All of our hosting packages include all the tools you'll need to get up and running fast and stay that way! Check out our list of features. Click on the links for details:
Q: How do I get help setting up my website and getting aquainted with my Hosting account?
Ha! Have we got a treat for you... We've got several areas on our site where you can get help with your questions and great "how-to's," from extensive indexed and searchable HELP Documentation, to interactive training tuturials and demo tours on our EasySiteWizard, our EasyStoreMaker (3MB download), and our WebsiteOS tour (16MB download)! Try them all before you call! ;-) We're always here to help though!
Q: What is a domain name?
A domain name specifies the location of a web page on the Internet. Your host provider associates the domain name with a numerical IP (Internet Protocol) address. It's definitely easier to remember names than numbers, so when a domain name is typed in, the computer will automatically associate the name with the numerical address. This association is done through a Domain Name Server (DNS).
Q: Why is it necessary to register a domain name?
Registering a domain name can be crucial to the success of your business. By registering a domain name that closely resembles your business name or your product, you can expect that web users will easily find it. An intuitive domain name means your customers will be able to find you repeatedly without having to consult your business card. In addition, if a domain name is simple, it is much easier to type or to say over the phone. It is important to register the domain name that you want quickly - they get taken fast!
Q: How do I begin thinking of a good domain name?
You'll want to pick a name that firstly relates to your business or product. Many businesses choose their company name, or some variation, as their domain name (e.g. www.mannysicecream.com). Others choose their product name if it is particularly recognizable (e.g. www.superscoop.com). In some cases, companies choose to select their product type (e.g. www.icecream.com). You'll want to think about what images your domain name brings up for people when they read it or hear it, and make sure it reflects the same image as your company.
Second, a simple name is a better name. Not only is it easier for people to type, especially if you are using it in conjunction with email addresses, but it will be easier to explain verbally. Say the name out loud - do you have to spell it for people? Is it too long to remember without writing down? These are important considerations.
And lastly, be creative! By simply adding a dash between two words, you might aid the readability of your domain name. Or try adding "co" or "inc" to the end of your company name if you are having trouble finding a domain name that is free. There are plenty of domain names out there, they can sometimes just be tricky to find!
Q: How long can my domain name be and what characters can I use?
A domain name can be up to 67 characters long -- including the 4 characters used to identify the Top Level Domain (.NET, .COM, or .ORG). The only valid characters for a domain name are letters, numbers and a hyphen "-". Other special characters like the underscore "_" or an exclamation mark "!" are NOT permitted.
Q: How do I know if the domain name I want is already taken?
To see if a domain name is free, you must perform a domain name lookup. If it comes up as available, you can successfully register that domain name.
Q: How much does it cost to register a Domain Name?
When you register your domain name, you will be charged an annual or bi-annual fee. Prices for domain names are as follows:
Q: How will I know when my domain name is about to expire?
You will be notified 60 days, 30 days and 1 day prior to the expiration of your domain name. You must renew your domain name to maintain ownership.
Q: Once I have successfully registered a domain name, how long may I use it?
As long as your annual registration fees are paid, and there are no trademark disputes, your domain name will remain secured.
Q: What if my desired name is the same as a trademarked name?
Generally, you will be able to keep a domain name that is the same as a trademarked name if it is registered in good faith. This most likely means that it is not a name belonging to an internationally known company, and that you are using the name with a legitimate purpose. If you have purchased a domain name with the sole intent of reselling it to a company with a legitimate claim to the name, you may not be able to keep the domain name.
To find out more information about trademark and copyright issues, visit the following sites:
Q: Why do some domain names show up as "On Hold" when I do a search?
A domain name may show up as "On Hold" if a.) payment for the domain is not current, b.) the domain name is involved in a trademark dispute, or c.) pending server activation.
Q: What does it mean to "park" a domain name?
In order for you to register a domain name you need a Domain Name Server (DNS) server to host it. When you register a domain name with SoftServe Web Hosting, we are hosting your domain name on our DNS. We are holding or "parking" the domain name for you. You have the option to move your domain name off of our servers to another Internet Service Provider (ISP) or host provider at any time.
Q: If I register my domain name with SoftServe Web Hosting, am I the sole owner of the domain?
Yes you are, as long as you indicate that on the registration form.
Q: How long does it take for my domain name to become registered once I've entered it into the system?
The registration process should not take more than 24 hours from the submission of the online registration.
Q: Can I change my domain name?
Once a domain name is registered, it is unchangeable.
Q: I have a free 30 day trial package. How can I get a domain name?
At any time, you may purchase a new domain name for your account, or transfer an existing domain name. Be sure to log in as an existing customer when prompted during the order process.
Q: What if I have domain name already registered with another site (registrar) but I want to hook it up to my SoftServe Hosting Account? Do you charge a setup fee for that?
You'll need to login to your account at the website where your domain was registered and modify your DOMAIN NAME SERVER (DNS) settings to point our DNS servers. Our DNS servers will point people on the web to your hosting account which will display your webpage(s).
The server names you'll need to enter are: NS1.MEGANAMESERVERS.COM, NS2.MEGANAMESERVERS.COM, and NS3.MEGANAMESERVERS.COM. You'll want to delete any old DNS server names already configured with your registrar. At any time, you may contact our domain support group by sending email to dsupport@softservehosting.com with your domain information and your account information you want it hooked up to.
Q: How do I modify my domain information?
You can achieve this by going to the SoftServeHosting Domain Manager. Enter your user id and password and follow the instructions.
Q: Do you charge for transferring to another company?
There is no charge for transferring your domain to another company's Domain Name Server. This, however, only applies if you do the transfer. Use your user id and password to log on to the domain management area located at
Q: How do I setup an online payment gateway, and what gateways does SoftServe currently Support?
The "Payment Gateway" tab within the EasyStoreMaker PRO allows you to enable automated online credit card billing, and to select the payment gateway you want to use.
Please note that you must have already set up an account with the payment
gateway you select before you can use this option.
The "Payment Gateway" category allows you to select what gateway you wish to
use to process credit card orders. You only need to supply settings in this
area if you are accepting credit card orders and you wish to automatically
charge the credit cards.
SoftServe Hosting's EasyStoreMaker PRO currently supports the following
Payment Gateways (in alphabetical order):
Open Directory Project
The Open Directory Project (ODP) is the most comprehensive human edited
directory of the Web, compiled by a vast global community of volunteer
editors.
The ODP is 100% free. There is no cost to submit a site or to use our data.
Anyone can download and use ODP data at no cost provided they comply with the
ODP's free license agreement and
attribution. Also, there is no
cost associated with listing and submitting sites.
Q: How do I cancel my hosting account?
We hope that you are not unhappy with your SoftServe Web Hosting account. If there is any way we can assist you, please contact us. If you still wish to cancel your account, please fill out our cancellation request form.
Q: How can I edit my account?
You can edit your account by contacting one of our support representatives by email at support@softservehosting.com.
Q: How can I upgrade my account?
To upgrade your hosting account, email support@softservehosting.com or call (877) 671.7287
