If you still have questions use the Contact Us page and we'll answer them as soon as we can.

What is Web Hosting?

Every web site on the Internet is stored as files on a disk drive of a server (a.k.a. big computer).  Part of hosting is supplying the server to store the web site.   The other part is supplying software on the server to allow the world to open the web site with their browsers.

In short, Web Hosting is providing a home for your web site on our servers.

Part of the process is registering your own domain name (such as cmdomain.com).   Then, your customers will refer to your web site with www.yourcompany.com, not www.cmdomain.com/yourcompany, making it appear that you have your own server.

 

Do you offer dial-up Internet access?

No.  We're dedicated to hosting web sites.. By not offering dial-up Internet access, we're able to focus our energies on giving your web site a solid, reliable connection to the Internet without cluttering the lines with dial-up accounts.

If you need help getting a local Internet access provider our consultants can assist you, for a fee.  Use the Contact Us page to find out more.

 

Do you offer web page design services?

Yes!  Visit our Web Development section to find out more.

 

How do I upgrade from one plan to another?

You can upgrade your plans at anytime.  Just use the Contact Us page to send your request. There is a one-time upgrade fee of $25.

 

Can I check domain name availability?

You bet! Use the Check Domain feature on the left hand menu.

Does CMDI handle domain registration?

Yes. We will contact the InterNIC once we receive your signup information to request either a new domain name registration or transfer.

 

Can I transfer an existing domain name to CMDI?

Yes. When you place your order via our online order form, be sure to specify that you are requesting a transfer and NOT a new domain. You should keep the service at the present site while waiting for InterNIC to complete the transfer. We will setup you new account so you can copy over your information as soon as possible to minimize downtime..

 

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 accessible from anywhere on the Internet. All Internet providers must update their records to reflect new site locations.

 

What is the InterNIC fee for domain registration?

The InterNIC currently charges $70 to register a new domain name. This fee covers the first two years. Then they bill at a rate of $35 per year for each year thereafter. The InterNIC will send you an invoice via postal mail or email between 3 weeks to 1-1/2 months after the domain is registered.

 

Is 1000 MB of data transfer in the Standard Package going to be enough to support my web site?

We want your web site to have plenty of room to grow. Our experience tells us that 1000MB per month will be more than enough bandwidth for the average web site. Depending on the quantity and sizes of your files, this could support many thousands of hits per month. If you've got a site that's just too big for its britches, our Advanced Plan accommodates 2000 MB of data transfer.

 

Do you offer detailed site statistics?

Yes. We use the leading statistics software to deliver useful information to you about what works, and doesn't, on your website. Our software generates a weekly report with charts and tables full of data you can use to build a better website. Click here if you'd like to see an example of what your site statistics could look like.

 

How do I transfer files to my web site?

If you're using Microsoft FrontPage, then you use the publish feature.  Otherwise you need to FTP your files to our server.  Check out our downloads page for a program to let you do this.

 

What is Microsoft FrontPage?

Microsoft FrontPage is a popular WYSIWYG (what-you-see-is-what-you-get) web publishing software package. It frees you from having to learn HTML by allowing you to create a page in much the same way you would create a document in a desktop publishing environment.

CMDI's servers are certified for FrontPage 98. This means that Microsoft has personally tested and approved the servers for hosting FrontPage-based Webs!

 

Can I use Microsoft FrontPage with all plans?

Yes.  When you order, make sure to check the box that says you will be using FrontPage.

 

What is Cold Fusion?

Cold Fusion adds the power of databases to your website. With this product, you can create interactivity between your web site and something complex like your company's product ordering database or something personal like your database of favorite movies you've reviewed. Or, in the words of Cold Fusion's maker, Allaire Corporation:

"Cold Fusion gives developers the fastest way to build and deploy a new generation of business software for everything from electronic commerce to interactive publishing to business process automation."

Cold Fusion is available with the Advanced and Merchant plans.

 

What are Active Server Pages?

Active Server Pages are another way to add interactivity to your web site. It allows for some of the same connectivity as Cold Fusion to tie your web pages into the data stored in databases. According to  Microsoft:

"ASP runs as a service of the Web server and is optimized for multiple threads and multiple users. This means that it's fast, and it's easy to implement. If you use ASP, you can separate the design of your Web page from the nitty-gritty details of programming access to databases and applications. This frees up the programmer to do what she does best--code like crazy--and, conversely, frees the designer to worry about just the design rather than the database."

Activer Server Pages are available with the Advanced and Merchant plans.

 

What is iHTML?

iHTML is a powerful server side scripting/programming language for the Internet which allows the creation of customized interactive web sites. iHTML gives you the tools to build dynamic web sites that allow real time interaction between the user and the data being presented.

 

What is a Shopping Cart Application?

A Shopping Cart Application allows you to set up shop and start selling your products on the Internet. Our Shopping Cart Application lets you set up the entire store without programming. Just fill in the blanks in your administration section and off you go!

 

Will I have unlimited access to update my pages?

Of course! Our servers are always available. You have unlimited access via FTP or FrontPage 24-hours a day. You can create and maintain your web pages on your own computer and upload files to your web site at your leisure.

 

Can I use my account for commercial purposes?

Yes, you can use your account for commercial purposes. The World Wide Web has become an efficient and cost-effective means of making information available to the users of the Internet community. If desired, secure processing is included in all plans. That way, your products can be selling themselves 24 hours per day.

 

Can I resell server space?

CMDI does not have a reseller discount program.  You are welcome to resell a site but you cannot subhost a site.  This means you cannot sell sites off of your site such as, www.yourcompany.com/company1, www.yourcompany.com/company2...  Each domain is to be used by one company only.

 

Do you accept international orders?

We welcome customers from all over the world, as long as payment is made in US dollars.

 

What contract and payment terms are available?

We bill at quarterly increments and require a minimum three month contract. We accept personal or business checks and money orders.

 

Do you offer technical support to customers?

Yes.  We encourage you to use this web site to find your answers.  But at anytime you may use the Contact Us page to send email with questions or concerns about your web site.  We are quick to respond to support email 9-5 pm ET on weekdays. We also offer phone support 9-5 pm ET weekdays, 717-583-0764. Some of us, however, are a bit difficult to get out the door at quitting time, so you might find us still lurking around evenings and weekends. If you've got a question, and you can't find the answer here, please contact us.

 

How long does it take to set up a new account?

Orders will be processed within 24 hours of payment. Once an account is set up an activation notice will be sent to you via email including a userid, password, and server information. Complete instructions for using your new account will be provided in this email.

 

How can I accept secure credit card orders on my web site?

Adding a bit of security to your site to make credit card ordering safe is an easy process. First, you need to get yourself a Digital ID from VeriSign. To get a digital ID, you'll need our help. Send us a message using the Contact Us page and we'll be happy to get you squared away. Digital IDs (also known as digital certificates) play a key role in establishing confidence that electronic transactions are secure and trusted. VeriSign, Inc. is the leading provider of digital authentication services and products for electronic commerce and other forms of secure communications. Digital IDs enable trusted electronic commerce by authenticating the individuals, organizations, and content involved in electronic transactions.

 

Can I have a listserver?

Yes. Our Advanced and Merchant package receives one listserver for free. To add another listserver to any plan there is a one-time fee of $20 per list.

 

Do you allow adult or Warez content?

No. We respect and encourage free speech, however, with all the uncertainty around the Communications Decency Act, we're not willing to take that legal chance at this time. Not to mention how fast bandwidth evaporates when a server is home to an adult web site!

Along the same lines, we also do not allow any Warez content, or any other content that may infringe on someone else's copyright.  If you need any other info about what's permissible on CMDI servers, check out our policies.

 

How do I place an order?

You can place an order for an account directly from our web site 24 hours a day. Simply use the Contact Us page.