Support Listings for CPUnet Internet Account and Hardware Setup

 FAQ's & Questions  |   Home  |   |  Dial-up help  |  DSL   |   Internet Connecting Errors   |  Misc  |

Domain Names - Registration Help  |  Web Hosting Help  |

Download Dial-up connection Software  |  Request changes to your Email account  |  Email setup  |


Sales & Support    1 - 253-221-3290   or  1- 253-278-2204  11:am to 7:pm Mon - Ssat, Pacific time

Manual DIAL-UP Setup HELP - Select Your Operating System
Instructions  
 
E-mail Setup HELP - Select Your Preferred Email Program
Instructions  
 
New Email - Register For More Email Addresses
Signup For Multiple E-Mail Addresses 

DOWNLOADS for UNLIMITED HOURS ACCESS ACCOUNTS

 

CPUnet Internet Connection Software  (Unlimited)
Download (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana)  - [240 kb]
Download (California) - [240 kb]
Download (Mid West USA) - [240 kb]
Download (East Coast USA) - [240 kb]

 


DOWNLOADS for 150 HOURS LIMITED ACCESS ACCOUNTS

CPUnet Internet Connection Software  (150 Hour)
Must use Network ( A ) Dial-up Numbers Only!  Using any other network numbers will result in a monthly account fee of $21.95 per month
Download (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana)  - [240 kb]
Download (California) - [240 kb]
Download (Mid West USA) - [240 kb]
Download (East Coast USA) - [240 kb]

 

 

Domain Names - Registration Help
What is a domain name?
Do I have to have a business to get one?
Do I need one?
What domains do you sell?
What is the best domain name for me?
Can I buy domains of just two letters?
What about .com, .net, .org, .biz, .info, and .ca?
What about dashes?
What if I can't get the domain I want?
How much are they and are there any hidden fees?
How will I know when the registration is due for renewal?
What do I get for my money?
How do I pay for the name?
Can I cancel a Domain Purchase?
How long does it take for the domain to work?
Once I buy the domain is it always mine?
What is the point in just having a domain but no web site?
What is email forwarding?
What is web forwarding?
What is a management area?
What if I want the site hosted later?
What if I want the site hosted now?
What if I want the site hosted by someone else?
How can I contact you?
 

Hosting - Web Hosting Help
What is web hosting and why do I need it?
How do I get hosting?
How much does it cost and are there any hidden fees?
What does the package consist of?
How do I pay?
Does your hosting carry your banners or adverts on my web pages?
What if I have a domain name I bought elsewhere and want hosting from QA?
What if I bought a domain name from QA some time ago and now want it hosting?
How much web space do I get and what is a MB?
How long before my web space is active?
Can I cancel Hosting?
What is a Control Panel?
What is FTP?
What is CGI?
Do I get any CGI scripts with my web space?
What is email forwarding?
What is a POP box?
What is an Autoresponder?
What are PHP and Perl
What is a subdomain?
What is DNS?
What is an IPS Tag?
Do you supply Win2000/NT hosting?
If I get stuck will you help?
Can I add further features to the space and at what cost?
If I get lots of visitors will I have to pay more?
Can you help if my site is a success and I need advice?
What about promoting my web site?
Can you build my web site?
How can I contact you?


What is a domain name?      [TOP]
A domain name is something that is used to identify a piece of web space that houses a web site. In reality that web space is identified by a set of numbers like
209.197.252.5 (an IP Address) - but as humans are less likely to forget words a name is "attached" to those numbers and is unique to that web space.

Do I have to have a business to get one?      [TOP]
No. Anyone anywhere can purchase a domain name and pretty much use it for whatever they like providing they are not infringing someone else's copyright or trademark.

Do I need one?      [TOP]
This depends on what you are wanting to do. If you are a company then a proper stand alone domain name is much more professional looking than using free web space provided by someone like Freeserve or Virgin - www.yourcompany.com is more likely to create the right image than your.company.Freeserve.co.uk. Also, a secondary domain does not stand much of a chance on the search engines as a lot of engines refuse to list non stand alone domains at all.
And domains are so inexpensive now there's no real reason not to buy one!
On the other hand if you are just running a personal site for friends and family then a proper domain name is not so important but again, at the price they cost why not?!

What domains do you sell?       [TOP]
We deal with the main domains - .com, .net, .org, .biz, .info, .ca

What is the best domain name for me?      [TOP]
Most people prefer either a .com or a .net. A .ca identifies you as a Canadian business. A .com was originally a USA domain name meaning a commercial site but nowadays it has become an international domain.  .org  is essentially for organizations and .net was initially for ISP's and network organizers but again has become more widely used.
So, really, the domains have for the most part long lost their intentional purposes and anyone can buy them, but most people usually go for the .com versions simply because these are the most widely used and if someone knows your name but can't remember the extension, they will generally try a .com first.
In an ideal world you would choose a name available in .com and perhaps .net and cover all the bases - but to do that depends on your name being available.
If you already have a domain name and just require the web space fill out the form after visiting our hosting page.

Can I buy domains of just two letters?      [TOP]
No all the .com's are gone!

What about dashes?      [TOP]
There are mixed views about putting dashes in a domain name (by dashes we mean the - sign) Generally there is no harm apart from a number of dashes in a name can make it a bit of a mouthful to tell people. However, it may be the way to get the name you need and include words that will help with search engine rankings.
Dashes can go-in-between-words but NOT at the beginning or end ; www.-domains-.com

What if I can't get the domain I want?      [TOP]
Good domain names are rare so you might have to add dashes in between words or add a call to action at the beginning of the name: www.domainames.com is gone so try www.fastdomain names.com or www.fast-domain-names.com or www.quick-domain-names.co.uk and so on. Eventually you should find a combination that works.

How much are they and are there any hidden fees?      [TOP]
..com, .net, .org, .biz, .info, .ca cost $13.95 for a one year registration. Once you have made that payment the domain is yours and there are no other costs involved at all.

How will I know when the registration is due for renewal?      [TOP]
If you want to renew the registration simply pay the fee again or let it expire if you no longer want the domain. Letting a domain expire is not like ignoring a bill and doesn't prevent you from registering other domains at a later time - there is of course the possibility that should you want to register a name that you previously owned but let expire then somebody else may have bought that name and there isn't anything you can do about it.

What do I get for my money?      [TOP]
You get registration for however many years you specified - - . The domain can be parked - just purchased but with no function, waiting whilst you decide what you want to do with it.

How do I pay for the name?      [TOP]
You can either search for an available domain and purchase through the online form at the end using your credit card.

Can I cancel a Domain Purchase?     [TOP]
Once a Domain has been registered it cannot be canceled. After the initial registration period has expired it can then be allowed to relapse.  THERE ARE NO REFUNDS FOR DOMAIN NAME PURCHASES

How long does it take for the domain to work?      [TOP]
24 hours after a domain has been registered it should be showing as belonging to you. The best way to check this is to search for it as if you were wanting to buy it and then click on current owner information - this should show your details. If it doesn't allow another 12 hours and if you still see the name as available let us know immediately.

Once I buy the domain is it always mine?      [TOP]
The domain is yours for as long as you registered it. Providing you renew the name there is no reason why you shouldn't own it for as long as you wish.

What is the point in just having a domain but no web site?      [TOP]
You may want to make sure nobody else gets it! You may own a .com but want the .net to avoid visitor confusion. You may just not have finished designing your site and want to wait before getting hosting..

What if I want the site hosted later?      [TOP]
No problem, just let us know when you are ready and we can set it up immediately, or click here.

What if I want the site hosted now?      [TOP]
If you need a domain name and hosting, then first purchase your domain name, then purchase one of our hosting plans.

What if I want the site hosted by someone else?      [TOP]
Just let us know the host's details and we will do this within 24 hours free of charge.  However we must have the username and password that was emailed to you after you purchased your domain to edit your DNS. We will need the other hosting company's DSN information to point your domain to their servers.

How can I contact you?      [TOP]
You may contact us either by the live support buttons on each page, or through email

Hosting
What is web hosting and why do I need it?       [TOP]
When you type in a domain name you generally then see a set of pages making up a web site. Originally these pages would have been constructed on a computers' hard drive. Once their creator is happy with the site he then needs a computer that is continually connected to the Internet so that anyone from anywhere can see the site at any time. This is the web space and the site is hosted on that computer. We provide that web space so you can "publish" your web site for all the world to see!

How do I get hosting?       [TOP]
If you already have a domain name and just require the web space fill out the signup form after visiting our hosting page. If you need a domain name as well search for that domain from Voodoo's Domain Name Registration Page.

How much does it cost and are there any hidden fees?       [TOP]
Hosting costs are as low as $5.00 per month - that includes the transfer of the domain you have already. If you need just email hosting (user@yourdomain.com) you may select this package as well. You can add more features to your web space and the costs for these are listed on the hosting page.

What does the package consist of?     [TOP]
The package consists of the features listed on the hosting page. As well as the "hardware" you also get an assurance that we will help with any specific web related problem you may have provided it is within our knowledge!

How do I pay?       [TOP]
You can either search for an available domain and purchase it along with hosting through the online form at the end using your credit card - this is completely secure and handled by AuthorizeNet, a reputable merchant service- or you can order by phone, again with your credit card. If you just require hosting then an order form can be accessed via the hosting page.

Does your hosting carry your banners or adverts on my web pages?       [TOP]
No, none whatsoever - when you buy hosting hosting from Voodoo Creations that web space will only show whatever you put there.

What if I have a domain name I bought elsewhere and want hosting from Voodoo Creations?  [TOP]
No problem, place your order and we will contact you right away with instructions on how to move the domain from your current host or domain holder.

What if I bought a domain name from Voodoo Creations some time ago and now want it hosting?
Simply go to our hosting page, select a plan suitable, and enter your domain name..  [TOP]

How much web space do I get and what is a MB?      [TOP]
A MB is a megabyte which is a measure of computer space. You can purchase up to 650 megs of web space.

How long before my web space is active?     [TOP]
The FTP details will be with you within a couple of hours normally. Usually it can take a day or two for the domain name to associate with the web space and then you are up and running!!

Can I cancel Hosting?     [TOP]
If you wish to cancel hosting this can be done if you contact our office at 1-
866-541-4278.

What is FTP?      [TOP]
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol and is something novice webmasters sometimes struggle with in the beginning. FTP allows the transfer of your web pages and images from your computer to your web space. We do not mind at all talking you through this over the phone.

What is CGI?      [TOP]
CGI stands for Common Gateway Interface. When you fill out a form on a web site and get a "thanks, we'll be in touch" page afterwards, this has been due to a cgi script. CGI scripts also run counters (devices for measuring the amount of visitors you get to a site), guestbooks, domain name searches! and a huge number of other features you see on the web. There are a number of CGI scripts you can download from the members area and we are also happy to help with your CGI problems if we can.

Do I get any CGI scripts with my web space?      [TOP]
Yes - preinstalled are a counter script - bulleting board - mailform to collect information or orders from your visitors and have it automaically mailed to you -Guestbook -  and a redirect script. These can be "switched on" from your online control panel.

What is email forwarding?      [TOP]
If you buy www.yourdomain.com email forwarding allows you to have as many email addresses as you wish for that domain. So that means you can have steve@yourdomain.com, fred@yourdomain.com, sales@yourdomain.com, enquiries@yourdomain.com, in fact, as many of those addresses as you wish. And they can all be forwarded to an email accent of your choice. So if your email address is bob@Freeserve.co.uk or bob@hotmail.com any email to those addresses above will land in your Freeserve or hotmail email account.

What is a POP box?      [TOP]
This allows you greater control over email - for instance if you wanted any mail to bob@yourdomain.com to only go to bob@freeserve.com then a POP box allows this to be set up - you can have unlimited such POP boxes.

What is an Autoresponder?      [TOP]
An auto responder automatically sends a message back to the sender of the incoming message to your POP box - say for example you were on holiday, the autoresponder could be set to send the message - "thanks very much for your enquiry - i am away from the office at present but will deal with your enquiry on my return" - back to the sender of each message it receives.

What are PHP and Perl       [TOP]
These are all various forms of web page authoring or ways to get things to happen on your site. They are more advanced than basic web page writing but if you are going to learn any of them or have your site designed by an agency they are important to have as available.

What is a subdomain?      [TOP]
Sometimes you will have seen a domain name like http://www.cpu-net.com/host/ -- this is a web site within a web site. You simply add a word or words before the main domain name, put a dot and you have another website complete with its own features, email and more. This is handy if you intend to have members areas or various departments to your site. Sub domains are free but we do have to set them up so you have to let us know what you want.

What is DNS?      [TOP]
DNS are what a web domain name attaches to and shows the web site within that web space. A domain name requires these to function. If you were to move a web site from one host to another then you need to tell the old host the new DNS - they then attach the new DNS to the domain name and a short time later the web site will show at its new web space.  Our DNS is ns.cpu-net.com and ns1.cpu-net.com .

What is an IPS Tag?      [TOP]
An IPS tag identifies who has control of the domain, if you want your new host to be able to modify the details of the domain - contact and technical contacts etc., then the control of the domain must be changed along with the DNS.

Do you supply Win2000/NT hosting?      [TOP]
We do and at very similar prices - please contact us for details.

If I get stuck will you help?      [TOP]
No problem, the only time we won't help is if we can't! There is also a great deal of help accessible from the control panel.

Can I add further features to the space and at what cost?      [TOP]
Our package consists of just about everything you will ever need for your web site - there are no extras, no hidden costs.

If I get lots of visitors will I have to pay more?      [TOP]
Bandwidth is the amount of accrued data transferred between your web site and the sites visitors - 2GB is more than ample for just about every web site - should you exceed this limit by a small amount every so often you will not incur any penalties. Should your site become a large drain on our resources we do reserve the right to suspend your account until a suitable solution is reached.

Can you help if my site is a success and I need advice?      [TOP]
If you launch what was initially a small site but it takes off unexpectedly and would like help with quickly upgrading the design or want to know what your site may need to help make it more efficient - just let us know!

What about promoting my web site?      [TOP]
We can help with web promotion with everything from advice on advertising and we also offer search engine promotion packages - contact us for details.

Can you build my web site?      [TOP]
Yes we can. Examples of sites can be found on the "Web Design" page - we can take on anything from a simple brochure site to a full blown ecommerce enabled shopping site and everything in-between. We are more than happy to discuss your needs starting with an informal, no obligation chat. Please contact us for more details.

 

 


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) AND ANSWERS

Current questions being asked (click the question for the answer):

  1. Who do I contact if I want to change information about my account?
  2. Who do I contact for technical support?
  3. Who do I contact when I have questions about my bill?
  4. How do I set up my personal web site space?
  5. Why am I having trouble logging in?
  6. Why is it taking CPUnet Internet so long to authenticate my username or password?
  7. What is causing my computer to disconnect from the Internet?
  8. Where can I find information on ISDN?
  9. How can I improve my computer's Internet connection speed?
  10. Why is my connection slower at some times and faster at others?


 

  1. Who do I contact if I want to change information about my account?
    Please send an email to mailto:support@cpunet.net?subject=[CPU MAIL] ACCOUNT INFO CHANGE with the information you would like to update your account with.

    Email Support Hours: Monday-Saturday (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

    E-mail: mailto:support@cpunet.net?subject=[CPU MAIL] ACCOUNT INFO CHANGE

    Back to the questions


  2. Who do I contact for technical support?
    Technical support is provided by CPUnet Internet to customers who are having trouble getting connected or need assistance with initial setup. Email troubles will also be answered live.  Phone support is provided at no charge as follows:

    Support hours:  24 Hours a Day 7 Days a Week!

    Technical Support:  Live Phone Support Coming Soon!

    Back to the questions

     

  3. Who do I contact when I have questions about my bill?
    Email: mailto:support@cpunet.net?subject=[CPU MAIL] ACCOUNT INFO CHANGE
    Billing Support:
    1 - 253-221-3290   or  1- 253-278-2204                       
    EMAIL:  billing@cpunet.net                           Back to the questions


  4.  
  5. How do I set up my personal web site space?
    You need to be a customer already, go to the members area or  clicking here:

    Your personal web site location is: http://www.cpunet.net/host/username

    Back to the questions


     

  6. Why am I having trouble logging in?
    There are several possible reasons you may not be able to successfully log in to our system:

    1) If your system has not been rebooted your computer for a while you may be prevented from logging on. This occurs because your system’s resources have been depleted from opening and closing programs. Simply shut down your system and turn your computer off and back on.

    2) Sometimes, people mistakenly type their username or password incorrectly. CPUnet Internet standard requires passwords be lowercase. Make sure you don't have your Caps Lock key depressed.  We require all usernames to have the suffix "vod" in front of every username.  Make sure your username is correct and includes the correct prefix "@networkname.net" at the end.

    example: vodjohn@usbcom.isp

    3) Your connection may be affected if your hard drive is full. Check your available space. If you are running low on space (as a general rule, you should have about 30% of your hard drive space free), you can either delete unnecessary files or install a bigger or additional hard drive.

    4) Dialup accounts are limited to one session at a time. Someone may already be connected with the dial up account you are trying to use. Call customer service to purchase multiple dial up accounts if you need to have more than one simultaneous connection.

    5) Make sure your account is not past due; although we attempt to contact overdue accounts before disabling your username, we sometimes are unable to provide this courtesy.

    We do perform periodic maintenance and upgrades to our system which can cause services to be temporarily unavailable to you. Normally, we will contact you via email at least 24 hours before a scheduled maintenance or upgrade (we do use your vcmails email account, so please check this daily to ensure you do not miss our notices).

    On rare occasions, we may be having problems with our equipment. We do monitor our system and will address any unscheduled system outages as quickly as possible.

    Back to the questions

     

  7. Why is it taking CPUnet Internet so long to authenticate my username or password?
    The most common reason for a delay in authentication is an incorrect setting in your dial-up properties. Go to My Computer, then choose Dial-Up Networking. Right-click on the 'CPUnet Internet' icon and choose Properties from the menu. Select the Server Types tab and make sure that the Log on to network checkbox is not selected. If it is selected, de-select it, save your changes, and this should solve the delay.

    Back to the questions

  8. What is causing my computer to disconnect from the Internet?
    If you experience constant/continual disconnects, the following could be the cause/solution:

    1) Your browser may need updated or reloaded.

    2) Disconnects can be a sign of ‘noise’ on your telephone line. If you ‘hear’ static on your phone lines, contact your local telephone company.

    3) Your modem or modem drivers may be faulty. Updating your modem driver may help. Other times, you will need to upgrade/replace your modem.

    4) You might need to reload your operating system (Windows 95/98/ME, etc). Sometimes certain files can become corrupted if your computer has locked up or been shutdown improperly.

    5) If you are ‘knocked off’ a particular web site, yet remain connected to the internet, there may be a problem with the site you are visiting. Try accessing this site later, or email the webmaster of the site for further information.

    6) CPUnet Internet does end connections after 6 hours if you have not had any activity on your computer. This allows us to make sure our customers do not experience busy signals due to other customers forgetting to disconnect their computer when they have completed their session.  (Downloading files is not considered 'activity';  there must be mouse or keyboard movement).

    Back to the questions

     

  9. How can I improve my computer's Internet connection speed?
    If you are a new user, you need to address four things to ensure your computer is ready to connect at the best possible speed:

    1) Your computer’s processing speed. Although you don’t need the latest, fastest computer to connect, a fast computer will perform better than a slow computer.

    2) The amount of RAM you have in your computer. Increase your ram to at least 64 or 128K for improved performance. (More RAM = Better Performance).

    3) The speed and type of modem you are using. A 56K v.90 modem is the fastest speed for dialup connection with CPUnet Internet; different brands of modems get different performance (we recommend U.S. Robotics / 3Com for consistently good performance).

    4) The quality of the telephone line service you have at your location. If you have poor voice phone service or wiring in your home, your internet performance will be affected.

    Back to the questions

     

  10. Why is my connection slower at some times and faster at others?
    If your internet performance has recently slowed down, or your speed/performance varies from time to time, you should consider:

    1) The time of day you are connected–the more people using the internet, the slower your speed will be.

    2) Your hard disk is full or needs defragmented.

    3) You loaded/downloaded a program which may be conflicting with your internet connection. Remove suspected program or contact the provider for further instructions.

    If your internet demands have outgrown your internet connection speed, you can upgrade to ISDN which delivers reliable, high-speed internet access. CPUnet Internet provides ISDN services in selected areas. Call us to find out if ISDN is available in your area.


CPUnet: List of DUN errors.   ( Internet Connecting Errors)  ( Note: Links not ready yet 10/4/2003 ))