WEB HOSTING
DOMAIN NAMES
WEB DESIGN
BILLING
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
WEB HOSTING
What's a web host?
A web host is a company that offers space on a web server that's "visible" to the Internet all the time. So after you build your website (or have DataFly.Net build it for you), getting it hosted is a bit like getting the phone service turned on so people can call you -- or go to your website, in this case.
Why is DataFly.Net less expensive than most other web hosts?
Because we can be. Our entire system is solid, well-oiled, and not over-burdened. Ironically, it's this thorough attention to detail and customer satisfaction and efficiency that reduces our costs in both operating and support.
Why is DataFly.Net more expensive than some other web hosts?
Some discount hosts cut corners by using consumer level hardware or jamming their servers with too many customers, resulting in sluggish or unreliable performance. We think you'll agree that fast, reliable, server-class hosting is well worth the 2 or 3 bucks a month you might have saved with a bargain host.
I need a dedicated server with 80 gigs of HD space and 1000 gigs of data transfer. Do you guys do that sort of thing?
You bet! If you need a more robust plan, just head on over to the Private Servers page and we'll be happy to accommodate.
Can I host more than one website on only one hosting account?
Yes, you can! All hosting packages (except Basic) include at least one add-on domain. That means you can host multiple websites with a single hosting account if you sign-up for Deluxe or better. Disk space and bandwidth restrictions are applied to your main account and add-on domains accumulatively.
How do I upload files to my site?
The easiest way is to use an FTP program such as WS_FTP for Windows, Transmit for Macintosh, or gFTP for Linux. You'll need to enter 3 things before you can connect. Once connected, you can use drag and drop files from your hard drive to the server.
Server: ftp.yourdomain.com
Username: username
Password: password
How can I access my Control Panel?
Just point you browser to www.yourdomain.com/cpanel and enter your username and password. Once there you can use the Control Panel to manage email accounts, view detailed statistics about your site's traffic, add subdomains, etc. CAUTION: Generally speaking the control panel is very safe to use, but as a rule of thumb, if you don't know what something does, don't do it!
DOMAIN NAMES
What's a domain name?
A domain name is simply the name that is used to access your website. For example, this website's domain name is: DataFly.Net. We have registered this domain and no one else can use it. Domain names are usually renewed annually at a typical cost of $35.00/year (but only $20 at DataFly.Net).
Do I really need a domain name?
Technically, no. When you sign up for hosting, a number called an IP address is assigned to your account and your website is accessible by this number. So as long as you don't mind having a website address that looks like this: 216.22.28.65, then you wouldn't need a domain name. However, most people prefer to have a more friendly and memorable name like "DataFly.Net" instead of a long string of numbers, so all hosting packages at DataFly.Net must have an associated domain name.
Why do I have to pay for a domain name AND hosting too?
When you register a domain name, you are inserting an entry into a directory of all the domain names and their corresponding computers on the Internet. This is a bit like paying to be listed in the yellow pages as well as paying for your telephone service. DataFly.Net simplifies the process for you by managing your domain name and hosting under the same roof.
Are DataFly.Net registration fees competitive?
Yes, very. The leading registrars normally charge $35/year for domain name registration. We charge $20/year (even less for 3 or more years) and take care of the whole process for you.
What if I already registered a domain name with another registrar?
No problem. You can leave it there if you like, or you can transfer your domain name to DataFly.Net, and we'll renew it for one year from the date that it was set to expire. So for example, if your domain name is still registered for another 5 months and you transfer it to DataFly.Net, we'll renew it for a year and your registration will now be good for 17 months.
How can I point my domain to your DNS?
If your domain is registered with another registrar and you don't plan to transfer the name to DataFly.Net's registrar service, you'll need to point your domain to our servers. You'll need to contact your registrar and ask them to change the Primary and Secondary DNS to: ns1.datafly.net and ns2.datafly.net respectively.
What are the advantages of having DataFly.Net manage my domain name, instead of registering it myself with a company like netsol.com or register.com?
That's easy. For one thing, we charge less than they do. And since you're dealing with only one company, we can oversee the entire process to make sure your domain registration, DNS settings and hosting account are all working together in perfect harmony.
Do I have to let DataFly.Net manage my domain name if I want hosting?
No, but we highly recommend it. It's cheaper, simpler, and allows us to make sure that all aspects of your web hosting package are working perfectly.
WEB DESIGN
Why do web designers charge so much?
Because it takes a really long time to design, build, test, debug, and fine-tune even the simplest website. Somewhat paradoxically, you may find that very experienced web designers often charge less than less experienced designers because they're able do the same job a lot faster. We're able to keep our web design prices even lower because we've streamlined the design and production process to avoid time consuming revisions.
What if I have my website built at DataFly.Net and I don't like it?
The design and production process is carefully designed to make sure that won't happen. You can read more about our website design and production process (coming soon).
I want to build my own site. Can DataFly.Net help me?
Sure! Everyone needs a helping hand from time to time. We offer consultation by email on a per incident basis. We charge just $10 per incident for this service. If you need us to do a bit of the work for you, just let us know and we'll be happy to give you a quote.
BILLING
Okay, what's the catch? Are there hidden costs somewhere?
No. Our basic web hosting plan is $9.95/month. Domain names are $20 per year -- or free with a year of hosting. So if you sign-up for a domain name and a year of hosting, your total cost for one year would be $119.40. There are no setup fees and no hidden costs.
How do you bill me?
We accept Visa or MC through our secure online server. We can bill your card either quarterly or annually. We offer monthly billing for Enterprise class hosting and Private Servers only.
Is my online credit card payment secure?
Yes. All credit card payments are made through our secure server using 128 bit SSL encryption. This is the same level of security used for online banking transactions.
Do I get email with my hosting plan?
Yes. Our basic hosting plan includes unlimited email accounts. We'd be happy to help you set it up if you need a hand.
Do I get web-based email with my hosting plan?
Yes. All of our hosting plans include a web-based email client so that you can check your email from any computer that's connected to the Internet. Just go to www.yourdomain.com/webmail, then login with username@yourdomain.com and your password.
How do I set-up my email?
First, set-up your accounts with email addresses and passwords using the Control Panel at www.yourdomain.com/cpanel. Next, add accounts to your email program of choice (such Outlook Express or Eudora). Your username is your full email address. Enter mail.yourdomain.com for both the POP server and the SMTP server. That's it! You should now be able to send and receive email.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
What if I have a question for Customer Support?
We offer 24/7 support through our online support ticket system. We respond to all support inquiries through this system within 24 hours and often within an hour. This system is by far the most convenient and efficient way of handling support inquiries.
What about phone support? Can I call you if I have a question?
Hosting companies that offer phone support often spend more than half of their operating budget on the phone support center. By not maintaining a phone support center, we're able to offer professional hosting services at very reasonable prices. We think you'll agree that compared to touch-tone menus and long hold times, our 24/7 online support is much more effective.
No Setup Fee
