EMAIL FAQs

Q. Where do you host the Email Server ?

We have hosted our email server both in India (Tata-VSNL) and USA data center. As per your business plan you can opt our data center.

Q. Do you have Unlimited Data Transfer Plan ?

Yes.

Q. Do you configure email server inhouse office premises ?

Yes, but you should have fast least line internet connectivity ?

Q. How long will it take to set up my Dedicated Email Server?

Between 7 and 10 days.

Q. What happens during the set up period?

We provide you with your own server and we install everything you need to keep your data safe. This includes Sender Policy Framework (SPF) Records, Sender ID technology, and other programs and software to keep your server running in tip-top shape at all times.

Q. I get a spam complaint, what's the next step?

First off, we'll contact the ISPs immediately and let them know we're investigating the issue. Once that happens, we investigate the complaint and ask questions to get a better picture of the situation. Do you have proof that the customer is opt-in? What is the customer's track record? Did the customer click on links in your last email and suddenly lodge a complaint this month? These things matter. Once we've finished our investigation, we'll contact the relevant ISPs and work to clear things up on your behalf.

HOSTING FAQs

SHARED HOSTING:

Q: What is shared hosting?

Shared hosting is a type of hosting where many web sites are contained on a single server. Each of the websites shares the resources (disk space, data transfer, CPU, etc.) available through that server. Users predominantly have control panel (Plesk, cPanel, etc.) access to their web hosting account, but do not have root level access to the server their account is on. Overall management and maintenance of the server is the responsibility of the web host.

Q: Who should use shared hosting?

Shared hosting is particularly useful for people who have small to moderate sized websites that do not require masses of server resources. Sites that are ‘mission critical’ (commercial and other sites) often benefit from VPS or dedicated hosting.

Q: What are the advantages of shared hosting?

The key advantage of shared hosting is cost. Given that a number of websites share a server, the cost of maintenance is shared between a number of accounts. This brings end user costs down considerably. A good web hosting account offering in excess of 150 GB of disk space and similar amounts of data transfer can be available for less than $10 a month. Another advantage is that as the web host is responsible for managing a server, support is available if issues occur with the server. This means that people with relatively few IT skills can still set up a hosting account and a web site.

Q: What are the disadvantages of shared hosting?

Because in shared web hosting server resources are shared between a number of accounts, if traffic to a particular website spikes, it will utilize more of the resources available than the other websites. This means that the performance of your website is often at the mercy of other, better performing web sites on the same server. In addition, being shared, hacker activity, malware, viruses, and any disruptive activity (DOS attacks, etc.) directed at a particular web site could impact all the accounts on a server. Furthermore, because of users’ lack of control of server resources, they are wholly dependent on the support provided by a host. If support is under par, this can lead to tremendous frustration on behalf of the user. The quality of support is key to most people’s decision regarding which web host to use.

Q: How many accounts are available to one server?

The number of accounts on one physical server is entirely up to the web host, and as such, those considering shared hosting should consider very carefully which web host they use.

Q: What types of shared hosting are available?

Although many different types of shared hosting are available, UNIX/Linux and Windows hosting dominate. Which type of hosting you choose depends on what technology your web site will utilize. Web sites that will utilize PHP programming and a MySQL database (as many Open Source Content Management Systems do) should use a UNIX/Linux based platform. Sites utilizing technologies like ColdFusion, IIS, VBSCript, Windows Media, .ASP or .NET programming, an MSSQL database, or a range of Microsoft solutions such as Frontpage, should use a Windows based platform .

VIRTUAL HOSTING:

Q: What is Virtual Web Hosting?

A web hosting provider hosts your Web site by placing it on a computer (also called a "server", since it "serve" content up to Web surfers) which are designed specifically to host Web sites. Servers are directly connected to the Internet backbone on fast communication links (much like phone lines, only these lines are bigger, and carry digital data, instead of voices). Your Web site will reside on one of servers at a web host's facility, yet you can view it and work on it from your own PC. This is virtually like having a computer of your own, hence the term Virtual Web Hosting.

Q: What features should I look for when choosing a web host?

The more you know about what you need, the easier it will be to use WiFonic to find the right web host for you. For starters, you should determine the following:

Q: Do you want a shared or dedicated server?

Depending on your requirements, you may be better off with a dedicated server than a shared server. Dedicated servers are typically used in cases where there is a high level of traffic, there is a strong need for security, or the user wishes to run their own customised software and applications rather than the standard ones supplied by the host.  If you do not have a big site that will be receiving a lot of traffic, then shared should be fine for you.

Q: Are You Flexible and Can I Upgrade?

You may not need a database solution now, perhaps, but you may need one in the future. Similarly, a shared hosting arrangement may be fine for you now, but what if your traffic levels explode, and you need one in a years' time? It is much easier to remain with one host than to change. So, when choosing a host, keep in mind your possible future needs, and whether the host will be able to accommodate them.

Q: How much space and bandwidth will I need?

For a small site with not so much traffic, not so much. Your needs in this case can be met with 10 to 100 MB of disk space and 1 to 10 GB of data transfer per month. (Be aware that movie and sound files will eat up a lot of disk space and bandwidth.) If your web site is text-based, you needn't worry about this technical stuff - text takes almost no space at all - not even really big font sizes!

If you're planning to sell something online, look for a provider who can provide you with a commercial web solution such as Shopping Cart software or a secure online payment system. Choosing a large web space with a high bandwidth allowance is a good idea in this case.

In this category, 50 MB of disk space or more is advisable. Bandwidth allowance really depends on how many visitors you're expecting and how well you promote your web site. For most sites, 5 to 30 GB should suffice.

UNIX / LINUX WEB HOSTING:

Q: What is the difference between UNIX and Linux?

The UNIX operating system was developed in the early seventies and rewritten in the programming language 'C' which gave it the ability to outlive the hardware it lived on which was a very significant development. Then many years later a man named Linus Torvalds developed the operating system kernel for the FSF's project to develop a free version of UNIX which Linus then named Linux. There are many versions or flavors of UNIX and Linux which have different strengths and weaknesses regarding speed, security and features, etc

Q: If I use a web host that runs UNIX will Windows users be able to see my website?

Yes. Because the website will send out information using standard languages (HTML, XML) that a browser like Internet Explorer or FireFox can read it's no problem for someone using Windows to see a website running on a UNIX server and vice versa

Q: What are the advantages of using UNIX?

In terms of web hosting, UNIX supporters will tell you that UNIX offers a lower cost of development than Windows because most UNIX hosting plans are cheaper than Windows hosting plans. Why? Because most web hosts use a free version of UNIX (like Linux or FreeBSD) so they don't have to pay thousands of dollars to buy the operating system and associated tools to run the server or pay to upgrade their licenses every few years. Microsoft will tell you that the reverse is true however with the time and energy you spend supporting yourself offsetting any cost gains in the free OS.

UNIX is an open source operating system so anyone who wants to look at the code and change it is free to do so. This means that when a problem is found such as a security flaw, anyone with the skills can fix it and send out the patch. With Microsoft, you have to wait for the company to fix it and you can't be sure just exactly what they've done to fix the problem since they don't let you look under the hood. The ability to have total control over what you are doing and its reputation for stability and security are a large part of what makes UNIX such a popular choice. UNIX is also features a command-line interface which doesn't waste a lot of system resources. Thus, with 32 or 64 MB of RAM a UNIX machine can still run multiple programs with perfect stability.

The UNIX/Linux community is very supportive. Think about your favorite sport and then imagine the team with the most rabid, loyal fans. Linux users are pretty similar except that if you show up at the game cheering for Microsoft 'flame' you (post nasty messages on their forums about you) instead of beating you up in the parking lot. On the flip side, if you are new to UNIX you will generally be cheered on and encouraged as a new member of the family. Just make sure you read the instructions or try to find easily accessible information you need yourself before asking. This is a big point of etiquette among the open source folk.

Q: What is the difference between CGI and CGI-BIN?

CGI stands for Common Gateway Interface. CGI is not a programming language, it defines how data is passed between software and databases to the web page. CGI programs can be written using a variety of languages, such as Perl, C, PHP and others.

CGI-Bin is the directory where executable files are located.

Q: What is PHP?

It's like ASP but for UNIX. i.e., PHP is a server-side scripting language (runs on the server instead of the user's computer) that is used primarily on UNIX Web servers to create dynamic Web pages. PHP script is written into HTML web pages and when the server reads the page it runs the script which is often used to generate content and then sends it on to the end user. Web pages that include PHP script are usually given a file suffix of ".php" ".php3," or ".phtml". You can learn more about it at http://www.php.net.

Q: How do I upload and download files in UNIX?

Typically, you can upload and download files in UNIX via FTP.

Q: What is dedicated server hosting?

Dedicated server hosting is simply renting an entire web server from a dedicated web hosting provider. The hard disk storage space is usually of high capacity and the technical support quite thorough. The dedicated hosting option allows you the ability to maintain a large website while not having to be concerned about employing the staff to support it.

Q: Why should I choose dedicated server hosting?

Dedicated server hosting offers you the opportunity to rent an entire server with on-location technical support. You can custommize the server as you want. You should select a dedicated server hosting if your web site requires customized options or your web site need dedicated rerource due to the high amount of traffic.

Q: Why shouldn't I choose dedicated server hosting?

Dedicated server hosting is powerful, yet expensive. If your sites don't require a huge resourse, you shouldn't.

DEDICATED WEB SERVER HOSTING:

Q: What are the advantages of Dedicated Server Hosting?

Dedicated hosting offers many enticing features such as:

• Do not have to purchase own equipment
• Do not have to update/maintain equipment
• Can purchase a package based on own needs for Hard Disk Space and Data Transfer Allowance
• If an upgrade is needed, must upgrade on the dedicated server from the same Web Host Provider
• The servers are as fast, powerful and high-capacity as you purchase
• Scalability. Upgrading your server or adding a new server is easier and more cost effective. Upgrades can occur less than 24 hours after submitting a work order to the service provider. Upgrades are cheaper too, because you only pay monthly rental fees on the new hardware, not the entire capital costs. You simply pay the difference between the present system package and the new system package, for both the startup and the monthly fee.

Q: What are the disadvantages of Dedicated Server Hosting?

The most disconcerting factor of the Dedicated Server Hosting is the cost but alas, there are other disadvantages such as:

Must depend on Web Host Provider

If Data Transfer Allowance is exceeded, a financial Penalty is assessed.

The Web Hosting Provider charges hefty monthly fees as you're paying not just for the physical hosting, but also for the hardware on which the site resides. While in the short run this is cheaper than the large capital outlay required to get co-location up and running, over time this model is much more expensive. - The server is the property of the service provider, which means all you own is the data you put on the server. Unlike co-location, you can not simply pick up your server and walk away if you're unhappy with the service.

Q: What are your main concerns when searching for a dedicated hosting provider?

MAIN CONCERNS:

• Having a large enough website to justify the cost
• The cost
• Security of Data and equipment
• High Bandwidth
• Trust in the knowledge and integrity of the web hosting provider
• Technical support from the web hosting provider
• Speed and Uptime

Q: What is the difference between dedicated server and managed hosting?

A dedicated server is a server provided by a web host for you to rent. Managed hosting is similar but also comes with serviecs from a provider to help you manage the server.

Q: What is the difference between a dedicated server and co-location?

A Dedicated Server is a server provided by a web host for you to rent. You have remote access to the server and you can customize the server to your own needs. The server is owned by the web host and you don't have physical access to the server.

Co-location means you store your own server at a facility of a co-location provider. A co-location provider provides an internet connection to your server and allows you physical access to your own server when you need it.

MANAGED HOSTING:

Q: What is managed hosting?

Managed hosting is simply renting an entire web server from a web hosting provider who helps you manage the server. The provider can help you set up and configure web server for web sites, manage backup, administer the database and etc. The managed hosting option allows you the ability to maintain a large website while not having to be concerned about employing the staff to support it.

Q: Why should I choose managed hosting?

Managed hosting offers you the opportunity to rent an entire server with on-location technical support. You can custommize the server as you want. You should select a managed hosting if your web site requires customized options and you don't have enough time and knowledge to manage the server.

Q: Why shouldn't I choose managed hosting?

Managed hosting is powerful, yet expensive. If your sites don't require a huge resource and the level of support that managed hosting offers, you shouldn't.

Q: What are the advantages of Managed Hosting?

Managed hosting offers many enticing features such as:

• Do not have to purchase own equipment
• Do not have to update/maintain equipment
• Do not have to manage server operation yourself

Q: What are the disadvantages of Managed Hosting?

The most disconcerting factor of the Managed Hosting is the cost but alas, there are other disadvantages such as:

Must depend on Web Host Provider

If Data Transfer Allowance is exceeded, a financial Penalty is assessed.

The Web Hosting Provider charges hefty monthly fees as you're paying not just for the physical hosting, but also for the support they provide. The server is the property of the service provider, which means all you own is the data you put on the server. Unlike co-location, you can not simply pick up your server and walk away if you're unhappy with the service.

Q: What are your main concerns when searching for a managed hosting provider?

MAIN CONCERNS:

• Having a large enough website to justify the cost
• The cost
• Security of Data and equipment
• High Bandwidth
• Trust in the knowledge and integrity of the web hosting provider
• Technical support from the web hosting provider
• Speed and Uptime

Q: What is the difference between managed hosting and dedicated server?

A dedicated server is a server provided by a web host for you to rent. Managed hosting is similar but also comes with services from a provider to help you manage the server.

Q: What is the difference between managed hosting and co-location?

Co-location means you store your own server at a facility of a co-location provider. A co-location provider provides an internet connection to your server and allows you physical access to your own server when you need it. Managed hosting means you rent a server from a provider and get a level of support that helps you manage the server.

CO-LOCATION WEB HOSTING:

Q: What is co-location?

A server, usually a Web server, that is located at a dedicated facility designed with resources which include a secured cage or rack, regulated power, dedicated internet connection, security and support. These co-location facilities offer the customer a secure place to physically house their hardware and equipment as opposed to locating it in their offices or warehouse where the potential for fire, theft or vandalism is much greater.

Most co-location facilities offer high-security, including cameras, fire detection and extinguishing devices, multiple connection feeds, filtered power, backup power generators and other items to ensure high-availability which is mandatory for all Web-based, virtual businesses. Co-location sites are being erected at various points around the world to provide services to the rapidly expanding Web hosting and e-commerce marketplace. The term co-location is also known as colo.

Q: Why should I choose co-location?

Co-location hosting offers you the opportunity to have your server kept in a premiere co-location facility dedicated specifically to the needs of the co-location server. Such features as Fire-proof facility, video surveilance and high bandwidth make this an extremely enticing option.

Q: Why Shouldn't I choose co-location?

The main reason not to choose co-location would simply be the ability to administer the co-location program. If you do not possess the resources to administer the web server, maintain the web server and the ability to upgrade the web server, then do not choose this option.

Q: What are the advantages of co-location?

The co-location program offers many advantages to the potential co-location seeker. With such advantages as:

• Everything is fully customizable
• Server is stored in location that has security
• Location of storage contains fast internet connection, security, rooms designed specifically for the servers (temperature, fire-safe and etc.) and etc.
• High bandwidth available
• Large amount of storage space
• The servers are as fast, powerful and high-capacity as you purchase
• Can update/upgrade at will; must purchase equipment only
• Maximum uptime for large sites
• Increased flexibility
• Better performance because you determine the hardware specs.
• Savings on overall hosting costs
• Decreased dependence on external customer support services, as most administration and maintenance can be performed through remote administration.
• Greater flexibility
• Ability to use existing hardware
• More control over web server administration

Q: What are the disadvantages of co-location?

With all the above advantages, its hard to believe that there are disadvantages, but there are. With such disadvantages as:

• Must purchase own equipment
• Must maintain own equipment
• Must update own equipment
• Expensive
• For large high traffic sites only
• Initially, may be capital intensive
• Insufficient knowledge of hardware components, performance, and scalability can inhibit your growth potential
• Initial cost up front
• Hardware may become outdated quickly
• Web Server Administration is your responsibility

Q: What is the difference between a co-location  and dedicated server?

Co-location means you store your own server at a facility of a co-location provider. A co-location provider provides an internet connection to your server and allows you physical access to your own server when you need it.

A Dedicated Server is a server provided by a web host for you to rent. You have remote access to the server and you can customize the server to your own needs. The server is owned by the web host and you don't have physical access to the server.

RESELLER WEB HOSTING:

Q: What is a Reseller?

A reseller is a seller of web host accounts. Being a reseller you are able to establish your own brand name and control the features, pricing and content of the packages that you offer. It means you also have full control of the marketing and sales strategy.

Q: Who can be a reseller?

Web developers, VARs, system integrators and others who provide Internet business solutions to their customers. Actually, everyone who has a general understanding of web hosting and the ability to interact with customers in a positive matter can be a reseller since most of the job is Customer Services.

Q: Where should I start?

How can I become a reseller? The first thing you need to do to become a reseller is find a web host provider you are satisfied with and can trust to provide a respectable level of support. This is very important because you are dependent on the web host provider to create a reputation of customer satisfaction. Once this is done, you just follow the registration procedures of the web host provider to setting up the account. You will be asked to fill out their application. When the account is set up, then you create your website to sell your services and good luck.

Q: Why should I choose a reseller program?

A reseller program offers you the opportunity to start and maintain a business with a minimum startup cost. It means being a reseller you can generate additional income from your web site.

Becoming a reseller has many benefits. Here are the examples:

• Minimal Initial Investment
• Do not have to maintain equipment
• Can set own prices
• Can provide other services in conjunction with reselling
• Have access to hosting small, medium and large sites
• Do not need to update/upgrade at will
• Do not need a wealth of technical knowledge
• Increased flexibility
• Saving on overall hosting costs
• Develop a premiere reputation if customers are satisfied; which will develop into customer loyalty
• Web Server Administration is the responsibility of the actual Web Host Provider

Q: What technical expertise is required to become a reseller?

 Most web host companies will provide technical support for your clients. However, basic knowledge in the use of HTML and scripting languages, familiarization with FTP/publishing utilities, knowledge of sending/receiving email and administration of POP accounts, ability to register new domain names as well as edit existing domain records for your customers are necessary.

DOMAIN NAME:

Q: What is a Domain Name?

A domain name identifies one or more IP addresses. For example, the domain name WiFonic.com represents certain IP addresses. The domain names are used in URL to identify particular Web pages. For example, in the URL http://www.WiFonic.com, the domain name is "WiFonic.com". Once the domain name is registered to a person or company, it is that person's to use exclusively as long as they continue to pay the yearly renewal fee.

Q: How do I choose a good domain name?

A domain name is an extension of your previous business or a simple way of identifying your new business, either way. There are certain items you need to be aware of. Make sure that the name coincides with your identity and is something easy to remember and can be easily related to your company or the products/services of your company.

Q: How do I get a domain name?

You must purchase a domain name from a Domain Name Registrar and it is highly advisable that you purchase it from an ICAAN registered Domain Name Regsitrar.

Q: What is ICANN?

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is a technical coordination body for the Internet. Created in October 1998 by a broad coalition of the Internet's business, technical, academic, and user communities, ICANN is assuming responsibility for a set of technical functions previously performed under U.S. government contract by IANA and other groups.

Specifically, ICANN coordinates the assignment of the following identifiers that must be globally unique for the Internet to function:

• Internet domain names
• IP address numbers
• protocol parameter and port numbers

Q: What additional services can I get when I register a domain name?

Actually, it depends on each company's plan. However, possible services can be

• Email Forwarding
• Website Forwarding
• Under Construction Page
• Sample Page

Q: What should I do after registering my domain name?

After registering, you have to find a web host and create the account with them for the domain name that you registered for. Then, upload your html files if you have any. After that you have to return to your domain name registrar with your Web host's DNS server primary and secondary host names. Remove the old ones and add the new ones. Finally wait up to 72 hours for all this updating to circulate throughout the Internet. You should now be able to receive e-mail and page hits.

Q: How much does a domain name cost?

We charge normally Rs.500/- to Rs.700/- fee for every new domain name registration. This entitles you to use the domain name for one year.  The person who registers the name is responsible for paying the fee. Web hosting fees are separate. For more details please call to 022-65179381 or email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it