What is the process for switching from one shared hosting company to another??

specifically pertaining to email, web pages, timing...and other issues of which i'm very ignorant.

thanks!

The biggest issue if you want to avoid down time is to make sure your new host has their DNS records updated before you actually switch the name servers on your domain to point to their name servers.

Once you switch your name servers for your domain, it typically takes 24-48 hours before the change is visible across the internet. During that time, you remain on your old host, and have the new host until things are settled and the change is visible across the internet. At that time, you can cancel your existing host.

A couple of things to note:

1) it might help if you have your old host set up email forwarding once you make the change to the new host's IP address (or changes the MX records accordingly to match the new host

2) If you plan on keeping any of your existing email stored on those servers, you will probably want to manually back them up or have your existing host back them up for you.

3) Move your web pages via FTP before changing your name server records on your domain. This way, once the NS records propogate to the new settings, your site will already be active.

It is a very simple process, as your host should take care of most of the issues.
Basically, backup (download) all of your web files and emails (ie download them with a mail client such as outlook or netscape). Then, setup your account with the new host, and they will provide you with new account login info. Upload your backed up web files.

The new host will provide you instructions for changing your domain records to point to thier service (or will offer to do it for you). Once that change is made, within 24-72 hours you will have your domain on the new host. Also, make sure you tell the new host that you need your current email addresses (username/passwords) replicated on the new server you are moving to - so you don't lose any emails.

Good luck,

Do not tell Old host your moving. - Especially ones like AITCOM.

Make a complete copy of your website.

Get new host.

Set site and email up.

Change DNS Records.

Cancel credit card.

Cancel old host.

Have a beer.

:beer: