Hosting Technical Information

This page addresses many specific concerns about hosting and the various features of our accounts. There's more info the hosting FAQ page and the tips section has many useful resources for learning more about the Web and Internet.

 

Web site control panel

A password-protected control panel is provided for administration of domain hosting accounts. It is accessed via a Web browser and is stored on the site. The controls enable management of the site, files, features and e-mail accounts, plus provide tools such as a file manager, a password protection interface, a script checker and a more. It also offers online help and resources to site owners.

 

Unlimited FTP

File Transfer Protocol, or FTP, is the method used to transfer pages and graphics to the server. This can be done 24 hours a day, every day, as often as needed.

 

POP3 e-mail

POP3 e-mail accounts (anyname@yourdomain.com) are stored on the server. E-mail sent to these addresses can be retrieved with any e-mail application from any ISP anywhere in the world. Addresses may be added and edited with the control panel.

 

Alias e-mail

Alias e-mail accounts are different from POP3s. They're virtual addresses (anyname@yourdomain.com) that actually forward to another account (anyname@anydomain.com). For example, sales@yourdomain.com forwards to yourname@yourdomain.com. The target address does not have to be a certain domain or our servers. Aliases may be added and edited with the control panel.

 

Default e-mail

Besides the POP3 and alias e-mail accounts, users can specify that any e-mail sent to unknown addresses on the domain are sent to a specified default account. Default e-mail may be added and edited with the control panel.

 

Autoresponders

Autoresponders are automatic e-mail messages that are sent from the server to anyone that e-mails an account on our servers. For example, an autoresponder can be set up so that when someone e-mails sales@yourdomain.com they will automatically receive a reply such as a message that the message was received and someone will be in touch soon. Autoresponders are available on all domain packages.

 

CGI execution

CGI scripts can add interactivity to a Web site. They are used for forms, some shopping cart systems, web counters, and other features.

 

File permissions

The site control panel provides a web-based file manager to set permissions on site files and directories.

 

Raw log files

In addition to site statistics, we provide raw log files that can be run on private analysis software for more advanced or customized reporting. Log files may be downloaded by FTP.

 

Microsoft® FrontPage® support

FrontPage® can be used to construct a site and add "web bot" components. Most IDI hosting packages allow FrontPage® extensions.

 

Downtime

In order to maximize reliability and upgrade to modern applications and equipment, IDI's Web and e-mail servers are periodically taken off-line for maintenance. This downtime occurs on the 1st and 15th of every month, from approximately 11:00 PM until 1:00 AM PST.

 

Backup data

IDI's tape back-up system is in place in case of a server crash or other disaster. IDI can provide restoration of client's files when requested, but this can only be handled during certain hours. In some cases, especially if large numbers of files are involved, we may not be able to complete restoration for up to 48 hours. Restorations not caused by a failure of our systems cost $50 per hour. Log files are not backed up.