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FAQs about building a site
FAQs about hosting
Calculating pricing and turn-around time
Advanced hosting FAQs
How much data transfer will I need?
You can figure out how much data transfer you will require by estimating your average page size (including graphics!) and multiplying it by the number of page views you expect to have in a month. For example: with an average page size of 50 KB, and around 2000 page views per day, you will transfer an average of 3 GB per month. In this case, you should get a plan with 4 to 5 GB of data transfer limit per month, so you don't have to worry about overstepping your account's limit, which may cause extra per GB transfer charges.
Can't I just get a DSL line or a cable modem and host the site or my own computer?
Sure, you could do that, but it's not a good idea for several reasons. First, a vast majority of ISPs won't let you legally use a residential cable modem or a DSL line to host a public server. You would have to get a more expensive business package. Second, ADSL and cable lines usually have lower upstream bandwidth than downstream bandwidth, so your site may appear to be sluggish under heavy traffic. Third, DSL and cable lines have a much lower reliability than dedicated T1 or better lines. Fourth, you wouldn't have the benefit of data security, data backup, UPS power, or technical support that a host can provide.
Do I need stats?
Probably not but they are provided if needed.
My site is database-driven and uses 50 GB per month in transfer. Can I simply use a host with an unlimited transfer plan for $10 per month?
No. Most hosts are in business to make money and they would lose money hosting your site. They have to pay from $0.3 to $5 per GB of transfer to upstream providers themselves. Almost all hosts that have "unlimited" plans specify in their acceptable use policies that no site can use an "excessive" amount of resources. If you use too much disk space, bandwidth, or CPU time, these "unlimited" hosts will ask you to upgrade or leave.
Can I run my own software on my site?
This depends on your needs. To get a full control over all aspects of your server, you will need a dedicated or co-located server instead of a shared plan.
Do I need a static IP address for my site?
Maybe. There are some advantages to having a unique IP for your site. When you change servers, you can point your users to a new IP, so they don't have to wait for the domain name change to propagate. With a static IP, it can also be simpler to upload and test your site before transferring the domain name to a new server. Setting up SSL is also much simpler. You may also not want to share your IP with some sites that could lead to your site being banned by search engines or spam lists.
Which domain name extensions can you register for me?
We are not a registrar but are more then happy to assist in the selection and registration of any available domain name.
How much will I pay for domain names?
Registrar's charges can vary depending on who you use. Prices typically range from $15-35 a year depending on the registrar.
Is there a limit to the length of my domain name?
Domain names can be up to 67 alphanumeric characters and hyphens. This includes the .com, .net, .org, etc. extension. In addition, domain names cannot begin or end with a hyphen and .biz and .info domain names must have at least four characters (not including the extension).
How do I register an international domain name? (e.g., .uk, .ca, .br, etc.)
Please register your domain with a registrar that operates within your country. Once the registration process is complete, you can easily transfer your international domain to us.
What if I already have a domain name? Can I transfer it to you?
Yes, you can transfer any domain name to our system. This does not mean you are transferring ownership to us, but only having your domain name server (DNS) point to our servers.
Is there a fee for domain transfer?
No, all domain transfers are free, regardless of the extension. Setup fees may apply, however, if there are items that need setting up like email accounts, databases, etc.
Are there any extra costs involved in hosting a secure site?
Yes, you'll need to get a digital certificate from a Certificate Authority such as VeriSign, Thawte, or Equifax Secure.
Should I go with a big or small hosting company?
This depends on your preferences. Large companies might be considered to have better chances of staying in business for a long time and may be able to negotiate better deals for their customers, but small hosts are usually cheaper, provide better support for individuals and small businesses, and are quicker to offer new features.
Are there any advantages to getting a domain name with Network Solutions instead of a cheaper company?
No.
I don't want my site to be down. Ever. What host should I use?
No host can provide 100% uptime. We monitor uptime for many hosts and you could use this data as a guide. But even the biggest and best multi-million dollar sites go down from time to time due to various unforeseen circumstances.
Can I reduce the amount of data transfer my site needs?
Usually yes. Try to optimize all the graphics on your site. Many GIFs don't look noticeably worse with fewer colors. Don't duplicate graphics files, let the browser cache them. Try to clean up your HTML by using relative paths, short filenames, less extras, and reducing the number of spaces and new lines.
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