Frequently Asked Questions

What is web hosting?

Think of your web host as the place where your website “lives”. Web hosting is a service that stores your website’s information on machines called servers and makes it accessible via the internet.

What is Fully Managed web hosting?

The definition of Fully Managed seems to vary from one web hosting provider to the next. At IvyCat, Fully Managed means that we:

• Build all our servers with high-quality Supermicro hardware and top server-grade components. Our servers are all racked in a top tier datacenter in a properly cooled and secure environment.
• Configure each server from start to finish, including configuring your hosting control panel (cPanel), managing nightly backups, and updating server software.
• Proactively monitor and maintain our hardware to ensure optimum performance and uptime. Our technicians have physical access to our servers, and we strive to identify and resolve issues before they become a problem for you.
• Proactively apply updates to the server’s operating system and all installed software to ensure smooth, secure service.
• Happily assist you with managing any other aspects of your hosting account, including: setting up e-mail accounts, forwarders, domains, FTP accounts, etc.

How much does web hosting cost?

View our web hosting page for a guide to our hosting packages and decide what service is best for you!

What is shared web hosting?

Shared hosting is when many websites share space on the same server. The server is partitioned so that each site has its own, private section. The costs to maintain the server are spread out among many users, making it an ideal economical solution for small to medium sized websites. Check out the pricing guide on our web hosting page to find out which package is right for you!

What is VPS hosting?

VPS stands for virtual private server. A VPS server is a server that has been partitioned off into several smaller servers. Each VPS account functions like an entirely independent server, and is able to run its own operating system securely and privately, without being affected by the other VPS accounts.

VPS hosting is a great, affordable middle ground for websites that are too large for shared hosting plans, but not large enough to justify the expense of a dedicated server. It’s also a very good solution for people who need more control over server functionality, configuration and software than they can get with a shared hosting plan. To learn more about VPS features and prices, take a look at our VPS hosting plans.

What is dedicated hosting?

Dedicated hosting is a type of web hosting plan in which you lease an entire server that you do not share with anyone else. Think of it as the next step up from VPS hosting.

Dedicated hosting is ideal for websites with a high volume of traffic or for people who want to be able to operate as many sites as they wish. Dedicated hosting is also right for you if your website’s applications require high levels of security, large amounts of RAM, or features that cannot be accommodated by VPS hosting, or if you want to have full control of the server. See our fully-managed dedicated servers to find out if dedicated hosting is the right fit for your needs!

What is reseller hosting?

Reseller hosting is a type of web hosting in which you can purchase space on our servers to host multiple websites of your own or to resell hosting space to your own customers, using your own pricing plans. Learn more about our reseller hosting plans.

What are the differences between shared, VPS and dedicated hosting?

Shared hosting:

• Many sites are hosted on the same server
• Inexpensive solution for small-to-medium sites
• User-friendly & very easy for the non-technical

VPS hosting:

• Virtual servers share space on the same physical server but function entirely independently
• Much of the functionality & flexibility of a dedicated server at significantly less cost
• Economical solution for medium sized sites
• Own controls, memory, software and processor
• Can’t be affected by other accounts on the server

Dedicated hosting:

• An entire server dedicated to your use only
• Next step up from VPS hosting
• Full control of server, software and customization
• Highly secure and stable
• Greater flexibility
• No limit on the number of websites you can have
• Ideal for high volume websites & sites with RAM-intensive applications

Are there regular backups?

All hosting accounts are backed up nightly to an off-site server. You can also make backups on demand any time!

Where are your servers?

Our servers are housed at the famous One Wilshire building in Los Angeles, California. One Wilshire is widely acknowledged to be the premier telecommunications hub for the entire Pacific Rim. This state-of-the-art facility is home to some of the country’s largest computer networks, and has been specially engineered to accommodate a high tech environment. Our servers couldn’t be in a better place!

Are there discounts if I host more than one domain with you?

We offer a 15% discount for each additional hosting account.

Can I run Dada Mail or other mailing list software on the server?

Yes. Please see Mailing List requirements for more information.

How do I upgrade my hosting plan?

It’s easy! Simply submit a support ticket letting us know which plan you’d like to upgrade to, and we’ll take care of it right away.

How quickly will my account be set up?

All accounts are set up within 24 hours of receipt of payment.

What is your 30 day money-back guarantee?

If you’re dissatisfied with your service in any way and wish to cancel within your first 30 days, you will receive a full refund for your account. This refund does not include any add-on services, such as domain registration, SSL certificates, etc. Accounts that are canceled or terminated by IvyCat for violation of our Terms of Service do not qualify for this guarantee. Refunds are not available after 30 days.