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A Little Technology Shoppe, LLC
FAQ -- Frequently Asked Questions
Version 2.0 Updated 17 November
1998.
1) What do you mean by a virtual server?
2) What kind of hit volume can a virtual server support?
3) At what speed will my server be connected to the
Internet?
4) How many virtual servers are located on 1 host system?
5) How long does it take to register a domain name?
6) Is there a support manual or online support resources?
7) How do I subscribe to A Little Technology Shoppe, LLC's
News List?
8) Who do I contact at A Little Technology Shoppe, LLC with
a particular question?
1) How much do the virtual servers cost?
2) How much does a dedicated server cost?
3) Will there be a price increase in the future?
1) How do I order?
2) How do I switch my site from another ISP to A Little
Technology Shoppe, LLC?
3) How do I order an additional domain name for a server?
1) How does one become a reseller?
2) Is there advertising support?
3) Who handles support questions for a reseller's customer?
4) If I cancel, can I take my customers with me?
5) Is a 3rd party billing service available to resellers?
1) What are the costs and when do they start?
2) How can I pay for my virtual server?
3) If I cancel my account do I get a refund?
4) What if I want to upgrade/downgrade to another type of
server>?
1) What is SSL and "Netscape" encryption?
2) What is the cost for this feature?
3) Can I order encryption after my server has been setup?
4) How long does it take to setup encryption?
5) What additional information will be needed to setup
encryption?
6) What does a digital certificate do?
7) What information will I need to provide to Verisign to
get a certificate?
8) How do I order a digital certificate?
9) How do I activate SSL?
1) When should I upgrade my virtual server to a dedicated
server?
2) What is the cost for a dedicated server?
3) Who owns the hardware for the server and what happens if
I cancel?
4) Are there any other costs other than setup and
connection fees?
5) Who controls the server?
6) What service is included in my monthly fee?
1) How is the server maintained?
2) Do I have Shell privileges?
3) How do I get my web page stats?
4) Are CGI scripts provided with the server?
5) Can perl be used?
General Questions
1) What do you mean by a virtual server?
A virtual server is a system in which a single machine will resolve multiple IP addresses. This allows a single machine to act as many separate systems.
The design of A Little Technology Shoppe, LLC's Virtual Server System is to maximize customer's use, control, and design of their own site. This is quite unlike "Virtual Hosting", such as Apache and others, which merely spoofs the domain name of a company to point to a subdirectory of a server controlled by someone else.
2) What kind of hit volume can a virtual server support?
Our virtual server system is designed to handle a small to medium hit load (under 30,000 hits a day). If a site begins to receive over 30,000 hits a day web page response will begin to be effected. For web sites expecting large number of hits they should consider purchasing a dedicated server. Dedicated servers can accommodate well over 1 million hits a day.
3) At what speed will my server be connected to the Internet?
Our servers are connected by one OC3 and three DS3 Internet connections. The speed of the OC3 is 155.52Mbps and the speed of each of the DS3connections is 45 Mbits/sec. An OC3 is about 100 times faster than a T1 and a DS3 is about 27 times faster than a T1 (1.5 Mbits/sec). Each server is connected to the hub by a 100 Mbits/sec Ethernet connection. As of April 1, 1998 the DS3's were still below 60% utilization.
4) How many virtual servers are located on 1 host system?
There are usually 60-80 virtual servers per host system. The load on the host systems are closely monitored to have a aggregate hit count of 250,000-500,000 hits a day. At this level the server load is keep significantly below the capacity of the system.
5) How long does it take to register a domain name?
The time taken to process a domain names varies greatly from week to week. Currently new ".com" names are taking about 1-2 days. Until the domain name registration process is complete the server can be accessed using the IP address sent to you with your registration information.
6) Is there a support manual or online support resources?
Yes. See technical questions section below.
7) How do I subscribe to A Little Technology Shoppe, LLC's News List?
Send an E-mail to support@littletechshoppe.com with the message "subscribe news" followed by your E-mail address in the body of the message. Once you've subscribed, you'll receive updates about our services and new features when they are offered.
8) Who do I contact at A Little Technology Shoppe, LLC with a particular question?
billing@littletechshoppe.com -- billing and payment questions dns@littletechshoppe.com -- domain and certificate information sales@littletechshoppe.com -- sales and general information support@littletechshoppe.com -- technical and ssl questions
Pricing Questions
1) How much do the virtual servers cost?
Server A: 70 MB HTML server with E-mail aliasing.
Setup: $35 Monthly: $50
Server B: 200 MB HTML server with E-mail aliasing, POP E-mail server
anonymous and multi-user FTP.
Setup: $35 Monthly: $90
Server C: 500 MB HTML server with E-mail aliasing, POP E-mail server
anonymous, multi-user FTP, and Multi-admin.
Setup: $35 Monthly: $220
2) How much does a dedicated server cost?
Dedicated Server running on Pentium 266 with BSD UNIX OS on Windows NT.
Setup: $750 Monthly: $1045
3) Will there be a price increase in the future?
We do not anticipate any price increase until at least after June 1999.
Ordering Questions
1) How do I order?
Order the server using the online order form at our web site. You can place your credit card number on the order form itself (ensure you use the secure form), fax it to us, or call it in. Payment for the setup fee and a one month's deposit(if paying by check) must be received at our home office prior to us processing the order.
2) How do I switch my site from another ISP to A Little Technology Shoppe, LLC?
The first step in switching an existing web site is to order the virtual server. Once the server has been ordered you will receive from A Little Technology Shoppe, LLC a DNS modification request form. This form should be forwarded on to InterNIC. A change of request for an existing DNS name MUST be done by the customer. A Little Technology Shoppe, LLC can only process NEW DNS request forms without the aid of the customer. You can use the time during which InterNIC is processing the DNS modification to transfer your web page to your new virtual server.
3) How do I order an additional domain name for a server?
Send E-mail to dns@littletechshoppe.com with your primary domain name, and the desired domain name in the body of the message. For registering additional domains, A Little Technology Shoppe, LLC charges $35 per domain.
Reseller Questions
1) How does one become a reseller?
Our program is very simple. When you purchase your Second Virtual Server you are automatically considered a reseller. You then receive the reseller discount of 10%. The discount increases with the more servers that you purchase: 3-5 servers - 15%; 6-10 servers - 20%; 11-15 servers - 30%; >20 servers - 35%. Setup and onetime charges are not included in the discount. The discounts apply to all of the servers that you lease, but are not cumulative. For example: When you reach more than 20 servers you receive a 35% discount on all servers. The reseller information should be included on the order form.
2) Is there advertising support?
No, you are responsible for all your own advertising including submitting pages to Internet search engines.
3) Who handles support questions for a reseller's customer?
The way the reseller program is designed to work is the reseller acts as front line support for their customers. In the event the reseller is asked a question he does not know the RESELLER then contacts A Little Technology Shoppe, LLC for and on behalf of the customer. As standard procedure and in order to avoid possible conflicts, A Little Technology Shoppe, LLC does not interact with the clientele of the reseller.
4) If I cancel, can I take my customers with me?
In most cases, we are only the technical and possibly the billing contact for the DNS. The customer or administrative contact maintains ownership at all times.
5) Is a 3rd party billing service available to resellers?
No, you are responsible for billing your own clients.
Billing and Payment Questions
1) What are the costs and when do they start?
All servers have a $35 setup fee. Order processing begins on receipt of a check for the setup fee and a deposit equivalent to one month of service. There is No Longer a 10 day processing period. Setup Must be Paid in Advance. Monthly charges accrue from the date and time that the email configuration letter leaves our mail server.
The monthly charge varies for each type of server. All future billings will be made 5 days prior to the next billing period. Prices are subject to changes in our costs, but are guaranteed through your paid billing period.
2) How can I pay for my virtual server?
A Little Technology Shoppe, LLC strongly recommends that you pay for your virtual server with a credit card. This will ensure that your account is never accidentally deactivated due to lost mail or other payment problems. Accounts payed by credit card are charged monthly on the 1st of the month. A Little Technology Shoppe, LLC currently accepts Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover, Diner's Club, and Carte Blanche.
For accounts paying by check the $35 setup fee and equivalent one month service deposit must be received at our office before the order will be processed. All invoices are mailed quarterly or semi-annually (if special arrangements are made) at the beginning of the payment period. Payments are due no later than 20 days from the date of the invoice at the first of the billing period. The reactivation charge is $50.
3) If I cancel my account do I get a refund?
The $35 setup fee is non-refundable. Our accounts are on a monthly basis. We require 30 days notice for you to cancel an account. So the least that you would be billed would be 1 month's charges(IE: $35 setup + 1 month fee).
4) What if I want to upgrade/downgrade to another type of server?
Just send an E-mail to sales@littletechshoppe.com stating your name, domain name, and the server you are on along with your preference to upgrade or downgrade and the change will be made. You will also be charged $25 for the change.
Secure Server Questions
1) What is SSL and "Netscape" encryption?
As an add-on feature, we offer secure socket layer (SSL), frequently referred to as "Netscape" encryption. This allows a Netscape browser to communicate with your virtual server in a secure SSL encrypted session. It is often used to securely transfer sensitive information.
2) What is the cost for this feature?
There is a one time $50 setup fee for installing SSL on a virtual server. This is in addition to the regular $35 initial server setup cost. The monthly fee for the encryption is $5. In addition you should consider purchasing from Verisign a digital certificate (see questions 6-9). Effective August 18, 1997 their cost for the digital certificate is $349 for the first year and $249 for each year thereafter.
3) Can I order encryption after my server has been setup?
SSL can be added at any time to a virtual or dedicated server.
4) How long does it take to setup encryption?
SSL can be added to the server within two business days after it is ordered. Until a new certificate arrives a warning message will appear on the client's machine warning them that the certificate does not match the web pages URL. The long leg is getting the certificate from Verisign.
5) What additional information will be needed to setup encryption?
To add encryption we only need to know the DNS name associated with the virtual server. You will need to provide directly to Verisign additional documentation for ordering the digital certificate.
6) What does a digital certificate do?
A server uses a digital certificate to prove it's authenticity. The digital certificate establishes a legal relationship between a legitimate company and their web site. For example, if you go to Novell's web page and decrypt their digital certificate it legally proves that this web site is authorized by Novell (or whoever's name is actually in the digital certificate).
7) What information will I need to provide to Verisign or Thawte to get a certificate?
In order to purchase a certificate you must provide to Verisign a signed copy of either a business license or articles of incorporation. You must also supply a signed copy of the Verisign web masters form letter. The cost for a certificate is $349 for the first year and $249 for each year afterwards. More information on digital certificates is available at URL http://www.verisign.com. A Thawte certificate can be obtained for $125, with renewal cost of $75 per year. For more information about Thawte signed certificates, please see their web site at http://www.thawte.com/
8) What if I want additional licenses/certificates for other web sites I support?
Only if the domain name is registered to your company may the same license be used for multiple sites. In this case, each additional certificate is only an additional $249/year.
9) How do I order a digital certificate?
In order to avoid potential problems it is best to coordinate ordering certificates with A Little Technology Shoppe, LLC. Requests for certificates should be sent to sales@littletechshoppe.com for processing. Certificate processing takes about 7-10 days.
10) How do I activate SSL?
In order to activate SSL you simply change the URL to read https instead of http.
Dedicated Server Questions
1) When should I upgrade my virtual server to a dedicated server?
The virtual server system is a great solution for sites with low to medium traffic. If a site begins to receive a large number of hits (100,000+ a day) performance of their virtual server will begin to slow down and you should consider upgrading to a dedicated server. We have a dedicated server option with a proven hardware configuration that can handle over 1 million hits per day.
2) What is the cost for a dedicated server?
The setup fee for a dedicated server is $750. The Unix operating software will be included, but this server does not include virtual server configurations. Any special software would be the responsibility of the customer. The monthly charge is $1045 for a direct connection to a hub and includes 20GB of data transfer per month. Additional bandwidth is available at the cost of $100/10GB.
A minimum of 3 months service fees plus the setup fee is required before processing an order for a dedicated server (A minimum total of $3875). The order processing time is 3 weeks and is not considered part of your monthly charges. There are NO volume discounts.
Should you cancel before the first three months are up, you will NOT receive a refund of the service fees.
Special arrangements to use your existing hardware may be possible. Those and other questions should be addressed to sales@littletechshoppe.com.
3) Who owns the hardware for the server and what happens if I cancel?
The hardware belongs to A Little Technology Shoppe, LLC unless other special arrangements are made. A Little Technology Shoppe, LLC is responsible for the hardware maintenance and service subject to service contracts and other agreements.
If you wish to cancel you must give a one month notification to billing@littletechshoppe.com. You will receive a prorated refund of unused monthly charges. If you wish to deactivate you must give a one month notification to billing@littletechshoppe.com. You will receive a prorated refund of unused monthly charges within 3 weeks of deactivation. There is no refund of setup fees to deactivate. A 3 week notification, receipt of $500 reactivation fee and a minimum of 3 months connection fees are required to reactivate a dedicated server.
4) Are there any other costs other than setup and connection fees?
There are additional costs for backup services if so desired. Backups are conducted twice daily, once to a second hard drive and once to tape.
5) Who controls the server?
The customer remotely controls their dedicated server. It is recommended that the customer provide A Little Technology Shoppe, LLC with the root password to the server, but it is not required.
6) What service is included with my monthly fee?
The monthly fee covers the first five hours of service per month required for your server. After the first five hours per month, service will be billed to you at the rate of $125 per hour.
Technical Questions
Specific technical questions should be directed to support@littletechshoppe.com.
1) How is the server maintained?
Maintenance of the server is done completely by you the client. We give you full Telnet and FTP access to your server and access to an online administrator's handbook beginning with notification by E-mail of your processed order. This 60+ page manual describes the configuration of your virtual server. You will later receive a hardcopy manual by mail with each order.
2) Do I have Shell privileges?
Yes. Maintenance of the server is done via both Telnet and FTP. The login name and password for the shell is supplied in your server configuration information contained within your E-mail notification of your processed order.
3) How do I get my web page stats?
Each virtual server comes with a program called GETSTATS which will provide a detailed description of the log files.
4) Are CGI scripts provided with the server?
Each server comes with it's own unique CGI bin directory. Access to the directory is through Telnet or FTP. We also have many other CGI that you may add by simply copying into your own cgi-bin directory.
5) Can perl be used?
The servers come with Perl4. You can also load on Perl5. The servers also come with TCL/Tk, csh, sh, and other popular UNIX scripting languages.
| Copyright © 1996, 1997 Last Modified: 17 November 1998. A Little Technology Shoppe, LLC. All rights reserved. All brand names and product names used on these web pages are trademarks, or trade names of their respective holders. |