Tropical Web Works

Domain Name, Hosting, and Website Development Resources

 

Pre-Sales Questions

Find out before you buy. Get the answers to these important questions before you pony up your credit card number for web site hosting.

  • Will you have full ftp access to your files 24 hours a day?

    Any self-respecting host will provide ftp access. Don't accept hosting with any web host that forces you to use a web-based file uploader.
  • Does the hosting package include e-mail accounts?

    Do you have the ability to set up as many e-mail accounts as you need? (Regardless of the number of e-mail accounts, you would still be limited to the amount of server space and bandwidth of your hosting plan.) If you think you'll need a catch-all e-mail account, or e-mail aliases (also called "forwarders") be sure to ask about that too.
  • Can you pay monthly?

    Many web hosts offer discounts if you pay for 6 months or a year in advance, but you should have the option of pay monthly.
  • What forms of payment can you use to pay your hosting fee?

    Most web hosting companies accept major credit cards. Many will allow you to send a check or money order if you prefer. If you wish to pay using some less-than-common payment method, make sure the host accepts that form of payment.
  • Can you upgrade your account without any penalty?

    There should be no charge to upgrade (or downgrade) your account, except in certain situations, such as if you're upgrading to a dedicated server from a shared hosting account.
  • How long does it take to set up your account?

    Your account should usually be set up within a few hours of your payment. More than a day would not be acceptable for a shared hosting account, but for virtual private servers or dedicated hosting, up to a few business days may be acceptable, depending on your specific request.
  • Are there any restrictions on Web sites that you can host?

    Most web hosts allow any site that is legal, although some hosts impose additional restrictions. Make sure you read the restrictions carefully. Here is a list of some types of sites that are prohibited by many hosts:

    • Illegal content (such as "warez" or pirated software).
    • Spammers
    • Material that infringes copyright.
    • Sites that use scripts or other functions that impose an unreasonable load on the server, such that it interferes with the functioning of other sites hosted on the server. If that turns out to be the case, you may be requested to upgrade to a virtual dedicated server or a dedicated server.

    Examples of unacceptable material:

    • IRC Bots
    • Pirated Software
    • Hack programs and archives
  • Is telnet or ssh access available?

    Most hosting clients never need telnet or ssh access, but if you anticipate needing it, make sure your host permits it. Many hosts disallow shell access by default, but will enable it for your account on request.
  • Can you run cron jobs?

    If you don't know what a cron job is, you probably don't need this feature, but if you anticipate needing to use cron jobs, be sure it's permitted by your host. Many hosts provide control panels that permit you to set up cron jobs easily, while others may require that you send your cron script to the host for their technicians to install it.
  • If your hosting package includes more than one domain, can you host your friends?

    Many hosting companies, such as Host Gator , offer very affordable multi-domain hosting packages, which you allow to host as many web sites as you want so long as you stay within the resource limits of your hosting package.
  • Can you operate an "adult" site?

    Most hosts permit adult sites as long as your content is legal, but some hosts do not permit adult sites at all. And keep in mind that adult sites often result in high-bandwidth usage or may result in an unreasonable load on the server, and for those reasons you may be requested to upgrade to a dedicated server or virtual dedicated server.
  • Are there any setup fees or other costs, besides the rate shown for each package?

    There should be no hidden fees or costs that are not disclosed clearly. Some additional fees over and above your hosting package may include the following:

    • If you upgrade your plan to a more expensive plan — generally, you would begin paying the rate for the new plan at the time of your upgrade
    • If you elect to purchase "add-ons" to your account, such as additional bandwidth or disk space, or extra services, such as site design or custom programming
    • If you pay your bill late — it's not uncommon for hosts to impose a late fee (or suspect your account until you pay up).
  • Can you password-protect directories?

    All of the most common hosting control panels, such as cPanel and Plesk, offer a method to password-protect files or directories through the control panel interface. If you know php or cgi, you can typically use one of those methods for password protection, as well. Only the cheapest hosting plans do not offer some mechanism for password protection on your site.
    • Web Site Design and Development by Tropical Web WorksSM
    39021 Washington Loop Road
    Punta Gorda, Florida 33982     		Phone 941-916-5671
    Fax 941-639-3916
    info@tropicalwebworks.net
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