Here are some of the most common questions we receive regarding web hosting. Virtually every business these days can benefit from a website. We try to keep it simple and therefore, our hosting package is designed to meet most clients needs without worrying about having to pay for extra hidden charges. Below you will find some very basic information about our hosting. If you do not see the information you require, please ask!


Q. What is web hosting?
A. When you publish your website to the world, you do not have to have your computer serving files 24 hours a day. In fact, you don't even need a computer! We run your website from among the fastest, most reliable servers available from our Toronto data center. When someone types in your website address (URL), the files are downloaded from a our web server dedicated to serving internet files. Here are a few basic terms:

Web site: Comprised of a combination of image, html pages and other files.
Web host: A company that stores and serves websites to the internet.
Web server: A computer connected to the internet serving webpages, email and other files.
Domain: A website name (i.e. thenetnow.com) It must be renewed on an annual basis.

Q. I have no idea where to start....what do I need to get a web site?
A. A typical client will need to purchase a domain name, and arrange for hosting of their website. In addition, they will need to create the html and image files that are to be put on their website, or have a web designer do this for them. The Net Now can help you with all of your website needs. We have been designing and hosting websites since 1998. We also work with a number of web designers and marketing companies who host their clients sites with us. We are authorized resellers of domain names and this is usually a first step when thinking of putting up a website.

Q. What kind of access do I have to my website?
A. You can access your website at any time to make changes. You can view your website with or without the 'www'. We have some web-based tools to assist you managing your website. The web-based control panel allows you to add/modify email accounts and manage a variety of other tools. We can set your hosting up usually the same day.

Q. How reliable and how fast is your service?
A. These are likely the most important factors in selecting a web host company. Please see our money back guarantee. We know how important it is that your site and email be up and running. Our network operations data center is located in London, Ontario. The building housing the data center is well secured against unauthorized access and is equipped with backup UPS & dedicated emergency generator, hardware-friendly fire suppression system and climate control system. We only use reliable Dell servers connected on one of the fastest internet backbones.

Q. Can I connect to the internet with The Net Now?
A. You will still require a high speed or dial-up account at a local ISP to connect to the internet in order to check your email or browse the web.

Q. Should I use the web space that comes with my internet access?
A. You may certainly use whatever web space is available to you through your ISP. If you want us to maintain your site, we can do so on either your web space or ours. If you require any custom programming or features such as domain registration, email accounts, formmail etc., we may only be able to provide this on our server space. This is because we have full control over our server and can add additional features instantly. You should also be aware that many of the features we offer included in our monthly rate may not even be available to you at your ISP's hosting and if they are available, they are usually an expensive extra fee. Please talk to us before signing up for 'extra' options at your ISP. You might be surprised at how much we can save you!

Q. How much will hosting cost me?
A. We want to make it simple and affordable for you to have a quality internet presence! There are no setup fees, and you are never locked in for any long-term contract. You can pay monthly, or annually. Click here for our rates. If you ever decide you need to cancel your hosting (for ANY reason) we will refund your unused months of hosting. Please see our money back guarantee.

Q. Do I get any email?
A. All accounts come with email. The Personal plan has only one pop email due to it's small size but you can set up many aliases. The larger Small Business and Executive plans have the ability to set up many email accounts. With all our plans, you should be aware that your disk allowance includes the space used by your email. Therefore, if you only use our webmail to check your messages and never download them via Outlook or some other mail program, you will be using more and more disk space for your email. If you need a dedicated webmail account, please check with us. We have separate external email accounts as well for only $1.50 per month with enormous allowance of 10GB (10,000MB) of space.