Domain Name Support:
Your domain is purchased by using a domain name registrar. There are many registrars in operation with varying fees for the registration process.

The first step is for the registrar to search its databases to make sure the name is available for sale. Upon confirmation of its availability, you can typically purchase the name for 1,2,3,5,or 10 years. Regardless of the duration, you will receive an email from your registrar reminding you when it is up for renewal.

Once purchased, the registrar will send you an email with account information, including a username and password. You must have this username and password available in order to access your account. If you have a hosting package with us, BusinessOnTheCape can manage your domain name on your behalf providing assurance that contact information and registration fees are up to date.

Domain Name Parking: If you have registered a domain name and are not quite ready to create a website, the domain name will get "parked". Your registrar will automatically park the domain name on its own servers. At that point in time, if you try to access that domain name using your browser, you will be directed to a screen that indicates that your website is either parked or under construction. Once you are ready to host your site and have purchased your BusinessOnTheCape hosting package you will then need to edit the DNS entries for your domain name. Keep in mind domain name management is included with your hosting package.

Once you DNS entries have propagated throughout the Internet, you can then begin to upload files and images to your website using FTP software. Your website will then be visible to all visitors.

Please note that worldwide propagation can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours. After such time, if you are unable to view your website you can contact your registrar to verify your DNS settings or contact our support team for assistance.

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Email Support:
In order for you to receive email, you must configure your email package (such as Outlook Express, Outlook, Netscape Messenger, or Thunderbird) to contain the following mail settings:

Incoming Mail Server: mail.businessonthecape.com
(replace businessonthecape.com with your own domain name)

You need a username and password to receive email.
Username: admin@businessonthecape.com
(replace this entire address with your own full email address)

Outgoing Mail Server:
In order for you to send email, configure your email package to your Internet provider's outgoing mail server.
If you have Aliant high speed (DSL or ADSL) configure as follow: Outgoing Mail Server: smtp1.ns.sympatico.ca

If you have Eastlink high speed (Cable) configure as follow: Outgoing Mail Server: smtp.eastlink.ca

There is no username or password required for sending email from either Aliant's or Eastlink's high speed service unless otherwise specified.
There is no authentication required for sending mail using Aliant's or Eastlink's high speed service unless otherwise specified.

For further assistance contact our support team.

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FTP (File Transfer Protocol) Support:
Once your account has been created you can upload files and images to your website using an FTP software program. There are a variety of FTP programs available on the Internet. Some offer free trials, and others can be purchased for a nominal fee.

Uploading instructions:
1) Install the FTP program of your choice on your computer following the manufacturer's instructions.
2) Launch the FTP software and create an FTP entry using the following settings:

FTP Server: yourdomainname (replacing yourdomainname with your actual domain name including the file extension at the end of the name).

Username or User ID: This is provided to you in your initial email confirming your account creation.

Password: This is also provided to you in your initial email confirming your account creation.

FTP Port: 21

FTP Name: Enter a descriptive name to identify your site name among other possible entries in your FTP software.

Some FTP software packages allow you to enter the default folder of your computer once a successful login to the FTP server is made.

3) Execute the new entry to access the FTP server and your website.
4) Upon successful login to the FTP server, you should see a split screen with the contents of your local computer in the left pane and the contents of your website in the right pane.
5) Take a moment and review the various folders on the FTP server. DO NOT DELETE THESE FOLDERS AS THEY ARE NECESSARY FOR THE PROPER FUNCTIONING OF YOUR WEBSITE. Access the public_html folder. Upload your contents to this folder.
6) Exit the FTP Software.
7) Launch your web browser to view your website.

For further assistance contact our support team.

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