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Domains

What is a domain Name?

A domain name tells people (and the computers they use) how to find your homepage on the Internet. Your hosting provider assigns each domain name to a numerical IP (Internet Protocol) address. People remember names better than numbers, but computers translate www.yourname.com into IP address numbers.

Why do I need to register a domain name?

Registering a domain name for your business or organization is essential to your marketing efforts. A domain gives your business credibility and a unique identity on the World Wide Web.

What is a URL?

It stands for Univesal Resource Locator. Some people refer to it as a web address (although URL is not limited to the web). An example of a URL is http://www.sohostme.com. Please note that a URL is a unique identifier. No two websites can have the same URL. This is the reason why you should register your domain name before someone else does.

What is an IP address?

Every computer on the Internet has a numeric address called IP-Address that is used to identify the location of the computer. An example of an IP address is 216.251.32.100. This kind of addressing system is cumbersome and hard to remember for humans. Having a domain name will eliminate the need to remember an IP address.

What is a DNS?

DNS stands for "Domain Name Server". It translates domain names into IP addresses that computers understand. For example, if someone wants to access our website (www.sohostme.com), the DNS will translate the domain into the IP address 216.251.32.100, which will allow the computer to locate our web server.

What are the components of a domain name?

A domain name consists of two or more words separated by a period. The last word (the far right) is called a "top-level domain". Here are some common top-level domains and their use:

.COM
Used for commercial entities. It is the most popular top-level domain. Anyone can register a .com domain.

.NET
Originally used for networking organizations such as Internet Service Providers and backbone providers. Today, anyone can register a .net domain.

.ORG
Designed for miscellaneous organizations, including non-profit groups. Today, anyone can register a .org domain.

.EDU
Four-year, accredited colleges and universities.

Country Codes

Other top-level domains include those for countries (.CA for Canada, .UK for the United Kingdom, .HK for Hong Kong, etc.), which are based on the International Standards Organization's 3166 standard for country abbreviations.

To the left of the top-level domain is what is called the "second-level domain." In sohostme.com, "sohostme" represents a second-level domain within the top-level domain of .com.

Do you handle the domain registration process? How much does it cost?

Yes, we now register domain names for as low as CDN$21.99/year! We also take care of any modifications on your already existing domain (i.e. transferring your existing domain to our servers). By paying for the name yourself, you are assured of complete title and ownership of it.

How will I be able to tell if my desired domain name is already taken?

Before registering a domain name you will first have to do a "Whois" search to see if the requested domain name is available. You can do this right from our website. If you need more detailed information about the ownership of the domain name we suggest the following URL: www.checkingdomain.com.

Can I register a domain name without web hosting?

If you do not need any of our hosting plans, feel free to take advantage of our Free Parking. You can park your domain names indefinitely on our servers at no extra cost, as long as you maintain ownership of your domain.

Once I have secured my name, how long may I use it?

If there are no trademark disputes, your secured domain name will be yours for as long as you maintain the yearly registration fees with SO HOST ME.

What if my desired domain name is the same as a trademarked name?

If you register a name in good faith, it does not belong to an internationally known company and you can show that you have a legitimate reason to use the name, you will probably be able to keep the name. This may not be the case if it can be shown that you purchased the name for the express purpose of re-selling it to a company with a legitimate claim to the name.

How do I choose a good domain name?

It is important to choose a domain that will reflect the intent and purpose of your website or business. Try to keep it short and simple. Your domain name will be one of the ways people recognize or evaluate the site for their interests when they are searching via Yahoo! or other search engines.

What are the valid characters for a domain name, and how long can it be?

The only valid characters for a domain name are letters, numbers and a hyphen "-". Other special characters like the underscore "_" or an exclamation mark "!" are NOT permitted. Example: your name.com (not correct, no spaces allowed) Example: your-name.com (is correct) A domain name can be up to 72 characters long -- including the 4 characters used to identify the Top Level Domain (.NET, .COM, .ORG, or .EDU). Do not type the www. before your domain name when registering.

Can I transfer an already existing name to your servers?

Yes, simply specify that you are requesting a transfer and NOT a new domain. You should keep the service with your current provider while waiting for your registrar to complete the transfer process. This can take from 3-5 days.

Do you charge to transfer the dns of my existing domain to your servers?

Absolutely not! If you use one of our hosting packages, the least we can do is transfer your domain DNS to our servers for you!

How do I transfer my existing name to your servers?

Most registrars give you a username and password so you can go to their site, login and make the necessary DNS modifications (change hosts). You'll need to enter in our nameserver information as follows:

Primary IP: 216.251.32.100
Primary Hostname: ns1.meganameservers.com
Secondary IP: 216.251.32.101
Secondary Hostname: ns2.meganameservers.com
Secondary IP: 64.29.144.65
Secondary Hostname: ns3.meganameservers.com


Do I have to pay for my existing domain name again if I sign up with you?

Probably not. Most registrars, including Network Solutions, Register.com, and OpenSRS, don't charge you to do DNS Modifications.

Can you host international domain names?

Yes, we can host any foreign extension. We will help you register these names when possible. Otherwise, we will provide you with the information that you need to register the name yourself.

Who is WildWest Domains?

WildWest Domains provides second level domain name registration services for the .com, .net .org, .info and international namespaces. WWD is fully accredited by ICANN and officially recognized by Network Solutions.

I just registered a domain name and it' vs still showing as available! Is it registered?

Of course! It will take between 24-48 hours for DNS Propagation. DNS Propagation is the process by which the computers on the Internet update their records (DNS tables) to reflect new site name(s). When this is complete, your name can be accessed and recognized on the Internet.

Hosting

What is Disk Space?

This is the set amount of files (measured in megabytes) that you can store on your server space.

What is Bandwidth?

Bandwith is the monthly transfer of data you are allowed.

What is WebsiteOS?

WebsiteOS is an advanced, easy to use automated control panel with many features that let you control and manage your website and email.

What Programming languages can I use for my site?

Depending on your package,
HTML, Java, Flash, Swish, Perl, PHP, CGI, SSI and JavaScript, ASP/ASP.NET, ColdFusion. Others are available on request. You can ask to have special files or programs uploaded to our servers, and most often we will comply. A small fee may apply.

What is your server uptime?

We have a guaranteed 99.9% uptime on our servers which is maintained for our clients. Our servers are some of the most advanced in the world and they ensure that your data is both safe and reliable.

Do you have an online order system?

It's coming soon!

Who do I contact about problems with my account?

Visit our contacts section, there are many ways we can get in touch.

Do you offer a trial package?

An online demo is in the making.

I already own a domain, can I transfer it to a hosting account with SO HOST ME?

Yes you can, and we will be happy to tranfer it to our servers for free. Please contact sales for more details.

What is a "parked domain"?

Parked domains are basically an alias domain name to your master domain, it will be pointing to the same webpages as your master domain is pointing to.

Which domain extensions can I host with my SO HOST ME account?

You can use any ICANN, InterNIC or Nominet accredited domain extension with our server. (All common ones will work - .com, .biz, .net, .org, .co, .uk, .info, etc.)

Can I upgrade my account?

Yes, you can upgrade to any of our packages. Please contact sales for details.

What happens if I exceed my monthly transfer allowances?

You will receive an email from us asking you to either upgrade your account or purchase more bandwidth. You will have 10 days to respond to the email or your site may be terminated until the next calendar month when bandwidth totals are reset.

Which credit cards do you accept for online payment?

We currently accept...

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