Good Hosting Site For A Joomla Based Environment?

my friend and i are working on some web-based-commerce ideas and at current we're at godaddy.com. i can only imagine the vitriol they've rightfully earned here, as we decided to be done with them when the $30 SSL license they told us we could get one night quickly became $78 because there was a new "turboSSL server" package we needed, nevermind the guy the first time said with our hosting options we only needed to go through them for the SSL license, so basically, either the first guy lied to us or the second guy tried to hustle us, either way, i dont like companies whose sales model is revealed like the plot in a horror movie, so we're looking to go elsewhere.

basically we're looking for a virtual private server setup, although actually another question i'd love to ask someone is if joomla is better served on unix/linux or windows, with a few dozen accounts needed, and by accounts i mean domains and whatnot, as right now it's basically the blanket idea that you grab the names you need, or might go to if you change your mind on company names...

so basically, with all the people here talking about bad experiences with places, are there any good experience type places where someone can get competent tech support, no hustling in sales pitches, and quality service at a nice solid price?

again, sorry to show up and start asking for things, but i'm not necessarily well versed in these arts yet... rest assured once i have some information i shall contribute to the community and help others who are in my position now