Answers to commonly asked questions:

” I’d like a web site. What are your rates?”
Quotes for potential projects vary and are based on the size and complexity of the project. If the site requires databases, ecommerce, PCI compliance etc. the quote will reflect this. Animation, image and audio preparation work will be considered as would hosting requirements including SSL setup and security requirements.
“Am I required to transfer my domain registration to SolidHostDesign in order to use hosting and SSL services?”
No. You are NOT required to move your domain registration to SolidHostDesign’s control. You can keep your domain name registered with another domain registration company, and still use our hosting.
But, if you do transfer your domain registration to SolidHostDesign, we will be able to support your domain name. This support includes timely renewal of the name, updates to Whois information, and updates to DNS and name servers.

“Are your servers PCI compliant?”

For E-Commerce sites, Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance is a must. It si designed to ensure that ALL companies that accept, process, store or transmit credit card information maintain a secure operating environment. There are requirements set forth by the PCI Security Standards Council. If you see any problems, just get a scanning vendor to email you a report and provide that report to so we can help resolve potential issues found.

“Are your web servers Windows or Linux based?”

We use Linux based servers. To avoid any confusion, we are only talking about the web server. In order to ensure the security of your web based services, we may require certain minimum requirements for the end user. But, usually there are no requirements to change anything on your personal computer.

“If I started on one hosting plan, is it easy to upgrade or modify the account?”

It is easy to upgrade your plan. All you would need to do is contact us at and we will make the necessary changes to your account. This is usually done in much less than 24 hours.

“I’m unhappy with my current hosting situation. What do I need to move to yours?”

If you want to move your site...If you want to move your site and/or transfer your domain registration
1. You need to know if your site is running on a Windows or Linux based server.You will need to have your login information to your domain registration account and also there is a special code (usually called a "PIN" that is required to be used when moving a site from one registrar to another. This "PIN" is only provided to the actual owner of the domain. IF you are not the actual owner of the domain name and cannot get control of the domain name, it is recommended that we look for another domain name.
2. You will need to have the log-in information that allows ftp access to the files you have on your current web server.
3. You will likely want to move your email service as well so you'd also need to provide your email addresses and passwords you use on that server.
4. You will need to know the login information for your domain registration account so that the name servers information can be updated.
Name servers help other computers find your web site and if it is moved the list of name servers need to be updated because the original ones will not properly direct visitors to your new web server.
5. You need to know how much disk space you are currently using on the server so that you can pick the correct server package. Once you have that information, contact us at so we can provide a quote.

Okay,so I get a web site with you guys. Who owns the content?

You do. It’s your site right? Now the design of the site might be a little different. Let’s say for example, you decide you want to use a template purchased from another provider. Depending on the license that is acquired when you purchased that template, you might not have exclusive rights to that design. Most clients look for WordPress sites to be developed and in the vast majority of those cases, the design for those sites are unique to their web sites and they have no worries about licensing.

Today I learned that all of my domain registration information including names addresses and phone numbers is exposed to spammers and worse. What can I do?

SolidHostDesign offers the option of registering your domain so that your private information such as your name, address, phone number etc. are kept private. For a small annual fee, IDProtect is available for those who wish their domain registration information is kept private. Private Registration is an option not a feature. If you have registered domains with us, please contact and we will make the necessary arrangements.

Is it really important what kind of passwords I use for my site?

Absolutely! Passwords are the gateway into your site, your email accounts and more! If you are doing business on the web you want to use secure passwords. In view of recent events where other companies have had their sites hacked, you want to do everything you can to lessen the odds of an uninvited visitor doing things you don’t want. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the best passwords:

  1. Never use words that are found in the dictionary for passwords. Instead use a combination of letters, numbers, special characters, upper and lower case (use at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number, one special character)
  2. Don’t use a password that can be linked to you in any way. Do not use the name of your pet or family member as your password.
  3. You can use the first (one, two or three) characters of every word in a sentence. These are called “Pass Phrases”
  4. Also, think of a sentence or a phrase, (for example “you are a carfan”) and combine the first or last letter of each word with numbers (like “9812”) and get a great password for example “yaac9812”.
  5. The longer the password = the harder it is to crack. We never use passwords less than 8 characters. You shouldn’t either.
  6. Don’t log into important accounts while connected to insecure networks (like internet cafes or free wi-fi connections in stores etc.)

“If I register a site through SolidHostDesign will I Own my domain name?”

Once all invoices have been paid. Definitely. There are other hosting services that advertise free domain name registration with their hosting plans. Later, when the client wants to move to another hosting service they cannot because they do not own the domain name. The hosting service owns the domain name registration because they paid to register it. Not the client. We feel no need to resort to “gimmicks” like that. You’ll want to stay after experiencing our level of service and support. With us, your registration costs are included your quoted price. When we register a site for a client, it is on the client’s behalf. As a result you own your domain name not SolidHostDesign, Inc.