Q: What is the difference between Web hosting and Web design? A: DomainMaker specializes in Web hosting. Web hosting is the behind-the-scenes service that involves the year-round system administration of web servers (hardware) and a connection to the Internet. We also administer domain name registration for our clients. We have the ability to watch over your domain name registration. Domain name registration are handled by third party registrars such as Bulk Register or Network Solutions. Our clients may get a seperate bill for their name registration. Compare domain name registration with registering your car with your states Motor Vehicles Department. Compare Domain Maker with your mechanic. We keep your web site running smoothly while your registrar maintains order and records for your name. Hosting also involves supporting new and emerging technologies such as PHP and MySQL. Domain Maker provides technical assistance that enables Web designers and programmers to implement these enhancements. Web design is the art of taking a multimedia message and putting it into a readable Web format. Back to Questions

Q: What is a domain? A: A domain professionally represents you on the Internet. Your domain name (http://www.yourname.com) is used instead of a hard to remember number commonly called an IP address. Domain names allow you to own as many personal e-mail addresses (you@yourname.com) as you can use. This means you can keep your email address for life. Back to Questions

Q: Who is the InterNIC? A: The original InterNIC was an organization responsible for maintaining the registration and routing of Internet domain names. The InterNIC has been recently changed and granted by the US department of Commerce to ICANN, a newly formed international non profit corporation. Without the newly formed group it would be virtually impossible to keep the Internet naming structure from being monopolized by one large company. The non profit corporation fosters competition by authorizing companies as new registrars. The consumer benefits. Because the marketplace has opened, domain name registration fees have fallen and continue to be reduced. As part of Domain Maker's business and the service we offer, we process your registration for your new domain name and perform a transfer from other hosting companies without charging you anything. Domain Maker gladly submits the paperwork for transfer without extra charges as part of our service. Back to Questions

Q: Can I access my domain address with or without the "www"? A: Yes, you will be able to access the domain address with or without the "www" in front of the domain name. Example: [http://www.yourname.com] or [http://yourname.com] is acceptable, whichever you prefer. Back to Questions

Q: Do you offer Internet access? A: No, you will need a local Internet access provider to maintain your web site and retrieve email addressed to your site. If you have questions concerning your current Internet access, and whether or not it will comply with Domain Maker's web services, please contact us via e-mail. Back to Questions

Q: How do I change my login password? A: Ask us to change it for you or use our handy control panel. Back to Questions

Q: Does Domain Maker handle the domain registration process? A: Yes. We can take care of every aspect of your Global top level domain name registration. Back to Questions

Q: Can I transfer existing domain name to DomainMaker's servers? A: Yes, just be sure to specify that you are requesting a transfer and NOT a new domain. You should keep the service with your current provider while waiting for InterNIC to complete the transfer process. We will provide you with a temporary IP address so you can mirror the site on our server. All email and web pages will still be accessed from your current site. Once you receive notice to approve changes from the InterNIC, it may take another 48 hours for InterNIC's Zone files to be thoroughly updated. Your current provider is notified when we submit your paperwork to the InterNIC, so unless you have local copies of your entire web site, downloading and uploading to your new server is highly recommended. Back to Questions

Q: How long does it take before my domain name is active? A: Once the InterNIC announces that your domain name has been registered (or transferred, if applicable), it usually takes about 24 hours before the domain name is active. All Internet providers must update their records (DNS tables) at least once a day to reflect any new domain name. New names take less time since there isn't any approvals needed to register a new name. Your permission is required (usually by e-mail) in the case of a transfer . Allow a little extra processing time for transfers. Most registrars update their records at 5AM and 5PM EST. Back to Questions

Q: How do I transfer files to my web site? A: Files must be transferred to the web server via File Transport Protocol (FTP) or by using Microsoft Front Page. We are happy to teach you how to use FTP, e-mail, or other Internet software. You can reach customer service by e-mail or telephone 24 hours a day. Back to Questions

Q: Will I have unlimited access to update my pages? A: You have unlimited access via FTP 24-hours a day. As such, you can create and maintain your web pages on your own computer and upload files to your web site at your leisure. Back to Questions

Q: Can I use my account for commercial purposes? A: Yes, you can use your account for commercial purposes. The World Wide Web has become the most efficient and cost-effective means of making information available to the users of the Internet community and we encourage our customers to utilize such an enormous medium. Back to Questions

Q: Do you offer technical support to customers? A: Yes. We encourage our customers to send e-mail to us with questions or concerns regarding their web service. Your questions will be answered promptly and courteously within 24 hours. No question is trivial to us. Back to Questions

Q: How long does it take to set up a new account? A: New accounts are generally set up or transferred within 24 hours from the time we receive your order. Once an account is set up an activation notice will be sent to you via email including your user-ID, password, and FTP hostname. You can begin uploading files to your new web site immediately. If you requested a transfer, this makes it possible for you to suffer no down time while the InterNIC processes your domain name transfer. Your billing with DomainMaker begins on this day since you have been granted access to space on our servers. Back to Questions