Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is Hostway?
• What is offered through Costco?
• Why put my business online?
• What are the steps of the application process? (Is there an approval process at any point?)
• How long does it take to set up a Web site?
• If I have a question or a problem, is there someone I can call for help?
• Why get an email address just for my business?
• What is Web hosting?
• What does a Web server do?
• What does a Web browser do?
• What does a Web host do?
• What does a domain name do?

Who is Hostway?

Hostway Corporation is the leading provider of Web hosting solutions for small to medium-sized businesses. Hostway's next-generation hosting infrastructure and core systems deliver the industry's most reliable solutions, backed by a dedicated team of technical experts providing unrivaled customer service. Hostway offers multiple hosting brands, including ValueWeb, that cater to the specific needs and preferences of different customer bases. Our solutions are designed to grow with businesses, so it is easy to move up to the next level as the needs of your company change.

What is offered through Costco?

Costco brings you Web hosting for the do-it-yourselfer. Your package includes:

• WebStore Advanced — Ecommerce software so you can sell items online.
• AddWeb Lite — Software to promote your site on the World Wide Web.
• Free Domain Name, first year — additional domain names permitted at $8.95 each, per year.
• 150 GB Disk Storage
• 5000 GB Data Transfer
• 200 Email Accounts

And if you need help along the way, Hostway staff are available 24x7!

Why put my business online?

The Internet is one of the most cost-effective forms of advertising. Every business will eventually be online in some form or another. If your competition gets there first, you could miss out on potential customers. Being online creates an “Open 24 Hours” presence, offers you the ability to expand into new markets and grow revenues. Compared to traditional advertising mediums, the Internet has a potential circulation coverage that really can't be matched. Even better, it’s at a fraction of the cost for advertising even in your local paper, not to mention radio or a print campaign.

What are the steps of the application process? (Is there an approval process at any point?)

Our application process uses standard credit card verification procedures. Once your credit card has been verified, your account will be set up and ready to go within a few hours (often sooner!). You will receive a welcome email with your account access information, directions on “How to Get Started” and how to reach us for help.

How long does it take to set up a Web site?

Depending on your level of knowledge, the design and launch of your site can take any where from an hour to a few days. With Hostway you are given all the tools you need to get through the process. We’re also here to help if you get stuck, 24x7!

If I have question or a problem, is there someone I can call for help?

Yes, our expert staff of support professionals provide assistance whenever you need it: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We're always here, by toll-free phone or email.

Why get an email address just for my business?

An email address with your business name on it not only looks professional but also sends a message of legitimacy to your customers. Think about how it looks for your business to have an email address at, say, AOL.com or earthlink.net as opposed to: yourname@yourbusinessname.com. Email with your business name on it also provides an easy, readily available avenue for customer communication. With the option of setting up various accounts you can create department-specific email addresses (i.e., marketing@yourbusinessname.com) to keep communications separate and more effective.

What is Web hosting?

A service that allows you to upload and store a Web site's HTML documents and related files on a Web server. This makes the files available on the World Wide Web for viewing by the public. Also called site hosting.

What does a server do?

Web servers are programs that identify and retrieve particular Web site pages requested by an Internet user. The program receives the request then sends the page out over the Internet to requesting party’s computer screen. Web servers can handle multiple requests for pages simultaneously. In general, the more powerful the server, the more pages it can serve at once.

What does a Web browser do?

A Web browser is a software program that interacts with a Web server to request a Web site page. The browser requests the page from a server through the Internet and ultimately serves as a “virtual window” through which you can view the requested page on your computer screen. It also interprets the various computer "languages" Web sites pages are constructed with. In short, a browser displays the Web site you've requested on your computer screen.

What does a Web host do?

Web hosts house, serve and maintain the files for one or more Web sites. A Web host also provides services that make those sites consistently available on the Internet. A host’s computers store the contents of a site as well as identifying information that enables others to communicate with your site. More important than the computer space that is provided for Web site files is the connection to the Internet. Some larger companies and many government and educational institutions host their own sites, but virtually all individual users and many companies find it too unwieldy and expensive to purchase and maintain the equipment necessary to host their own sites.

What does a domain name do?

A domain name locates an organization or other entity on the Internet, for example: www.costco.com. Web browsers and servers work together through the hosts to call up Web pages by using the Internet protocol (IP) address that is registered along with a domain name. The browser finds a page based on its IP address, also known as its URL (uniform resource locator). All servers on the Internet also have domain names, which are registered to a particular IP address. Domain names are easier to remember than the numerical locator that makes up the actual IP address. Each domain is actually a 3-part designation: the host name (www, for World Wide Web), the domain name (hostway), and the top-level domain name, .com, which indicates a commercial or business site. Other domains include .edu, for education-oriented sites; .org, for organizations; .net, for some specialized Internet and computing sites; .gov, for government sites; and .mil, for military sites.

By using a variety of tools we provide, you can set up a Web site in less than one hour. Hostway provides the resources to get the job done quickly, efficiently and professionally.