1st Class Hosts

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

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Bullet How much are optional extras?
Bullet What is a domain name?
Bullet
Do I need a domain name to use this service?
Bullet
Which domain names can you host?
Bullet How can I find out if a domain name is available?
Bullet How long does it take to set up a hosting account?
Bullet How do I upgrade my account?
Bullet Do your servers support .NET?
Bullet How long does it take to register a domain name?
Bullet
What are Naming Authority fees?
Bullet Why register a domain name?
Bullet What are Virtual Servers?
Bullet What is E-mail Redirection?
Bullet How do I configure the unlimited E-mail accounts?
Bullet What can I use a Web Site for?
Bullet How do I get my Web site on the Internet?
Bullet What are POP3 Mail boxes?
Bullet What are Autoresponders?

Bullet How much are optional extras?
Please see our prices page.
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Bullet What is a domain name?
A Domain name is an internet address such as microsoft.com. This is a Top Level Domain (a TLD). The extensions .com, .net and .org are called "generic" domains because they are not affiliated with any country. More recent TLD's like .info and .biz are examples of global Top Level Domains (gTLDs). The extensions .uk (from the UK) and .tv (from Tuvalu) are examples of country code Top Level Domains (ccTLDs). The ccTLDs are operated by separate registry authorities in their respective countries. Some ccTLDs have been opened by their respective countries to anyone looking for a creative alternative to a gTLD. For example, .tv is now available for anyone who might want their Web extension to mean "television". Other ccTLDs have particular restrictions and sometimes a local presence is required. Back to top

Bullet Do I need a domain name to use this service?
We supply hosting for domain names and sub domains (but we can only host a subdomain if we already host the main domain to which it refers). If you have a domain name already then you will need to transfer it to us. If you don't have a domain name already then we can register one for you (eg yourdomainname.com). Choose the appropriate option on the order page. Back to top

Bullet Which domain names can you host?
We can host virtually any domain name and we can register/renew those which have the following extensions (end with):
.com, .net, .org, .biz, .info, .name, .eu, .tv, .cc, .co.uk, .org.uk, .ltd.uk, .plc.uk, .me.uk, .eu.com, .uk.com, .uk.net, .gb.com, .gb.net. We can also host subdomains (eg fred.flintstone.com) but only if we are already hosting the main domain to which it relates (eg flintstone.com). Back to top

Bullet How can I find out if a domain name is available?
Use our free domain name checker! Back to top

Bullet How long does it take to set up a hosting account?

Hosting is normally (M-F 9am-5pm) setup within an hour following your completion of the sign up process. For Transfers of existing domains it will be the following business day from your notification to us that you have made the change to your DNS Nameservers. Once its setup you will receive an email with all the details you need to start using your hosting space straight away! Back to top

Bullet How do I upgrade my account?
If you wish to add optional extras to your account (such as Statistics, FrontPage Extensions, SQL etc) you can order these upgrades via our upgrades and renewals page. Back to top

Bullet Do your servers support .NET?
Yes! Back to top

Bullet How long does it take to register a domain name?

We apply for your registration within a few hours of receiving your order. Back to top

Bullet What are Naming Authority fees?

These are fees to keep your Domain name current. When you order a new Domain you normally have to pay the naming fees for the first two years and thereafter every year to ensure that the domain name remains yours to use. Back to top

Bullet Why register a domain name?

There are many reasons for registering your own domain name. The main reason is to add credibility to your business. Very few people will ever view your Internet Business as serious, without your willingness to take this step to present yourself as a professional. The second reason is increased sales. In reality this is merely a result of increased credibility. The buyers perceived impression of your company can only be viewed as professional when you have your own Domain name. Owning your own Domain, gives you more control. Should you decide to change your Internet access account, it's a simple transition. Your Web Site and email addresses will not change. You can use email addresses such as webmaster@yourdomain.com, sales@yourdomain.com, or editor@yourdomain.com. Suddenly your company takes on a more professional and larger appearance. Back to top

Bullet What are Virtual Servers?

A virtual server is simply a computer, permanently connected to the Internet, which holds the details of your Domain and your email/web site. They also have several features/advantages over 'free web-space' including the ability to sell products and services by credit card directly from your Web site. Back to top

Bullet What is E-mail Redirection?

This is a service whereby E-mail addressed to any person, or department, at your Domain is redirected to another email account.  Back to top

Bullet How do I configure the unlimited email addresses?

By default we setup 'catch-all' email forwarding. This means that any email addressed to your domain is forwarded on to your current email address.  You can then use info@ sales@ etc and they will all be forwarded to you. Should you require individual email addresses (either POP accounts or forwards to other addresses) then you will need one of our Advanced or Professional plans.  Back to top

Bullet What can I use a Web Site for?

Having a presence on the Web gives you the opportunity to present your company and its products and services to a world wide audience 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year.

Many companies now use the Web to help support their products and services, so it is possible, for instance, to obtain the latest updates to software etc., by directly downloading them into your computer from the manufacturers’ Web site. Depending upon your business, you might consider providing a similar service of your own. Many such software oriented companies also allow users to download demonstration copies of their programs from their Web site.

You can use you Web Site simply as an on-line brochure, but one that is interactive and can accept queries, that are sent to you via E-mail. You can also use your Web Site to take orders via credit card, conduct research, display a photographic portfolio, update documentation or help files for your products etc. For more details please see our Terms and Conditions. Back to top

Bullet How much Web space do I need?

This really depends on the combination of facilities that you want to see on your Web Site. Much is dependent on the number, size and quality of any images you require to have available. We can supply any amount of space on request but most web sites do not need more than 100 megabytes. Back to top

Bullet How do I get my Web site on the Internet?

Once designed and developed a Web site needs to be 'uploaded' to the Internet. This can be done either from within programs like FrontPage or using an 'FTP' File Transfer Protocol program. There are many of these available (sometimes for free evaluation) from various place on the Internet. Try searching for 'FTP software' in a search engine like Google. Back to top

Bullet How do I get (more) people to visit my Web site?

Once your Web site is designed, developed and uploaded to the Internet, then there is one final task to be accomplished and that is publicity. Just putting an Web site on the Internet does not guarantee that people will find it. In fact unless you actively publicise it, its is unlikely that anyone will ever find it. You can publicise it in a number of ways: firstly include it (and your E-mail address) on all your company stationery, business cards, with compliments slips etc. If your company advertises in paper-based publications, then include your Web site (and E-mail address) within the adverts too. You should submit your Web sites details to all the major Web Search engines. Use a Web Site Promotion service which will submit your sites details to the search engines and directories. You should try and get your site linked to from other Web sites, perhaps your customers or suppliers. In addition you could actually place adverts on the Internet that link to your Web site. Back to top

Bullet How can I use formatted forms on my Web site and have the details emailed to me?

Use one of the free scripts we supply when your domain is hosted with us. Back to top

Bullet What are POP3 Mail boxes?

POP3 mail boxes allow you to separate out your email into different departments or people. We can provide an unlimited number of POP3 mail boxes for each Domain that we host. You can access a POP3 mail box using all the standard email programs (e.g. Outlook, Netscape, Eudora). Back to top

Bullet What are Autoresponders?

An Autoresponder sends an email automatically when an email is sent to it. You can use this feature to send out product or service details when a potential customer sends an email to a specified email address.  We can provide an unlimited number of Autoresponders for each Domain that we host. Back to top