Usman Asar

Nirvinkar, the zebra THEME should have worked on 2.5 too as its listed in the compatible themes for 2.5, what customized work you have done on Zebra? also what Moodle version you have been using before?

if the newest theme is available, which in your case is 2.5.0 (Build: 2013082200), you should replace the THEME directory in your current moodle installation with the new one, all customized work (if its not the part of the THEME) will remain intact. if you have made changes to the CSS/Scripts etc inside that theme, then you can download new Zebra, and make changes to the code as desired, zip it again and upload to servers replacing with the current Zebra installation.

Melissa, why not give a try to host that does MOODLE ONLY hosting, like MOODLEHOSTING.COM

they have shared, as well as dedicated plans, and have got slider/comparison as well to give you idea, how many users each account can handle.

Rick, if you have to get an account just for tests, why not use mdl2.com?

they allow you make FREE moodle site, with many (if not all) themes to test, as you get your packages already installed.

also, you mentioned using VPS with bluehost, is it the VPS you are using or the shared personal accounts? even there shared personal accounts will surpass many out there. Like I said, I had been with them for 9 years, not now though, but they are absolutely recommendable.

Litespeed works instead of Apache, but switch is instant without any changes, you can find litespeed hosts at there site Litespeed partners You will be able to find plenty of shared and VPS/Dedicated hosts listed there who are offering Litespeed, some have litespeed as default (Like Crocweb, Stablehost) on some this is an option, as unlike Apache which comes free, litespeed is paid server so hosting companies keep it as an option to the customer.

I have heard good recommendations about CrocWeb (They have litespeed and cloudlinux), but because they offer just personal accounts, so you may would be better off with Stable hosts' enterprise class hosting starting from $19.95, they are on RAID-10 SAS discs, so no performance bottlenecks coupled with litespeed servers. it will be powerful.

you dont have to worry about the servers running at backend, as you'll be given CPanel to work with to use Moodle.

I have had used bluehost/hostmonster (same company) shared personal hosting with Moodle 1.9 in past, and it worked well. if you want to try them out, then start with there Shared PRO accounts, starting at $24 a month, and with bluehost you have ease of switching/upgrading at time as when you feel like needing it, all you have to do is tell the staff what time you want the switch, and  it will be over even before you have managed to make yourself a cup of tea.

Gareth, Tim must be on the version available on the plug-in database, there are issues with that version, and I have seen cases (including myself) that by upgrading Essential from GitHub has taken care of the issue. i wonder where Julian have been hiding not to update it on plug-in database to stop people from downloading the faulty version of the Essential.