**Applies to:** Reseller Hosting, VPS Accounts, and Custom White-Label Hosting **Domain Example:** `yourbrand.com` **Digi Hosting Nameservers:** `ns1.digihostingservices.com` & `ns2.digihostingservices.com` --- ## Overview As a Digi Hosting Services reseller, you can brand your hosting infrastructure using your own domain name (e.g., `ns1.yourbrand.com` and `ns2.yourbrand.com`) instead of pointing your clients to our default nameservers. Setting up custom (private) nameservers requires configuration in **three places**: 1. **Your Domain Registrar** (where you bought your domain) 2. **Your Hosting DNS Zone** (cPanel / Zone Editor) 3. **Your WebHost Manager (WHM)** If any of these steps are missed, registrars like NameSilo, GoDaddy, or Namecheap will throw an **"Invalid Nameserver"** error when your clients try to point their domains to you. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### 1. Why does my domain registrar say my nameservers are "Invalid" or "Not Recognized"? When you use a subdomain of your own domain (like `ns1.yourbrand.com`) as a nameserver, domain registrars query global central registries (like Verisign) to check if that hostname is registered to an actual IP address. If you have not registered **Glue Records** (also known as *Personal DNS Servers* or *Child Name Servers*) with your registrar, or if your local DNS zone is missing matching `A` records, external registrars will reject your custom nameservers. --- ### 2. How do I set up my custom nameservers correctly? Follow these **3 essential steps** to set up fully functioning custom nameservers: #### Step 1: Register Glue Records at Your Domain Registrar Log into the registrar where your main domain (e.g., `yourbrand.com`) is registered. Locate their **Personal DNS**, **Glue Records**, or **Child Host** section: * **Host:** `ns1`  |  **IP Address:** *[Your Digi Hosting Primary IP]* * **Host:** `ns2`  |  **IP Address:** *[Your Digi Hosting Secondary IP]* *(Note: Depending on your reseller plan, your `ns1` and `ns2` may point to the same server IP or two distinct IPs provided in your welcome email).* #### Step 2: Add Authoritative `A` Records in cPanel Zone Editor Your server must recognize that it is responsible for answering queries for `ns1` and `ns2`. 1. Log into **cPanel** for your main brand domain (`yourbrand.com`). 2. Navigate to **Domains** > **Zone Editor**. 3. Click **Manage** next to your domain name. 4. Click **+ Add Record** and add two `A` records: * **Name:** `ns1.yourbrand.com.`  |  **Type:** `A`  |  **Record/IP:** *[Your Server IP]* * **Name:** `ns2.yourbrand.com.`  |  **Type:** `A`  |  **Record/IP:** *[Your Server IP]* #### Step 3: Set Default Nameservers in WebHost Manager (WHM) To ensure all new cPanel accounts created under your reseller plan automatically assign your custom nameservers: 1. Log into your **WHM** dashboard (`[yourbrand.com/whm](https://yourbrand.com/whm)`). 2. Navigate to **Server Configuration** > **Basic cPanel & WHM Setup**. 3. Scroll to the bottom under **Nameservers**. 4. Enter `ns1.yourbrand.com` and `ns2.yourbrand.com`. 5. Click **Save Changes**. --- ### 3. I registered glue records a week ago, but external domains still say "Host Not Found." What is wrong? If glue records were created but domain registrars still reject them, check these three common causes: 1. **Missing Local `A` Records:** The registrar's automated check is attempting to query your server, but your server's local DNS zone lacks the `ns1` and `ns2` `A` records (see Step 2 above). 2. **Firewall Blocking Port 53:** Your server's DNS service must be reachable. If DNS requests on port 53 are blocked, third-party validation scripts will mark the host as offline. 3. **Typo in TLD Registration:** Verify at your domain registrar that the records were saved as **Child Name Servers / Glue Records** and not just standard web `A` records. --- ### 4. How long does propagation take? * **Glue Record Creation:** Usually takes **15 minutes to 2 hours** to reflect globally across central registries. * **DNS Zone Updates:** Local `A` record changes take effect as soon as your local DNS service reloads (typically instant to 15 minutes). --- ## Still Need Help? If you have verified your local `A` records and Glue Records and are still experiencing validation errors on third-party registrars, submit a ticket to **Digi Hosting Services Support** via your client billing portal. Include your reseller domain name and the target IP addresses so our network admins can verify port 53 response and DNS zone authority.

The primary location is St Louis, MO, USA

General Overview & Scope 1. What is the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)? The Acceptable Use Policy defines the rules and guidelines governing the use of web hosting, servers, domains, and network services provided by digihostingservices.com. Its purpose is to ensure service reliability, maintain network security, comply with applicable laws, and protect all customers from abuse. 2. Who does this policy apply to? This policy applies to all clients, sub-account holders, resellers, end-users, and visitors utilizing any service provided by digihostingservices.com. By activating or using an account, you agree to comply with this AUP as well as the upstream infrastructure guidelines established by creighton-comp-hosting.com. 3. What is the relationship between digihostingservices.com and creighton-comp-hosting.com? digihostingservices.com delivers hosting and web management services built on physical and network infrastructure managed by creighton-comp-hosting.com. Consequently, all activity on digihostingservices.com must adhere to both digihostingservices.com policies and creighton-comp-hosting.com’s upstream network requirements. Prohibited Content & Activities 4. What content is strictly prohibited on digihostingservices.com? You may not host, store, link to, or transmit material that violates regional, national, or international laws. Strictly prohibited content includes, but is not limited to: Illegal Content: Pirated software (warez), unlicensed media, trade secret violations, or fraudulent schemes. Malicious Software: Viruses, trojans, worms, ransomware, keyloggers, or rootkits. Phishing & Fraud: Fake login pages, deceptive brand impersonation, or identity theft schemes. Harmful Material: Content that promotes violence, harassment, illegal drug trade, human trafficking, or child exploitation (zero tolerance). High-Risk Services: Public proxy/VPN scripts, torrent trackers/clients, IRC bots/servers, and cryptocurrency mining. 5. What is the policy on copyright and trademark infringement (DMCA)? digihostingservices.com respects intellectual property rights. If hosted content is found to infringe upon copyrights, trademarks, or patents, it will be removed or disabled upon receipt of a valid notice. Repeated violations will result in immediate account termination without refund. 6. Are adult content websites allowed? Legal adult content may be permitted on dedicated/isolated hosting tiers only if it strictly complies with all local and federal regulations (including age-verification laws). However, adult content is prohibited on standard shared hosting environments to protect IP reputation and shared resources. Server & Resource Usage 7. What constitutes resource abuse on shared servers? Shared hosting resources (CPU, RAM, I/O operations, database queries) are shared among multiple users. An account is in violation of the AUP if it continuously consumes excessive system resources that cause degradation of service for others. Prohibited resource usage patterns include: Running persistent background processes, daemons, or long-running scripts without prior approval. Utilizing web hosting accounts as remote backup/file storage repositories for non-website files. Executing automated web scrapers, security scanners, or stress-testing utilities against external networks or local infrastructure. 8. What happens if my account exceeds allocated resources? If an account experiences a temporary traffic spike, automated resource limits may throttle performance to maintain server stability. If high usage persists, digihostingservices.com will contact the account owner to assist with optimization or upgrade options. Severe resource drainage threatening system uptime may result in temporary suspension. Email & Messaging Rules 9. What is the policy on spam and unsolicited bulk email? digihostingservices.com maintains a zero-tolerance policy for spam. You may not use hosted mail servers or network resources to send: Unsolicited commercial email (UCE) or unsolicited bulk email (UBE). Messages to purchased, scraped, or unverified email lists. Phishing emails, email spoofing, or forgery of header information. Any account that causes server IP addresses to be listed on major email blacklists (e.g., Spamhaus, SORBS) will be suspended immediately and may incur administrative cleanup fees. 10. Can I run a legitimate mailing list? Yes, provided that all recipients have explicitly opted in (double opt-in recommended) and every email contains a functioning, one-click unsubscribe link in compliance with CAN-SPAM, GDPR, and relevant messaging regulations. Standard outbound hourly rate limits apply to shared hosting accounts. Network Security & System Integrity 11. What security actions are strictly forbidden? Any attempt to breach or test the vulnerability of servers, networks, or connected systems is prohibited unless explicitly authorized in writing. Forbidden activities include: Unauthorized system probing, port scanning, or vulnerability testing. Denial of Service (DoS or DDoS) attacks initiated from or directed toward our network. Forging TCP/IP packet headers or network routing information. Attempting to gain unauthorized root or shell access to servers or neighboring client accounts. 12. What are my responsibilities regarding website security? Account holders are responsible for maintaining the security of their hosted applications, Content Management Systems (CMS like WordPress, Joomla, etc.), plugins, and passwords. Outdated software that leads to account compromise or malware dissemination must be remediated promptly upon notification. Enforcement & Reporting 13. How are policy violations enforced? Enforcement depends on the severity and frequency of the violation. Actions taken by digihostingservices.com or upstream provider creighton-comp-hosting.com may include: Written Notice: A request to resolve minor issues within a specified timeframe (e.g., updating vulnerable plugins). Content Neutralization: Temporary removal or restriction of infringing files or scripts. Account Suspension: Immediate disabling of web/email services for severe security risks, spamming, or resource abuse. Account Termination: Permanent cancellation of service and deletion of data for deliberate illegal activity, repeat violations, or non-responsiveness. 14. How do I report abuse or a violation? To report spam, copyright infringement, phishing, or network abuse originating from an account hosted on digihostingservices.com, please contact: Abuse Email: abuse@digihostingservices.com

# FAQ: Signs That You Need a Small Business Server As your business grows, relying on individual computers, personal cloud drives, or basic peer-to-peer sharing often leads to bottlenecks, security risks, and operational chaos. A dedicated small business server acts as a centralized brain for your company's digital operations. Below are answers to common questions about recognizing when your business has outgrown its current tech setup and needs a server. --- The Basics 1. What exactly does a small business server do? A server is a central computer or cloud system designed to store files, manage network traffic, run shared databases or applications, manage user credentials, and run automated backups. Rather than having critical data scattered across individual laptops, a server centralizes everything into a secure, accessible location. 2. How many employees do I need before considering a server? While there is no single rule, **5 to 10 employees** is typically the tipping point. Once you have more than five people creating files, sharing documents, needing access to the same programs, or requiring specialized software (like accounting or ERP systems), managing individual PCs manually becomes inefficient and risky. --- Operational Signs 3. How do I know our file-sharing method is no longer working? You likely need a server if you experience any of the following file management issues: * **Duplicate File Chaos:** Employees constantly ask, *"Which version of this spreadsheet is the latest one?"* * **Email File Traps:** Important business documents only exist as email attachments on individual laptops. * **USB Flash Drive Relays:** Team members pass thumb drives around to move large files or access specific software. * **Lack of Folder Access Controls:** You cannot easily grant an intern access to folder A while keeping financial folder B private. 4. We are running out of storage on individual computers. Is a server the solution? Yes. Storing company data across individual hard drives leads to fragmented storage. A centralized server provides shared, scalable storage capacity, making it easy to expand storage without upgrading every individual laptop or desktop. 5. Why is our business software running so slowly? If multiple employees access shared software—such as QuickBooks Desktop, CRM tools, or inventory databases—from a standard desktop computer acting as a temporary "host," performance will degrade quickly. A server is built with hardware specifically designed to handle simultaneous database queries and heavy multi-user workloads without crashing. --- Security & Access Control 6. What security warning signs indicate we need a server? If managing employee permissions feels like a full-time job, you need a server. Key indicators include: * **Manual Offboarding:** When an employee leaves, you have to manually log into each of their devices and accounts individually to revoke access. * **Shared Passwords:** Staff members share master passwords or Wi-Fi credentials to access shared files. * **No Audit Trail:** You cannot track who edited, deleted, or moved a critical file. * **Vulnerability to Malware:** A single infected laptop on your network can spread ransomware across all loosely connected PCs. 7. How does a server improve user access management? Servers utilize directory services (like Microsoft Active Directory or cloud-based identity providers). This allows network administrators to create a single username and password for each employee, granting or revoking access to specific drives, printers, and applications in seconds from a single dashboard. --- Data Protection & Remote Work 8. How do I know our backup strategy is inadequate? If your current backup plan relies on employees remembering to plug in external hard drives or save files to personal cloud folders, your data is at risk. A server automates data backups across the entire network, ensuring that all central files and user profiles are saved regularly to both local redundant drives (RAID) and off-site cloud repositories. 9. Can a server help if my team works remotely or in the field? Absolutly. If remote staff struggle to access office files, resort to emailing confidential documents, or use unsecured personal cloud accounts, a server equipped with a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or secure web portal allows your team to connect safely from anywhere. --- Next Steps 10. Should I choose an on-premises physical server or a cloud server? The choice depends on your operational needs, industry regulations, and internet stability: * **On-Premises Server:** Ideal for businesses that work with very large files (like video editing, CAD, or graphic design), have limited local internet bandwidth, or require strict localized data control. * **Cloud Server (e.g., Azure, AWS, Hosted Private Cloud):** Ideal for highly distributed teams, businesses that prefer a predictable monthly subscription model over upfront hardware investments, or companies wanting built-in disaster recovery. ---