What is a domain or URL?
What are subdomains?
Why do I need to transfer my domain to your server?
How does the domain transfer process work?
My domain has transferred, why isn't my website online?
Do you have an alternate SMTP port I can use?
We have our own email server and would like to use it.
If my website goes down will email be affected?
What is a CMS?
What is a domain or URL?
A domain (also called a URL) is a name that uniquely identifies your website address. Typing a domain name into your browser allows you to visit that site.
Domains contain extensions which classify the type of business using that domain:
- .ca - Canadian websites - reserved for Canadians
- .com - commerce - available to all
- .net - network - available to all
- .org - organizations - available to all
- .info - information - available to all
- .biz - business - available to all
- .gov - government - reserved for government institutions
- .edu - educational - reserved for educational institutions
What are subdomains?
Subdomains are like adding a prefix to your domain, allowing you to create multiple websites under a single domain. Subdomains are useful if you have a business division or subsidiary. As an example, if your website is www.website.com then a subdomain might be secure.website.com or blog.website.com
Typically subdomains are treated as separate websites and require their own account.
Why do I need to transfer my domain to your server?
Your domain is used to direct visitors looking for your website to the location where your website is hosted. Your website will reside on our server in our down-town Toronto location. Your domain must be updated to point to our server so visitors will find your website.
How does the domain transfer process work?
If you already have a domain it was registered with a registrar such as Network Solutions, GoDaddy, etc. Please log into your account and update the Name Server (DNS) entries as follows:
- NS1.RIPLEYHOST.COM 65.39.254.5
- NS2.RIPLEYHOST.COM 216.187.107.134
If you are unsure where your domain was registered or what your account details are please contact us and we can help you find these details.
If you require a new domain for your website we're happy to setup an account for you with a reputable registrar.
My domain has transferred, why isn't my website online?
From the time your Name Server information is updated it can take as long as 72 hours for this information to propagate through the internet. This is a process that spans DNS servers across the globe.
During this transition period some people will be able to see your website while others are unable to connect. Once propagation is complete everyone will see your website.
Do you have an alternate SMTP port I can use?
The alternate SMTP port is 2525. Some Internet Service Providers block external SMTP servers which will prevent you from sending email. An easy work-around is changing your SMTP port from the standard 25 to 2525.
We have our own email server and would like to use it.
Please forward your servers IP address and we will update the MX record for your DNS. Email will be directed through your domain and on to your server. Please note our web based email service will no longer be available to you.
If my website goes down will email be affected?
Our support staff work proactively to isolate and eliminate problems before any down-time is caused. In the unlikely event of a service issue where your website is offline, email will continue to function. The web server is separate from the email cluster.
What is a CMS?
CMS stands for Content Management System which is a tool used to edit content. GreenSprocket is a web based CMS you can use to make changes to your website from any computer with an internet connection.