Frequently Asked Questions:

General

How much should web hosting cost me?

It depends on a few things:

• what you need;
• what kind of support you will get;
• and how each company operates.

Hosting can be as low as $2.99 a month, but the servers can be offshore and generally in another time zone. So be sure to ask yourself:

• If I run into problems, what kind of support will I receive?
• Will I get to consult with a human being, or do I have to send off an email and wait for my host or reseller to get back to me?
• If my host is in a different country or time zone, how much will it cost my business to wait for them to get back to me while my website is 'down' or offline?
• Does my hosting provider know much about the software that supports my website? Can they help me swiftly if I run into issues? Can they help me if I'd like some custom development or enhancements to improve my website?
• How will exchange rates effect my hosting prices?
• Is there a money back guarantee?

The old chestnut "you get what you pay for" certainly applies to web hosting. As a general rule the more you invest in your hosting package, the higher quality performance, technical support and customer service you will receive.

Australian Made Hosting is the local answer to all of these questions; we've got them all covered.

It is also worth keeping in mind that computers and automated systems may be cheaper than human interaction, but humans, particularly Australian Made Hosting humans, provide that customer service, support, advice and guidance when you need it. It's a trade-off that only you can decide which is more important for you.

How do I leave my current web host to join Australian Made Hosting instead?

It's a swift and pain-free process because we've been converting clients for a while now. The basic steps our outlined below, but remember, if it all seems to hard, just get your Personal Account Manager to sort it out for you!

• Download all of your web files from your existing web host. Then upload these files to "Australian Made Hosting". When you join us, your Personal Account Manager can give you all of these details on the phone if you wish, or via email if you prefer.
• Then re-create the same databases on "Australian Made Hosting" as you had with your old host, so all of your data transfers without a hitch.
• Finally, update the DNS for your domain to "Australian Made Hosting";
• Done!

If you are a techie, this is all old hat stuff. If you need our help, just give us a call on 1300 858 085.

Now, if you are new to web, we understand this process sounds like gobbledy-gook. No worries, you just call us too, and your Personal Account Manager will make it happen for you (and teach you what it all means along the way, if you like).

What happens if I exceed my bandwidth?

We monitor our clients' usage to ensure everyone is given a fair go. If you go over your limit, we will let you know via email that you exceeded your bandwidth in the 1st month via a courtesy email – there will be no charge for the 1st month you exceed your bandwidth.

If you exceed your bandwidth 2 months in a row, we will let you know via email again, and your Personal Account Manager will recommend that you upgrade to the next package. There is no additional costs or hidden fees to upgrading to the next package - only the monthly fee changes.

If you do not want to upgrade to the next package, then you will be charged $1 per GB for any additional excess bandwidth after this point, and you will be billed accordingly. We don't hassle to you upgrade from here; we'll leave the decision up to you as to whether the next package up is more economical for you.

What is FTP?

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is the method used to upload files, content, images to your website so they can be seen online.

When you join Australian Made Hosting you gain access to your own SmartHost Control Panel to manage web files, staff access and all of your email accounts. The SmartHost Control Panel means you have complete control over your website, saving you money each time you'd like an email address to be redirected, or an image to be changed.

Your Personal Account Manager can either make changes for you, or can teach you how to make changes for yourself. Just let us know your preference!

What is DNS?

Domain Name Servers, DNS, are a completely hidden but absolute crucial element of the internet. DNS settings change the human-readable language of your website (such as www.yourwebaddress.com.au) into a language computers understand (which is a series of numbers and dots).

Basically - if someone types in www.australianmadehosting.com.au, it is the DNS settings that says "go here to load up www.australianmadehosting.com.au"

The DNS settings point to Australian Made Hosting's servers located in Brisbane, Sydney and Perth.
When you join Australian Made Hosting, you will be issued with the DNS settings to the server located physically closest to you.

What is Web Hosting?

Web hosting is what makes your website appear online, accessible on the world wide web. It's a bit like real estate, but online. Such as your URL is your site address, your web hosting is your virtual block of land. Without web hosting, no one will be able to find your address or the homepage you place there.

You can bring over your existing URL to us, no worries, and all of your email accounts will come too. When you switch to Australian Made Hosting, you will not experience any downtime. We guarantee that. If you haven't got a URL yet, we can arrange one for you too.

What is Virtual Hosting?

This is another term for shared hosting. Some smarty-pants marketer realised that individuals many not like to 'share', so the term 'virtual' was introduced instead. All it did was create confusion, really!

So, marketing nonsense aside, Virtual Hosting is still sharing a server with other web clients, which is perfectly fine until your website outgrows the shared server bandwidth allocations.

If and when you reach this point, drop us a line and your Personal Account Manager can help you identify the next best option for you, without the BS.

How do I Register a Domain Name?

Your Domain Name is your URL, the address part: “www.yourdomainname.com.au”

You can buy your Domain singularly so don't get bullied into bundling hosting with it, unless you are sure the web host meets your needs.

You can locate and register your Domain online, and it's a simple process. Remember, with Australian Made Hosting, you can always get your Personal Account Manager to deal with that.

It is what we are here for, after all ... that thing called Customer Service.

I already have a Domain Name. Do I still need web hosting?

Half of the work is done. And yes, you do still need web hosting!

Now it's just a matter of selecting which hosting plan suits your budget and website, and either setting up your DNS settings with Australian Made Hosting or getting your Personal Account Manager to complete the process for you.

What's the difference between Linux & Windows hosting?

While the dominant operating system for home computers is Windows, your website needs may be different.

Many will argue the benefits of either operating system, just like South Side residents think the North Side doesn't compare for whatever reason. Everyone has their preferences and opinions. For most small and mid-sized websites, either operating system would be just fine.
The choice really depends on what databases you currently run, what language your website is coded in, and where you would like your website to be in 5-10 years time. Your Personal Account Manager is here to help plan it with you, if you want our advice.

We know some talented software developers and website designers as well, so if you would like to be introduced, just say so!

What's an IP Address?

Like humans comprehend letters and words, computers comprehend numbers and dots. An IP address is a string of numbers in the format xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx, where xxx ranges from 0 to 255. An ISP is a computer's unique name on the internet; a bit like a passport is to a travelling human.

How do I backup my website?

Your website data is your livelihood; your customer base; your sales history; your product lists and your marketing efforts. So at Australian Made Hosting, we take backup very, very seriously.

We offer an automated backup solution to an external hard disk; either monthly or weekly, depending on your preferences.

If you need a daily back-up, please let us know and your Personal Account Manager will advise of the costs. Since all websites are different, daily back-ups are quoted as requested per client, for that personal touch.

Do I get a webmail account? How many email accounts can I have?

Webmail manages your all of your email accounts, and allows you to access your emails from any internet connection.

Australian Made Hosting supports both POP3 and IMAP email types. We also give you unlimited email addresses, providing your hosting package has enough space for all of the emails you expect to receive! If you need more space, upgrading is easy - just tell your Personal Account Manager and we will make it happen.

PHP/ASP.NET/Perl/Python: I'm confused!

Ah, now this is the technical programming jargon used to make web applications and website's work. Like some cars drive on diesel, other's drive on unleaded, and your website is fuelled by a programming code of some kind: php, asp, .net, cold fusion, perl, java, python ... we could go on!

The programming language that drives your website will determine what kind of web server and web hosting package you need. If you are not sure - you guessed it - call us and your Personal Account Manager will point you in the right direction.

How can I track my web visitors?

Website statistics are key to understanding the 'hot spots' of your website. You need to know how popular your site is, which pages attract the most pairs of eyes, and where these people are coming from. Why? To inform your marketing efforts; to identify your hot web pace that could be a passive income stream waiting to happen; to ensure people continue to visit your site; to get more bang for your web-based buck.

Australian Made Hosting is in kahoots with some brilliant website developers and designers, so we have access to very thorough web statistics programs that you can use too. You will be swimming in web statistics in a jiffy, and if you are not sure what it all means, just ask your Personal Account Manager.

What's Shared Hosting?

Shared hosting is where multiple web clients share the bandwidth and infrastructure costs of a server. This kind of web hosting is inexpensive and popular as a result. Naturally, when you are sharing with other businesses, there are elements you need to consider:

• Since you share bandwidth, all websites on a server are equally effected by web user consumption. If a particular shared client on your server is having a busy day, you will find your website may slow down as a result, and vice-versa. Australian Made Hosting keeps an eye on each client's user consumption to ensure all clients receive a fair-go and suggests package upgrades if someone is being particularly greedy.
• Your also share the CPU and memory of the server, so you may find speeds increase at different times of the day.
• You cannot install additional software on the server, but you get to use what Australian Made Hosting includes in your package, and can request software upgrades from us if necessary.

What's Dedicated Hosting?

Dedicated Hosting is what you need when only the best will do! You have your own hardware and your own space on your exclusive server. You do not share resources with others - it's all about ensuring your website has maximum speed at all times and web visitors experience the best.

What's Colocation Hosting?

Co-location hosting is where you place your hardware and preferred web software within our local facilities and Tier 1 APPT network. We take care of net connection, power supplies, air-conditioning and all of the necessities to keep your server functioning smoothly. You look after the maintenance of your hardware, and your preferred software remains within your control.

Dedicated Servers

Can I run my gaming server?

Absolutely. Simply select the Dedicated Hosting package that caters for the bandwidth you require.

Do I get root access to my server?

Of course. When you join us, you receive our SmartHost or cPanel Control Panel. Here, you have full root access to effectively manage your website as you see fit. If you are not sure, just drop us a line on 1300 858 085.

How do I remotely access my dedicated server?

Access to your dedicated server is available through either SSH/RDP or via IPSec or PPTP VPNs.

Do you monitor my server?

We will monitor your server 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our datacentres are part of the AAPT Network. If there are any problems you can arrange to be notified via email or with a phone call from your account manager.

How do I go about colocating my non-rackmount server?

We are happy to quote you. To determine the cost of colocating a non-rackmount server, we need to know the server's specific dimensions so let's talk this one through over the phone on 1300 858 085.

Is installing my favourite Linux/BSD Distribution a problem?

No problem here. We can install any Open Source operating system. Just let your Personal Account Manager know during the ordering process, and we will take it from there.

How is the bandwidth measured?

We sample your server's ethernet port on the switch every five minutes to determine how much data your machine is moving. We measure both incoming and outgoing traffic.

Can my hardware be upgraded after I order?

Sure thing. If you join us as a Shared Hosting client and want to upgrade at any stage, just say so. There are no hidden fees; only your monthly package price changes to reflect your new bandwidth limits.

For all Dedicated Servers clients, we purchase a new server and install the hardware for you. This is all included in the monthly fee for the duration of your contract because we don't believe in installation fees - we just want to get you online.

Does Australian Made Hosting provide a Domain Name service (DNS) ?

Yes. We help where ever we can, and can look after all of the DNS service for your domains. If you would like a specific reverse lookup, we can configure that as well.

Can I use "Australian Made Hosting" as my secondary DNS?

Yes. If you would like to run the primary DNS, we will gladly set up the secondary DNS for you too because, well, we play well with others.

Can I run my own DNS?

Not a problem. If you want to configure your server to operate the DNS for your domains that's fine. When you join us, we will issue your new DNS settings in a jiffy.

Can you manage my server for me?

Sure, we've been managing servers since 2002 and pride ourselves on service and quality.

This is my first server and I need help.

This is why Australian Made Hosting offers Personal Account Managers. You can talk to the same person, whenever you need to, and that person will be able to teach you the basics of taking care of your server guiding you along the way.

We've helped many people with their first server so you'll be in safe hands.

Is there a "Control Panel" included in the service?

Yes! All Australian Made Hosting clients receive access to our SmartHost or cPanel Control Panel. This web-based dash board allows you to access and modify your settings, email accounts and FTP details from any internet connection. Naturally, if you need help, just drop us a line on 1300 858 085 and we'll show you how it is done.

Can I use dedicated server hosting for short campaigns or testing?

Not a problem as our contract terms can be tailored. If you don't find a term that suits your business needs contact one of our personal account managers and we can discuss.

How long does a Dedicated Server contract last?

Australian Made Hosting Dedicated Server contracts lasts from a minimum of 12 months, but can be extended up to 36 months with commitment rewarded with reduced monthly fees.