Step 1. Your Domain Name

Before you can get your site on the web, you need to select a domain name. The domain name you choose will be unique, and will also be the address for your web site (www.yourdomain.com). To check the availability of a domain name, please click here. (This page will open in a new window). The most common extension is '.com'. Other available extensions are .net, .org, .info, .tv, .name, .us, as well as others.


Already own a domain name?

If you already own a domain name and wish to use our hosting services, you have to change your name servers. This will allow you to keep your current registrar but point your domain name to our servers. You can do this by contacting your current registrar and asking about name server changes. We have also put together a list of tutorials to help you in changing your name servers.


Step 2. Choose the Right Plan

C. W. Smith Software & Consulting Services has developed plans for all user levels. Before you can select a plan, you will need to determine your needs. A few things to take into consideration when selecting a plan is: How much space do you need? How much bandwidth do you require? What scripting capabilities do you plan on using? Do you need database support? Take a moment to compare our hosting plans to see which plan meets your needs.


Step 3. Activate Your Account

Once you know what plan you want, the next step is to purchase your hosting plan. You will first be asked to select your plan from the drop-down menu. You will also be asked to type in your domain name. Please make sure that you have checked to see if the domain name is available. Next, you will be asked to enter in your personal or company information. You must complete this section accurately as it is used by our billing department. Once you've completed this form click the 'Next' button. You will then be taken to the payment page. Click next to select your payment method. Once payment is approved your account will be created and placed in the "Pending Approval" queue. Before you an access your account you will need to complete the Identity Verification form. (see next section).


Step 4. Identity Verification

All accounts created are subject to security verification. New customers must provide a legible copy of your driver's license or government issued I.D. For your protection all verification information is destroyed once the account has been verified. We will not store the verification form electronically or physically. The information must be received by our verifications department within 48 hours of signup. Failure to do so will result in the suspension or cancellation of the account. If the account is cancelled due to no verification then all payments made at the time will be refunded. Verification forms take approximately 24 hours to verify. Once verified you will receive your account information via e-mail. If you do not receive your information contact our support team. C. W. Smith Software & Consulting Services is not responsible for any credit card fees or chargeback due to customers that do not send in the proper verification.

Download and complete the form. The form must be approved before the account is activated. Once your account has been approved you will receive your welcome letter via e-mail. Please be sure to save this letter as it contains important information regarding your site. The letter will also contain your username and password that you will use to access your control panel at https://cp.cws-scs.com.


Step 5. Logging into the Control Panel

Once you have your account information, log into Helm (Control Panel). Take a few minutes to get familiar with the system as it is your tool to manage your account. We also have a large selection of video tutorials that will help you with Helm and many other common tasks.


Step 6. Creating a Temporary URL

Domain name changes can take days to propagate throughout the internet which is why we offer prepropagation support. What this does is allow you to view your site before your domain name is ready and to do this you'll want to log into Helm and click on the domain name you want to update. Then click on the Application Packs icon. Scroll down until you see the Prepropagation Support link. Simply click on the link and then click Install. A URL will be provided to you for immediate use.


Step 7. What's Next?

Next build and upload your site. Below we have provided some great resources to help you build, enhance, and upload your site.

Need a web development editor? Here is the link to Microsoft's Visual Studio Express 2008 and you can download it for Free.

Microsoft.com - Get started quickly by becoming familiar with the Visual Web Developer environment with the Introduction to Visual Web Developer 2008 video

HotScripts.com - the net’s largest PHP, CGI, Perl, JavaScript and ASP script collection and resource web portal. They currently have about 23,922 scripts across 11 different programming languages and 1,240 categories, as well as links to books, articles, as well as programming tips and tutorials.

WebMonkey.com - The Developer's Resource. There you will find tutorials, scripts, how-to's, and more.

DynamicDrive.com - the #1 place on the net to obtain free, original DHTML scripts and components to enhance your web site


Step 8. Now it's time to order

Click here or click the ORDER button on the menu to get your web site.