A good host is hard to come by. For shared hosting, StringFoo recommends A2 Hosting. The price vs. feature set can't be beat.
In fact, StringFoo.com and its sister sites, StringerSites.com and Lockbox.cc, are all hosted by A2. You can get perfectly adequate LAMP shared server for $3.95/mo.
For dedicated hosting for larger sites, we recommend Rackspace. While they aren't the least expensive host out there, their hand-holding and service are next to none. This can make all the difference on large scale sites. If you call them, please let them know that you were referred by Stringer Sites (they keep me in free t-shirts if you do).
Useful Stuff to Web Developers
Lockbox.cc - Secure Password Storage
LockBox is a free, secure repository for all of your sensitive bits of information. Examples include passwords, account log-ins, product serials and more. LockBox can store almost any information you want. How you use it is up to you.
New to web development? Here are five books that absolutely must be on your bookshelf. I use them so frequently, my copies are dog-eared and coffee-stained. I'm even on my second copy of two of them.
PHP Cookbook
If you bounce between programming languages, and have to dust off the syntax, the PHP Cookbook is a fantastic resource. Well indexed, and exceedingly thorough, this book is a must-have.
Programming PHP
Programming PHP is also a must-have given its in-depth explanation not only of the lexicon and basics, but also its detailed explanations of some more advanced concepts such as object oriented programming, script security, error handling, and performance tuning.
High Performance MySQL
You'll learn more about optimizing MySQL in High Performance MySQL than you ever will from the MySQL manual.
JavaScript - The Definitive Guide
Fat. Definitive. Exhaustive. Terrible if you're human. Fantastic if you're a book. JavaScript - The Definitive Guide is the bible for JavaScript.
JavaScript & DHTML Cookbook
Look, ma! Stupid web tricks! Actually, this is a handy way to get up to speed on DHTML painlessly. Like the indispensable PHP Cookbook, JavaScript & DHTML Cookbook will quickly become your go-to reference for real-world JavaScript.