ZebraDots Website 2.0 Setup Software

From ZebraDots Support

[edit] Overview

ZebraDots Website 2.0 PC software allows you to quickly set up a new self-contained website for use on any compatible hosting provider of your choice. This document will walk you through the steps of installing and using the PC-based ZebraDots Website 2.0 setup software to create a new website. If you will be hosting your website with ZebraDots, you should have a completely functional website online in about 10 to 15 minutes.

[edit] Installing the Software on Your PC

The software is engineered for Windows 2000/XP/Vista. Though it may run on other versions of the Windows operating system, only these versions are officially supported.

1. Insert the CD into your computer's CD-ROM drive; setup should begin automatically. If it does not, navigate to your CD-ROM drive (e.g. through My Computer) and execute Setup.exe to begin.
2. Click Next to accept the license agreements for the components of the website and install the application to your hard drive. When installation is complete, ensure the Run ZebraDots Website... checkbox is checked so that the application will be run automatically. (If it doesn't run automatically, or you accidentally uncheck the box, no problem − just go to Start > Programs > ZebraDots Software and run it from there.)

[edit] Running the Application

1. You may be prompted for a serial number. Your serial number (or CD key) can be found on the sleeve or case that the CD shipped in. Enter it EXACTLY AS SHOWN, with no spaces; use only numbers, letters, and dashes. Never share your serial number. Write it on the CD label in the designated area using a fine-tip permanent marker.
2. The Welcome splash screen will appear. Click Next to accept the license agreements, and then click Next again to proceed to the next tab, titled Website Options.

[edit] Website Setup

The Website Options tab collects basic information about your website. The values you enter here can always be changed later. Edit these values and click Next to proceed.

• Domain Name: Your desired domain name. Don't worry if you haven't already registered one; enter what you wish here, and on the next tab you can ask us to register the domain for you.
• Website Name: A very brief title for your website. This should be limited to just a few words.
• Admin Password: The admin user has the ability to access any area of the website and change any settings − so make sure the password you choose for this user is hard for others to guess, but easy for you to remember. No symbols or punctuation can be used.
• Theme Template: Select from one of the many available themes to start from. You can always modify the templates in any way you wish to completely customize your new website.

[edit] Hosting Options

[edit] ZebraDots Hosting

ZebraDots Hosting provides guaranteed compatibility, technical support, and email access for your new website − all for less than $15 per month.

1. Enter your name, address, and contact information in the spaces provided.
2. If you have not yet registered your domain name with a domain name registrar, you have the option of requesting ZebraDots to register this domain name for you.
3. Click Next to continue.

[edit] Other ISP

Please see Hosting ZebraDots with Other ISPs for more information.

[edit] Save Settings and Activate Your Account

1. Now that you have entered all of your information, it is time to activate your account. Click the Activate My Account Immediately button.
2. A browser window will open, presenting you with the various hosting plans that are currently available. Select one of the hosting plans and fill out any other fields that are present on this page, and click Next.
3. You will be presented with a summary of your order, detailing the total for your initial transaction (which includes domain name registrations, setup fees, and the first month of hosting) and any future monthly transactions. Sales tax may be applied to residents of certain states.
4. You must read and agree to the ZebraDots Hosting Terms of Service, and then click Next to continue to the securely encrypted credit card page.
5. Enter your billing information, including the card security code:
   • VISA: 4 digits on front
   • MasterCard and others: 3 digits on back
6. Be certain that the card number you are entering is associated with the billing address you entered previously; your order will fail if the address is not on file with the bank or institution the card was issued from.
7. Click Submit Securely once to submit your order.

[edit] Creating Your Account

1. Once your transaction is approved, you will be taken to a page with a progress bar that will refresh every 15 seconds until your account is created. Account creation usually takes between 30 and 120 seconds. If the page refreshes for over 5 minutes, please contact our technical support staff for assistance.
2. When your account has been created, the page will refresh and present a link to your account information page. Click this link to open the account details.

[edit] Your Account Information

1. When the account information page opens, immediately print it out.
2. Write your admin password on the printed sheet in the designated area.
3. Follow the link to open your website's temporary URL.

[edit] Finishing the Website Installation

1. When your website's temporary URL opens, you will see a license agreement, which you must read and accept before clicking Next.
2. The next page confirms your site details, such as the domain name, title, and theme. You can adjust these values if needed. Click Next.
3. Your website will be finalized and you will be presented with a link to the Website Manager. Click this link.

[edit] The Website Manager

1. You will be prompted for a password:
   • Enter admin in the username field
   • Enter your admin password in the password field
   • Click OK
2. If the above step fails, make sure CAPS LOCK is off!
3. The Website Manager menu will open, allowing you to view, change, and access all parts of your new website. Your new website is ready to go!
4. If you have any trouble or you accidentally close the window, see The Website Manager for more details on how to log in to the Website Manager.

[edit] Closing the Application

1. After creating a new website, the ZebraDots Website 2.0 application provides helpful links and can be safely closed.
2. If you ever need to "start over" and reinstall your website, you can use the Backup and Restore functions of the Website Manager − there is no need to run the Website 2.0 application again.

[edit] Domain Name Changes

Your website is immediately accessible through a temporary URL (a subdomain of zebradots.com) so that you can begin editing right away. However, this URL is only temporary, and will eventually expire, so it is important that your domain name records be set up as soon as possible.

[edit] Domains Registered Through ZebraDots

If you requested that ZebraDots register your domain name for you, no action is required on your part. We will register and adjust your domain records properly; you can expect to be able to reach your website through its domain name in 24-72 hours.

[edit] Domains Not Registered Through ZebraDots

It is important that you alter your domain name records as soon as possible to point to our nameservers:

• ns1.zebradots.com
• ns2.zebradots.com

Until you do this, you will not be able to receive email for your domain, and visitors cannot reach your site by typing in your domain name. Even after these changes are made, it will take up to 72 hours for the change to take effect across the Internet. For more information, see Setting Up Your Domain Name.

[edit] Using Your New Website

Congratulations on creating a new website that you can control and edit! Refer to our Main Page for helpful information and links.