FAQ >-- Getting Started

What is hosting and why do I need it? Hosting is where your web site is located. In other words, its URL, also known as its address. If you don't own your own web server connected to the backbone of the internet, you need hosting services.
Can I have a web site if I don't have a computer? Sure! Because your site is sitting on our computer, and not yours, it's not necessary for you to have a computer to have a website.
What if I don't have my own domain name (my dot com)? It's relatively easy to get your domain name at Register.com. It costs $70 for the first two years, $35 per year, thereafter (payable to interNic). Registration is included for free in our one year hosting packages, and is normally a $15 charge.
Why should I host with Southern Online? Well, first, our prices are very competitive. 3 months $ 75 ($25/month) pre-paid 6 months $120 ($20/month) pre-paid one year $204 ($17/month) pre-paid Second, we're competent: Our tech staff was using the internet before the World Wide Web even existed, our company has been around for over two years, and, we plan on serving our customers for many more years. We're your neighbors. Should you need technical support, or have a question, or just want to chat, we're available. When you call Southern Online, you're talking to one of the owners.
How much space will I get? We figure that most business web sites will fit nicely into 20 megs of space, with room for growth. Figuring the space needed for an average business web page, 20 megs should let you have over 200 pages on your site.
How can I contact you? 3A, 3rd Floor, Office Block,Samrat Complex, Hyderabad - 500 004. A P India. Tel : +91-40-3241999 Fax : +91-40-3241444 email :info@sol.net.in
Who is the InterNIC? The InterNIC is an independent organization responsible for holding the registration and routing of Internet domain names. Without these people it would be virtually impossible to maintain sanity on the Internet. Registration fee is US$70 for the first two years and $35/year thereafter for your virtual domain name. The InterNIC will send you an invoice via email between 3 weeks to 1-1/2 months after the domain is registered.
Do you offer dial-up Internet access?
Do you handle the domain registration process? We will contact the InterNIC once your account is activated to request either a new domain name registration or a domain name modification (trasferring an existing domain to our servers). Please DO NOT submit a registration or modification template to the InterNIC as this will only delay the process.
Can I transfer an existing domain to your servers? Yes, just be sure to specify that you are requesting a transfer and NOT a new domain. You should keep the service with your current provider while waiting for InterNIC to complete the transfer process. We will provide you with a temporary IP address so you can mirror the site on our server. All email and web pages will still be accessed from your current site. When InterNIC announces the completion of the transfer there is a 72 hour propagation period where visitors could go to either site. At the end of the 72 hours you should contact your previous host to have them delete the old domain from their records and update their DNS record. If you use this same provider for your Internet access you will not be able to access your domain site until they update their DNS.
How long does it take before my domain name is active? Once the InterNIC announces that your domain name has been registered (or transferred, if applicable), it usually takes about 72-hours before it is active. All Internet providers must update their records (DNS tables) to reflect the new site's location.
How do I transfer files to my web site? Files must be transferred to the web server via File Transport Protocol (FTP) or Telnet. If you need FTP, telnet, mail, or other Internet software, visit Shareware.com. Shareware.com is a great source for the latest Internet applications with ratings and reviews to help you decide which application is best suited for your needs.
How long does it take to set up a new account? New accounts are generally set up within 24 hours from the time we receive your order. Once an account is set up an activation notice will be sent to you via email including your user-ID, password, and FTP hostname. You can begin uploading files to your new web site immediately. Domain account users will be given a temporary URL to access their site via the web prior to the completion of either domain registration or domain modification.