Web hosting FAQ
General questions
- What can I use shared web hosting for?
- Is there a minimum contract?
- I can't find the answer I need. Can I get more information?
Domain names and web hosting
- Can I buy a domain name to use with my web hosting?
- I already own a domain. Can I use it with my web hosting?
- How many domain names can I use with my web hosting?
Setting up your shared web hosting
- How long will it take to set my web hosting package up?
- Can you help me move my website across from another provider?
Restrictions and security
- What security measures do you take?
- Can I stream media from my shared web hosting?
- Can I install my own applications?
What can I use shared web hosting for?
Shared web hosting (also just called ‘web hosting’) is web space which you can use to host your website, online applications and files. A few typical uses include:
- Hosting a company website
- Providing a support site for existing business customers
- Creating a personal homepage or portfolio website
If you expect your website to be very complex or receive very high traffic, you may wish to consider a dedicated server instead.
If you want to resell our hosting services to other people, please see our reseller hosting packages.
Is there a minimum contract?
There is no minimum contract period for any of our shared hosting packages, although it can work out cheaper to buy annually.
Additionally, we offer a 7-day money back guarantee. This allows you to cancel your web hosting service within the first 7 days and claim all your money back.
I can't find the answer to my question. Can I get more information?
Our sales team is ready to answer your queries on 0845 226 5566. We are open 8am - 8pm Monday – Friday, and 9am – 5.30pm on Saturdays.
If you have a shared web hosting support question, you can contact us 24/7 on 0870 741 4151. We are open every single day of the year.
Can I buy a domain name to use with my web hosting?
Yes. You will be given the option of registering a domain name when you purchase a hosting solution from our website.
You can also register domain names separately, either using our domain name check or through your control panel.
I already own a domain. Can I use it with my web hosting?
Yes. You can transfer domain names across to Donhost and then use our web hosting control panel to manage them.
Alternatively, if your domain name supplier allows it, you can use their services to point your domain at your Donhost web hosting.
How many domain names can I use with my web hosting?
There is no limit on the number of domains you can use with our web hosting service. You can control an unlimited number of domains through your control panel.
How long will it take to set my web hosting package up?
We usually set your web hosting up straight away. It can take up to another 48 hours for your domain name to start working with your web hosting. This is because the domain name changes have to propagate across the internet.
Can you help me move my website across from another provider?
Our support team can offer advice and assistance should you run into problems transferring your site to our web hosting.
However, we do not offer a transfer service, so you will have to move the site over yourself. If problems are caused by your existing hosting supplier's systems then please contact them for advice.
What security measures do you take?
All our servers are housed in secure datacentres (one is an old Bank of England vault!). The hardware is fully protected from physical threats like as fire, floods and theft.
We maintain a stock of spare hardware so we can replace failed equipment quickly. In practice, the multiple levels of redundancy built into our systems mean that we are likely to replace failed hardware with no interruption to your service.
We also perform regular backups of all data on our servers. However, we recommend you keep copies of important data as well.
Can I stream media from my shared web hosting?
Streaming video and audio usually requires a dedicated streaming server. It is simply not possible for us to provide this facility from a shared hosting service and maintain adequate performance levels.
If you need to stream media, one of our other products will probably be better suited to your needs. Please contact our sales team on 0845 226 5566 to discuss your requirements.
Can I install my own applications?
Because our web hosting is built on a shared platform (several users share each server), we do not offer root or administrator level access to install your own software.
If you need to use a particular piece of software and have not yet purchased a web hosting package, please contact our sales team on 0845 226 5566.
If you are an existing customer looking to use a specific application, please call our support department on 0870 741 4151. We may be able to accommodate you.