictates what content and activities are permissible on their servers and network. For a Muslim user, this policy needs careful scrutiny to ensure alignment with Islamic principles and to avoid inadvertently supporting impermissible activities.

Importance of the AUP

• Defines Boundaries: The AUP explicitly states what is prohibited. This includes illegal content (e.g., copyrighted material, child exploitation), but also often covers objectionable content like hate speech, excessive profanity, or spamming activities.
• Protects the Provider: It allows the hosting provider to suspend or terminate services if a user violates the terms, protecting their network, reputation, and other clients.
• User Responsibility: It places the onus on the user to ensure their hosted content and activities comply with the policy. Ignorance is rarely an excuse.

Xilo.net’s Acceptable Use Policy

Xilo.net provides a link to its “Acceptable Use Policy” in its footer. A thorough review of this document is paramount. Standard AUPs typically prohibit:

• Illegal Activities: Phishing, malware distribution, illegal downloads, terrorist content.
• Spamming: Sending unsolicited bulk emails.
• Network Abuse: DDoS attacks, port scanning, compromising network security.
• Copyright Infringement: Hosting copyrighted material without permission.
• Harmful Content: Hate speech, defamation, harassment.

Ethical Considerations for Muslim Users

While standard AUPs cover many common illicit activities, a Muslim user needs to go a step further. From an Islamic perspective, content that is deemed impermissible (haram) includes, but is not limited to:

• Gambling and Betting: Websites facilitating any form of gambling, lotteries, or betting.
• Pornography and Immoral Content: Adult content, sexually explicit material, or anything promoting promiscuity.
• Interest-Based Financial Services (Riba): Platforms promoting or facilitating interest-based loans, credit cards, or investments (unless structured halally, which requires specific verification).
• Music/Entertainment with Haram Elements: Websites primarily dedicated to music or entertainment that clearly violates Islamic principles (e.g., highly suggestive content, promotion of sin).
• Black Magic, Astrology, Fortune-Telling: Content promoting shirk (polytheism) or practices forbidden in Islam.
• Sale of Prohibited Goods: Websites selling alcohol, pork, non-halal meat, or narcotics.
• Blasphemy/Hate Speech: Content that insults prophets, religions, or promotes hatred against any group, particularly Muslims.

Action Required: Users must read Xilo.net’s AUP meticulously. If the policy is not explicit enough in prohibiting these specific categories, or if there’s ambiguity, it is advisable to:

1. Contact Support: Directly ask Xilo.net’s support team for clarification on their stance regarding hosting such content.
2. Seek Alternatives: If their policy is too broad, or if they permit content that is clearly impermissible in Islam, then it is ethically incumbent upon the user to seek a hosting provider whose AUP strictly prohibits such content. Some ethical hosting providers might explicitly state their commitment to supporting ethical businesses.

The responsibility ultimately lies with the user to ensure that by using a hosting service, they are not directly or indirectly facilitating activities that are forbidden in Islam. A robust AUP that is actively enforced is a strong indicator of a provider’s commitment to ethical standards. Weaccountax.co.uk Review

Security Measures and Data Protection

In today’s digital landscape, the security of your website and the protection of your data are paramount. Any reputable web hosting provider must implement robust security measures to safeguard against cyber threats, data breaches, and service disruptions.

Standard Security Features

Based on industry best practices, Xilo.net, as an established provider, would be expected to have certain foundational security measures in place:

• Firewalls: Network and server-level firewalls to filter malicious traffic and prevent unauthorised access.
• DDoS Protection: Measures to mitigate Distributed Denial of Service attacks, which can overwhelm servers and take websites offline.
• SSL Certificates: As they offer SSL Certificates, it implies support for encrypted connections (HTTPS), which is crucial for data privacy and security, especially for e-commerce sites. They should ideally provide free SSL (like Let’s Encrypt) as a standard.
• Regular Backups: Automated and regular backups of data are essential for disaster recovery. Users should clarify the frequency (daily, weekly), retention period, and ease of restoration.
• Malware Scanning & Removal: Services to detect and remove malicious software from hosted websites.
• Physical Security: For their data centres (though not explicitly detailed on the homepage), this would include restricted access, surveillance, and environmental controls.
• Software Updates: Regular patching and updating of server operating systems and control panel software (like cPanel/WHM) to address known vulnerabilities. This is particularly important given the mention of older PHP/MySQL versions. Users should inquire about their patching schedules.

Data Protection and Privacy (GDPR Compliance)

Given Xilo.net is a UK-based company, compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a legal and ethical imperative. GDPR imposes strict rules on how personal data is collected, stored, processed, and secured.

• Data Residency: Their emphasis on “UK Servers” is a positive for UK-based users concerned about data residency within the EU/UK legal framework. This helps ensure data is stored in a jurisdiction with strong data protection laws.
• Privacy Policy: While not explicitly linked on the homepage as a standalone “Privacy Policy,” it is typically integrated within the “Terms of Service” or a separate document. This policy should detail:
  • What data they collect about users.
  • How they use that data.
  • How they protect it.
  • User rights regarding their data (e.g., right to access, rectification, erasure).
• Data Processing Agreements (DPAs): For business users (especially those handling customer data), it’s important to know if Xilo.net can provide a DPA, which is a legally binding agreement outlining the responsibilities of both parties regarding data processing under GDPR.

Recommendations for Users

• Inquire about Specifics: While the homepage gives a general overview, contact Xilo.net’s sales or support to get detailed information on their security protocols, backup policies, and how they handle GDPR compliance for client data.
• Implement Your Own Security: Regardless of the host’s security measures, users should also take proactive steps, such as:
  • Using strong, unique passwords.
  • Implementing two-factor authentication (if offered).
  • Keeping their website software (e.g., WordPress, plugins, themes) updated.
  • Using security plugins or services for their specific CMS.

A layered approach to security, combining the host’s robust infrastructure with diligent user practices, is the most effective way to protect online assets.

Support and Customer Service Quality

Customer support is the backbone of any reliable web hosting service. When things go wrong, or you simply need guidance, responsive and knowledgeable support can make all the difference. Xilo.net highlights its support channels, so let’s delve into what this means for users.

Support Channels Offered

Xilo.net clearly advertises multiple ways to get in touch:

• Phone Support: They provide distinct phone numbers for Sales (0800 905 5000) and Support (0333 773 3000). The 0333 number is a non-geographic UK number, typically charged at standard landline rates, making it accessible.
• Online Ticket System: Users can “Submit a Ticket” via their support portal (https://www.xilo.net/support/submit/). This is an industry-standard method for tracking issues and receiving structured responses.
• Knowledge Base: A “Knowledge Base” (https://help.xilo.net/) and “Service Status” page (https://status.xilo.net/) are available. These are crucial self-help resources, allowing users to find answers to common questions and check for any ongoing service interruptions without needing to contact support directly.
• Enquiry Form: A general “Enquiry Form” for sales questions is also provided (https://www.xilo.net/info/ask_question/).

Expected Quality of Support

• Response Times: While not explicitly stated on the homepage, a good hosting provider aims for quick response times, especially for critical support tickets. Many providers aim for initial responses within minutes or a few hours for urgent issues.
• Availability: Is support available 24/7, or only during business hours? While UK phone numbers suggest UK-centric hours, the ticket system might be monitored round-the-clock for critical issues. Users should clarify this.
• Knowledge & Expertise: The quality of support ultimately hinges on the knowledge and expertise of the support staff. Can they effectively troubleshoot complex technical issues, or do they simply offer generic solutions? The older testimonial mentions “matt etc have always been polite and helped every single time,” which suggests a helpful team, but again, more recent feedback would be ideal.
• Tiered Support: Many providers operate a tiered support system, where initial queries are handled by frontline staff, and more complex issues are escalated to higher-tier technicians.
• Language: Being a UK-based provider, support will undoubtedly be in English, which is a clear advantage for UK customers.

Best Practices for Engaging Support

• Provide Details: When submitting a ticket, provide as much relevant information as possible: error messages, steps to reproduce the issue, screenshots, and affected URLs. This helps support staff diagnose the problem faster.
• Be Specific: Clearly articulate your problem or question.
• Be Patient: While quick responses are desirable, complex issues can take time to resolve.
• Follow Up: If an issue isn’t resolved, or you haven’t heard back within the expected timeframe, follow up politely.

The presence of multiple contact channels and self-help resources is a strong positive for Xilo.net, indicating a commitment to customer assistance. The actual quality, however, can only be fully assessed through direct interaction or by reviewing recent independent customer reviews (which were not part of the initial website review scope).

FAQ

What is Siccaro.co.uk?

Siccaro.co.uk is a domain that redirects to Xilo.net, which is a UK-based web hosting provider. Therefore, any review of Siccaro.co.uk refers to the services and operations of Xilo.net.

What services does Xilo.net offer?

Xilo.net offers a range of web hosting services, including Shared Hosting, Reseller Hosting, Cloud Servers, Dedicated Servers, Premium Hosting, Domain Names, and SSL Certificates.

How long has Xilo.net been in business?

Xilo.net (xilo Ltd.) has been in business since 2003, indicating over two decades of experience in the web hosting industry. Activitypro.co.uk Review

Is Xilo.net a UK-based company?

Yes, Xilo.net operates as xilo Ltd., which is a company registered in England and Wales (Company No. 06451134) with VAT registration (GB 930 3394 39).

What control panels does Xilo.net use?

Xilo.net uses industry-standard control panels such as cPanel for shared hosting and WHM (Web Host Manager) for reseller hosting, along with Installatron for one-click application installations.

Does Xilo.net offer UK servers?

Yes, Xilo.net highlights that it uses UK servers for its hosting services, which is beneficial for UK businesses concerned with data residency and lower latency.

What are the starting prices for Xilo.net’s hosting plans?

Xilo.net’s advertised starting prices are: Shared Hosting from £3.99/month, Reseller Hosting from £8.49/month, Cloud Servers from £9.99/month, and Dedicated Servers from £69.99/month. These are introductory “from” prices.

Are there any hidden costs with Xilo.net pricing?

As with many hosting providers, the advertised “from” prices are often introductory and might require longer billing cycles. Renewal rates can be higher, and additional services like premium SSL, extra backups, or domain renewals will incur additional costs. VAT (20% in the UK) would also apply.

Does Xilo.net provide SSL certificates?

Yes, Xilo.net offers SSL Certificates as part of its services, which are essential for website security and encrypting data.

How can I contact Xilo.net support?

You can contact Xilo.net support via phone at 0333 773 3000, by submitting a ticket through their online portal, or by checking their knowledge base and service status page.

What is the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for Xilo.net?

The AUP outlines the rules and regulations for using Xilo.net’s services, detailing prohibited activities such as illegal content, spamming, and network abuse. Users should review this policy to ensure their content complies with both legal and ethical standards.

Does Xilo.net support modern PHP and MySQL versions?

The website mentions PHP 5 and MySQL 5 for shared hosting, which are older versions. Users should verify with Xilo.net if newer, more secure, and performant versions (like PHP 8.x and MySQL 8.x) are available or if they plan to upgrade to ensure compatibility and security.

Is Xilo.net suitable for e-commerce websites?

Xilo.net’s hosting services, including shared, cloud, and dedicated options, can technically support e-commerce websites. However, the suitability depends on the specific plan’s resources, performance, and the availability of up-to-date software and robust security features like SSL certificates. Dstreeservices.co.uk Review

Can I host multiple websites on Xilo.net’s shared hosting?

The ability to host multiple websites typically depends on the specific shared hosting plan chosen. Users should check the details of each plan to determine the number of allowed domains or websites.

What happens to my data if I cancel my Xilo.net subscription?

Upon cancellation, your data is likely to be permanently removed from Xilo.net’s servers after a certain period, as per their Terms of Service. It is crucial to back up all your website files, databases, and emails before initiating any cancellation.

Does Xilo.net offer a money-back guarantee?

The Xilo.net homepage doesn’t explicitly mention a money-back guarantee. Customers should refer to their detailed Terms of Service or contact their sales team to inquire about any refund policies.

Are domain names included with Xilo.net hosting plans?

Some hosting plans with providers often include a free domain for the first year. Users should check the specific plan details on Xilo.net’s website to see if a domain name is included or if it needs to be purchased separately.

What are Xilo.net’s typical uptime guarantees?

While Xilo.net mentions a “Reliable and Fast Network,” specific uptime guarantees are not explicitly stated on the homepage. Most reputable hosting providers aim for 99.9% uptime. Users might find this information within the Terms of Service or by inquiring with support.

Is Xilo.net suitable for beginners?

With cPanel and Installatron, Xilo.net offers tools that simplify website management for beginners. However, aspects like choosing server types (Cloud, Dedicated) and understanding software versions might require some basic technical understanding.

Where can I find Xilo.net’s legal documents?

Links to Xilo.net’s “Terms of Service” and “Acceptable Use Policy” can be found in the footer section of their website under the “Legal” heading. These documents are essential for understanding the contractual obligations and usage rules.