Hosting Frequently Asked Questions

We're glad to answer questions about the World Wide Web and Web site hosting. Please check through the questions below to learn more. There's also hosting info on the technical info page and the tips section has resources for learning more about the Web and Internet.

 

What is Web site hosting?

Web hosts, or servers, are the actual computers that have the files composing a site. These computers are specially configured to provide Web pages and FTP files to anyone across the World Wide Web. We can register domain names, which becomes unique address on the World Wide Web ("www.yourdomainname.com"). TOP

 

What is a domain name?

A domain name, such as insightimagery.com, is really a shortcut to an IP address, which is a unique number assigned to every computer on the Internet. Domains include .com, .org, .net, .ca, etc. This name allows Web users to access a site from any Web-enabled computer on the Internet. TOP

 

What does it take to get started with hosting?

A domain name is needed first. This involves checking for name availability and registering the domain. Registration of .com domains lasts for two years then must be renewed. InSight will handle the registration at cost, without markup. For those with existing domains who wish to hosting with InSight, we will transfer the domain free of charge (set up fees still apply). TOP

 

What domain names are available?

Check name availability by e-mailing IDI. We're glad to check for possible names, including variations. There's no charge or obligation. TOP

 

Are names other than ".com" available?

That depends on the use of the Web site. The .com domain is for commercial sites in the US. Other domains, such as .org, .net, .edu, etc, are reserved for specific purposes. Contact IDI to discuss ideas for using the Web without cost or obligation. TOP

 

How soon is a domain name site active?

Once a domain name is registered (or transferred), it usually takes under 48 hours to establish the host account. In some cases it is possible to have the host account already prepared. After setting up hosting, it commonly takes up to 48 hours for the site address to propagate across the Internet. TOP

 

Can an existing domain be transferred to IDI?

Yes. Just contact IDI for details and to arrange the transfer. Keep the service at the present host until the change is complete. After the name transfers there is a 72 hour period where visitors could go to either site. The former host will be e-mailed to notify them of the change. The previous host must authorize the release the domain name. It is often necessary to contact the previous host by phone to confirm the ransfer. TOP

 

Can a domain be used without the "www?"

Yes, the domain may be accessed with or without the "www" in front. TOP

 

Does IDI provide commercial hosting?

Yes. We have several customers who use IDI hosted web sites for electronic commerce. Commerce is one of the most powerful and rapidly-growing uses of the Web. TOP

 

Do your servers support secure transactions?

Yes. Our Plus and Business hosting packages includes shared use of our Secure Socket Layer (SSL) server, which allows users to send secure encrypted data via the Internet. TOP

 

How much data transfer is needed for a site?

Few sites will exceed 2000 MB of data transfer per month. We can help estimate the expected bandwidth usage for high-traffic sites. We have packages that are tailored to suit the traffic requirements of any site, no matter what size the data transfer. TOP

 

How are files transferred to a Web site?

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is used to move files from a computer to a Web site. It's a simple process or we can handle it for a small fee. When a site is designed by IDI there is no charge to post it. TOP

 

Is there unlimited access to update a site?

Yes, we offer unlimited FTP access with all domain packages. Uploads are possible anytime with no extra charges. TOP

 

What are the payment terms?

Payment may be made by company or personal check, cash, or money order. We require a quarterly contract for all hosting packages. One month's free hosting is offered for annual payment. Hosting packages are subject to our terms and conditions. TOP

 

Can hosting packages be changed?

Yes. To upgrade or downgrade packages e-mail a requestnor call 503 622 5629. A new setup fee will be charged for changes, however any remaining balance will be prorated and transferred to the new plan. TOP

 

How is technical support handled?

We ask clients to e-mail technical support issues. We will respond via e-mail or telephone to promptly address the issue. If e-mail is not sufficient then call by phone for assistance. TOP

 

Can a home computer be used for hosting?

Some home and small business computers can be used for Web hosting, but the technical and logistical complications can be extreme. Small computers generally don't have the capacity to handle Web serving, especially while running other applications. Also, the pages are only available when the computer is on. The biggest restriction, though, is the connection. A standard modem line is severely inadequate, in some cases making hosting impossible. TOP

 

Does IDI offer dial-up Internet access?

No. To use the Internet and retrieve e-mail addressed to a domain local Internet access is needed, available through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Our bandwidth is dedicated exclusively to providing high-speed Web hosting, not residential dial-up access. TOP

 

Don't ISPs offer hosting too?

Some ISPs offer limited Web hosting with certain dial-up acounts, which can be adequate for very basic uses. Because of conflicting system demands, however, most ISP-hosted pages run slower and experience more downtime than those hosted on dedicated Web server networks. TOP