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FAQ: Services

1. Why don't you offer dialup service?
2. Why should I sign up with Xenoplanet over another provider?
3. Do you support plugins like Shockwave, QuickTime, VRML, and Live3D?
4. Do you offer Microsoft FrontPage extensions?
5. Do you support Miva (HTMLscript)?
6. Do you offer SSL (secure) hosting?
7. Do you offer telnet or shell access?
8. How do I change my web hosting account to a different one? Can I switch from a basic account to a domain account? Can I change my account name?
9. Can I use my private FTP account as an anonymous FTP service?
10. Can I host my pornographic or offensive material on Xenoplanet?
11. Do you offer dialup Internet access?
12. Can I use Xenoplanet to send spam?
13. What payment methods do you accept?
14. What is the difference between an eMail alias and an eMail account?
15. Do you offer telephone support?
16. Can I change my account name? Can I upgrade from a basic account to a domain?
17. How do I upgrade or modify my service?
18. Do you support Java and Javascript? What about server-side Java?
19. Do you support Cold Fusion, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Visual Interdev, VBScript, IIS, and Active Server Pages (ASP)?

Why don't you offer dialup service?

Unlike most hosting providers whose primary function is dialup Internet access, Xenoplanet is strictly a web hosting provider. Since we're not wasting money on expensive dialup equipment, we can afford to provide fast, reliable web service at a very affordable price.

Why should I sign up with Xenoplanet over another provider?

Many reasons. Please visit our Why Choose Xenoplanet? page.

Do you support plugins like Shockwave, QuickTime, VRML, and Live3D?

Yes. Our web servers are not picky about the files they serve. Since almost all web content is based on a small number of file types, you won't have a problem including various plugins. If you find that our servers are missing a MIME type, let us know and we'll add it. Here is a current list of supported MIME types.

Do you offer Microsoft FrontPage extensions?

Yes. Microsoft FrontPage 2000 extensions (FrontPage 97/98 are also currently supported) are available free of charge on all accounts. More information about Xenoplanet's FrontPage support is available in our Microsoft FrontPage pages.

Do you support Miva (HTMLscript)?

Yes. Miva is enabled on all accounts. Please visit our Miva area for detailed information about Miva.

Do you offer SSL (secure) hosting?

Yes. SSL hosting options, secure storefront, and commerce solutions are described on our E-Commerce page.

Do you offer telnet or shell access?

No. We provide a private FTP account for uploading and managing your website. You may also use Webby in the customer service area or Microsoft FrontPage.

How do I change my web hosting account to a different one? Can I switch from a basic account to a domain account? Can I change my account name?

Send an eMail to support@xenoplanet.com with the necessary information. Xenoplanet can change your account type and account name without the need to re-signup, re-upload files, etc. There is no setup fee to upgrade your web hosting account to a different one (for example, from silverWEB to goldWEB), or to switch from a basic to a domain account. You can change a basic (yourname.xenoplanet.com) account name 1 time per year for free (additional changes are $12/setup). To change Domain names there is a $29/setup fee plus any applicable domain registration fees.

Can I use my private FTP account as an anonymous FTP service?

No. The private FTP account which you receive is intended for uploading and managing your web site. Anonymous FTP is included free with all domain web hosting accounts.

Please read our documentation on how to setup anonymous FTP on your account.

Can I host my pornographic or offensive material on Xenoplanet?

No. Although we respect the First Amendment rights of individuals, and oppose the censorship of the Internet, we are not prepared to host sites which we consider to be objectionable. Our reason is simple. Pornography draws too many viewers, too quickly, and would adversely affect our other customers, and our support staff.

Do you offer dialup Internet access?

No. Xenoplanet provides web hosting and domain regsitration services only.

Can I use Xenoplanet to send spam?

No. Xenoplanet defines spam to be mass, unsolicited messages (i.e. junk mail on the Internet). Accounts which send spam will be immediately terminated, and will be charged theft of service fines up to 50 cents per message plus a $6 processing fee per complaint received.

What payment methods do you accept?

We currently accept credit cards (Visa, MasterCard), personal checks, business checks, money orders, and international money orders. Checks can be in U.S. $ or EURO funds drawn on a German bank.

Wire transfers are accepted for amounts over $240 (the customer will be responsible for any bank fees).

What is the difference between an eMail alias and an eMail account?

An eMail account is a mailbox which stores eMail. An eMail alias (also known as an "eMail forward") is simply a pointer to an eMail account. eMail aliases can point either to a Xenoplanet-maintained eMail account, or to an eMail account at your ISP. A typical eMail alias might be "support@yourdomain.com" or "info@yourdomain.com," whereas a typical eMail address might be "john.cage@yourdomain.com".

Do you offer telephone support?

Xenoplanet is structured around eMail support. It gives us the flexibility to answer questions, and deal with problems in an effective and timely manner. That being said, please feel free to give us a call during normal support hours.

Can I change my account name? Can I upgrade from a basic account to a domain?

You may change your basic account name (yourname.xenoplanet.com) or your domain name (yourdomain.com) for $29 setup fee. Account upgrades (i.e. from basic to domain) do not incur a setup fee. New domains are subject to a $58 registration fee for the first two years of registration.

How do I upgrade or modify my service?

Please use your account control panel to instantly add or change account options, eMail configuration, etc. If you don't see an automatic way to perform the appropriate changes, please contact us.

Do you support Java and Javascript? What about server-side Java?

Xenoplanet supports all client-side languages, including Java and Javascript. Currently due to the lack of a stable and efficient Java engine for the BSD operating system we don't offer server side Java. If current engines improve we may consider this in the future.

Do you support Cold Fusion, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Visual Interdev, VBScript, IIS, and Active Server Pages (ASP)?

Xenoplanet currently is a UNIX-only hosting solution. These technologies are restricted to Windows platforms, and are not included in Xenoplanet's service offerings. Support for ASP is in the works, as there is a company that is developing ASP support for UNIX webservers.