Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here you will find answers to common questions. This page is always being updated so please check back regularly.

What is web hosting?

Web hosting is the space and services to have a web site. The internet is a big network of computers and for a web site to be on the internet it has to be stored on a computer which is always connected to the internet. Our servers at magicgenie.co.uk are always connected to the internet, allowing people anywhere in the world to view your site 24 hours, 7 days a week. Magicgenie.co.uk also provides services including, your own email and ftp access, as well as access to a vast list of auto-installable scripts via fantastico.

What is a domain name?
A 'domain name' is a name on the internet which points to webspace on a server. Each domain name has 2 parts - the 'name' itself and the 'suffix' at the end. For example: magicgenie.co.uk's domain is 'magicgenie' and it's suffix is '.co.uk'. Other 'suffixes' include; .com, .biz, .net and.uk. A full list is avalible here. Every magicgenie.co.uk account comes with a free .co.uk domain name of your choice. You can have any domain name you require, providing it is available to purchase.

But I get free hosting with my ISP. Why should I pay?

The free hosting you get with your ISP has many drawbacks.

Firstly you have to forward your chosen domain name, instead of your domain name being automatically assigned a DNS (Domain Name Server). For example: Instead of your domain being "www.yourdomain.co.uk", it will be a variation of your ISP's address, such as "www.isp.net/homespages/username". Obviously, this format is not as formal or professional as having your own seperate domain. Another draw-back of having hosting from your ISP is that your ISP is unlikely to support internet protocols, such as PHP and mySQL, which means you cannot install web scripts like forums and photo albums.

By paying for a web hosting business, such as magicgenie.co.uk, to host your website you recieve many benefits and can take your website to a whole new level. Benefits include increased space, reliability, services and professionalism.

Can I transfer my domain to you?
Yes. This is not a problem for us here at magicgenie.co.uk. We can transfer the domain on your behalf or you can contact your domain name provider (Example: 123-reg.co.uk, names.co.uk, me2uweb.com) and get them to change the 'domain name servers' or DNS on the domain, so that it directs to the magicgenie.co.uk servers.

Our servers are:

1. ns1.magicgenie.co.uk
2. ns2.magicgenie.co.uk

A tutorial on how to do this with the domain provider 123-reg.co.uk can be found here. If you want to purchase domains seperatly we recommend you use them. You may though find it easier for us to purchase them from 123-reg.co.uk on your behalf, as we do for many of our other clients.