Q: What is web hosting?

	Web hosting is a technology service that allows you to post information on computers with permanent connections to the Internet, so people can access your information anytime, from computer with a Web browser.

Q: Why do I need a website?

If you have information that you want to share with other people, there's no better way to do it than with a website. From individuals that are passionate about a favorite hobby, to businesses that want to sell products and services to a world-wide audience, the Web has changed the way we communicate. In today's market, people are more likely to look for your business on Google than in the Yellow Pages. Can you afford to NOT have a website?

Q: How can I get a web address?

You can register your web address, also known as your DOMAIN, through a Domain Registrar, like Network Solutions. Domain registrars maintain directories that allow your domain to be associated with an IP address, used to route data over the Internet. Domains can be registered for up to 10 years. Our Online Basics and Online Marketing Suite packages include a free 1 year registration for your domain.

Q: How can I get personalized e-mail for my business or myself?

Your hosting account includes e-mail, so once you register a domain and sign up for a hosting plan, you're all set.

Q: What is data transfer or bandwidth?

Data transfer is a KB count of all information transferred in and out of your account, including your website files, e-mail, and FTP.

Q: What is e-commerce?

E-commerce refers to a collection of Web-based programs and services to allow you to sell products and services directly from your website, and process payments in real time.

Q: Do I need special software to create a website?

While many people prefer to use special programs like Microsoft Front Page to create their site, it's not a requirement. Thobson can do a custom website development to suite your corporate identity and colours.

Domain Name Search & Services Q: What are Thobson's DNS (domain name server) names?

Primary: NS1.THOBSON.COM Secondary: NS2.THOBSONHOST.COM Tertiary: NS3.THOBSONONLINE.COM

Q: Which domain name extensions can you register for me?

Thobson can register more than 60 domain TLD with various country codes domain names. If you require a domain name with a different extension, including international domains, you can still host your site with Thobson. Click to see the complete list.

Q: How much do you charge for domain names?

THOBSON partners with leading domain registrars so that we can offer our customers the lowest possible price on registering their domain. For pricing information, Click here

Q: Is there a limit to the length of my domain name?

Domain names can be up to 67 alphanumeric characters and hyphens. This includes the .com, .net, .org, etc. extension. In addition, domain names cannot begin or end with a hyphen and .biz and .info domain names must have at least four characters (not including the extension).

Q: How do I register an international domain name? (e.g., .uk, .ca, .br, etc.)

We host many international websites, and we also register international domains for various countries. Please contact Thobson Sales for more information including the pricing structure.

Q: What if I already have a domain name? Can I transfer it to Thobson?

Yes, you can transfer any domain name to Thobson's Domain System. This does not mean you are transferring ownership to us, but only that you are transferring your domain server name (DNS) to point to Thobson's servers.

Q: Is there a fee for domain transfer?

No, all domain transfers are free, regardless of the extension.

Web Hosting Q: If I currently own a domain or have a website, can I transfer it to Thobson?

Your new website will be hosted in our state-of-the-art facility, where our DNS servers have the stability and reliability your business needs to compete and grow. In order for your domain name to point to your new site, you must notify your domain registrar that your domain name needs to be pointed to the Thobson Name Servers listed below. Please allow your registrar time to update their systems, and for the information to propagate throughout the global Internet, which may take up to 3 days. Use the following Thobson name servers: Please contact Thobson Support Center for a list of name servers.

Q: How long will it take for my site to propagate or be seen?

Once you register a new domain or transfer an existing one, you must let your domain registrar (the company with whom you registered your domain) know where your site will be residing (unless you registered it at Thobson) so they know where to point your domain. You do this by providing your registrar with your Web host's name server information. The Internet is a worldwide network, and is not based on one central computer. Therefore, when your registrar sends out the information that your domain needs to point to a new server, it takes several days for this information to spread to all the computers on the Internet, all over the world. Once all computers on the Internet "realize" the name servers and website to which your domain is now pointing, propagation is complete. This process is not controlled by your domain registrar, your Web host, or any other single factor. The fact that it is not a centralized process may contribute to the amount of time it takes to occur.

Q: Can you help me build my website or do you have a tool I can use?

Yes, our Business Solutions product line includes all the website creation plans to suite your needs. CLICK HERE to view the quality of the artwork that we have for our clients.

Q: Do you have 24x7 support?

Yes, we provide round the clock online support for technical issues. We are here to answer any questions you may have about your website, or how to troubleshoot a situation. All queries are answered same day and a response time is much faster.

Q: Once I purchase my hosting account where can I go for information on how to set up my      account?

Thobson has designed a powerful online support environment for its customers including a Reference Center, Answer Center, New User tour and Users Guides located at http://thobson.com/knowledgecenter. This is the first place any new user should go to find all the information needed to get started. Besides this you also receive a Confidential Email directly from our Network Center containing all the password and key information to access your account.

Q: If I have Windows on my PC, do I need Windows hosting? What is the difference between      UNIX and Windows hosting?

Most people do not need Windows hosting. Windows hosting is for specific Windows applications such as Access, ASP, Cold Fusion and MS SQL. Microsoft FrontPage is supported on all platforms. Computers with Windows, UNIX, or Apple operating systems can all build and manage websites with any Thobson Hosting Plan.

Q: Can I process credit cards with my website?

Yes, any Thobson Hosting Plan can be upgraded to include e-commerce; please see the Plan Overviews for more information.

Website Creation & Marketing

Q: May I cancel my service anytime I want? Is there a fee?

Yes, you can cancel your Online Basics or Online Marketing Suite plan at any time without paying a fee. However, the account setup fee is non refundable.

Q: What happens to my domain name and e-mail if I cancel my service? Can I take my      domain name with me?

The domain name included with your account is registered in your name. If you cancel your Business Solutions plan, you can choose to transfer your domain name to another provider. You will have to re-configure your e-mail addresses with the new provider at that time.

Q: Can Thobson help me build a website?

We sure can! Our Thobson Professional Services team can help with individual pages, images, logo design, or build an entire site.

Q: Are there limits to the size of my website?

You have an UNLIMITED number of pages. The only limit is the amount of disk space your site uses, and that can always be increased at any time.

Q: Can Thobson help me promote my website?

Yes! We have numerous fully integrated promotional tools and services, all designed for ease of use and proven results. Manage e-mail campaigns, customer communications, online advertising and more, or call the Thobson Professional Services team and we'll shoulder the load.

Q: Can Thobson help me build a store for my website?

No problem. Our built in commerce tools are powerful and easy to use, but when time is of the essence, Thobson Professional Services group can build your online shopping catalog from the ground up. There's no faster way to sell online.