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FAQ

Welcome to the WestHost Frequently Asked Questions. Here you will find answers to the common questions asked about our services.

General Hosting
- 1. What is the difference between Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting and Shared/Virtual Hosting?
  2. Does WestHost have a "Control Panel" or some other utility to manage my Web site?
  3. Can I add software to my account?
  4. What is the difference between name-based and IP based hosting?
  5. How can I change my account from name-based to IP-based?
  6. Can I monitor my disk space and bandwidth usage?
  7. How much does additional bandwidth cost?
  8. Can I upgrade my account if I need to?
  9. How do I transfer files to my Web site?
  10. Will I have unlimited access to update and make changes to my pages?
  11. How long does it take to set up a new account?
  12. Can I use my account for commercial purposes?
  13. Can I subdivide my space and resell it?
  14. Can you host domain names other than .com .net .org .biz .info and .us?
  15. Can I have additional domain names point to my hosting account?
  16. What is WestHost's DNS information?
  17. Do you offer dial-up Internet access?
  18. Do you support Apache JSP?
  19. Do you require "Forced Advertising" on my Web site?
  20. Do you offer Windows based hosting?
  21. How is billing handled?
  22. Do we discount for Non-Profit Organizations?
  23. Terms, Conditions and Acceptable Use Policy

Dedicated Server
- 1. What is the difference between a Virtual Private Server (VPS) and a Managed Dedicated Server?
  2. Do you have an SLA (Service Level Agreement)?
  3. How long does it take to get my server set up?
  4. Can I upgrade my WestHost Shared VPS Hosting account to a VPS Dedicated Server?
  5. Does WestHost provide DNS service? Can I have my own Custom DNS Name Servers configured?
  6. Can my server's hardware be upgraded? What are the fees for this?
  7. How do I add additional IPs? Is there an upgrade fee?
  8. What is Name Based Hosting? Do I need an IP for each domain on my server?
  9. Can I create mail accounts on my server? What software is included for mail?
  10. What software will WestHost install on my server?
  11. Will I be able to manage my server through a Web-based control panel?
  12. What is RAID?
  13. Who is responsible for the server hardware?
  14. What is your uptime guarantee?
  15. Will I have Root Control?
  16. What is a Data Center?
  17. How often do you monitor the Data Center and servers?
  18. What kind of connection to the Internet will my server have?
  19. What is your policy on bandwidth?

Resellers
- 1. How much money can I make being a Reseller?
  2. How is billing handled?
  3. How is technical support handled?
  4. Will my clients' site share my sites features and control panel? (Reseller Hosting Plans)
  5. Is overselling possible?
  6. Will my client's Site Manager (control panel) show WestHost's logo and "branding"?
  7. Is there a fee to upgrade from one reseller hosting plan or one discount level to the next?
  8. How do I add additional features to my reseller hosting plan?
  9. Can I get a shared SSL certificate to use with all of my clients?
  10. Who handles the domain name registration for my clients?
  11. What DNS should resellers use?
  12. How can I setup my own DNS name servers?
  13. What are the main differences between the Volume Discount, Reseller, and Affiliate Programs?
  14. Terms, Conditions and Acceptable Use Policy

Affiliate Program
- 1. What is the WestHost Affiliate Program?
  2. How do I join the WestHost Affiliate Program?
  3. How long does it take to become a WestHost affiliate?
  4. How much can I earn through the WestHost Affiliate Program?
  5. How often will I be paid?
  6. What technical skills do affiliates need to have?
  7. How do you track my affiliate transactions?
  8. Can I use my commission towards Web hosting fees or service?
  9. Do I need to have a Web site to become a WestHost affiliate?
  10. I have a Web site, do I need to have it hosted with WestHost in order to become an affiliate?
  11. Can I move my own Web site to WestHost and receive a commission?
  12. How can I track my sales and commissions?
  13. Where do I get my affiliate tracking code and banners to become an affiliate?
  14. Can I participate if I reside outside of the United States?
  15. Whom do I contact with any questions about my account or my commissions?
  16. Where can I read your affiliate program Terms and Conditions?

Volume Discount Program
- 1. How does the Volume Discount Program work?
  2. When do I get the discount, and how large of a discount can I get using the Volume Discount Program?
  3. Can I use the Volume Discount Program to resell?
  4. How do I add additional features to my Volume Discount Hosting accounts?
  5. Will each account have its own control panel?
  6. How is billing handled
  7. How is technical support handled?
  8. Who handles the domain name registration for my clients?
  9. How can I set up my own domain name servers?
  10. What are the main differences between the Volume Discount, Reseller, and Affiliate Programs?
  11. Terms, Conditions, and Acceptable Use Policy

Domain Registration
- 1. When I register a domain name, who will have ownership of it??
  2. How long does it take before my domain name is active?
  3. Can I transfer a domain name registered someplace else to WestHost's domain registration service?
  4. Will there be any downtime in transferring my domain name registration to WestHost?
  5. How long does it take for DNS to update?
  6. Can you host domain names other than .com .net .org .biz .info and .us?
  7. Can I have additional domain names point to my hosting account?
  8. Who is ICANN?
  9. What is WestHost's DNS information?
  10. Can I access my domain address with or without the "www"?
  11. Are 3rd level domains available (anyname.mydomain.com)?
  12. Terms, Conditions and Acceptable Use Policy

Web Design
- 1. Where can I see some examples of your work?
  2. Do I have to submit all the content right after I order or can I submit it later in the project?
  3. Can you take/move content from my old site?
  4. How do I submit content for my new Web site?
  5. How can I request a FREE Custom Design Quote?
  6. I do not have any imagery for my Web site, but I want some. How can I get some photography/graphics for my Web site?
  7. Can I view my Web site while it is being built?
  8. How long will it take to design my Web site?
  9. Will I be able to update my site when it is done?
  10. What constitutes a Web page?

E-commerce
- 1. What is E-commerce?
  2. What is a Shopping Cart?
  3. What is Miva Merchant?
  4. What is Miva Synchro?
  5. What is SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)?
  6. How can I obtain my own SSL Certificate?
  7. How can I accept credit cards on my site?
  8. Can I use PayPal with Miva Merchant?
  9. Terms, Conditions and Acceptable Use Policy

SSL (Secure Socket Layer)
- 1. What is SSL Security?
  2. Why do I need SSL Security?
  3. What is an SSL Certificate?
  4. Why should I purchase my certificate from WestHost?
  5. How can I obtain my own SSL Certificate?
  6. What is a CSR?
  7. How do I generate a CSR?
  8. How do I install my certificate myself?
  9. Will WestHost install the certificate for me?
  10. How long does the process take once I place my order?
  11. What is a Wildcard Certificate?
  12. Terms, Conditions and Acceptable Use Policy

Merchant Accounts
- 1. How can I accept credit cards on my site?
  2. What is a merchant account? Why do I need one?
  3. How does a Merchant Account work?
  4. What do I need in order to obtain a merchant account?
  5. How do I get a merchant account?
  6. Would it be easier to go to my local bank to get a merchant account?
  7. How long does it take to get a merchant account?
  8. I currently have a merchant account through someone else, can I still use this merchant account with Miva and osCommerce?
  9. Which credit cards can I accept?
  10. What kind of equipment do I need to process credit cards?
  11. How do I know that I'm getting a "good deal"?
  12. Can I use my merchant account to accept credit card payments in my online store? Is it safe to process credit cards over the Internet?
  13. What kind of payment solutions are available through PayQuake?
  14. Will the PayQuake Authorize.net Payment Gateway work with my shopping cart?
  15. Internet technology changes so fast, will I be able to use my merchant account with my Internet store in the future?
  16. What is a Discount Rate?
  17. What is a Transaction Fee?
  18. Terms, Conditions and Acceptable Use Policy