Websites - Frequently Asked Questions
Here we have tried to list answers to some of the more frequently asked questions we get asked.

Q. Surely I am better off dealing with a dedicated website company?
A. We offer a wide range of services inhouse, but this is simply because many of our clients like to have one point of contact for all their graphics requirements. Unlike many website companies who only have website expertise we have staff with many skills. So when we design an logo you can be sure it will work as well on your website as it will printed on a 10m wide photographic banner. How many times have you seen pixellated and jagged designs in print. This is because the resolutions were too small due to them being created at the wrong size initially (you can never put in later what was not there at the beginning). We have been around for over 12 years and were producing websites at the very beginning, but realised at day one that designers do not make good programmers and programmers do not make good designers. We have both - many small website companies have one person with one limited skill set at best! And consider the benefits - if you get a great new website design and suddenly feel it would work well as a banner stand - the artwork is already half way there and we can have one ready for you usually in a matter of days!

Q. How do I send text and images so you can add them to my website?
A. Smal text updates are best sent by copying into an email message or attaching a Word document to an email. Pictures should be sent as .JPG attachments to an email. In all cases please send direct to the cypher staff member handling your job. If you have a lot of files to send ie for a full website please create a folder for each web page eg homepage, products etc. In the folder put your relevant text as a Word or text file and all the associated images as JPG files then copy all the folders onto a CD and send to us. We would rather you didn't send hundreds of individual emails as this wastes your time and ours and invariably ends up in total confusion.

Q. I have had some updates done on my website but cannot see them, why not?
A. Many people have their browsers setup so that website pages are 'cached' (stored) on their PC to save time when revisiting. If updates have been done but you cannot see them, then you are more than likely viewing the cached page. Simply click on 'refresh' or 'reload' in your browser to view the actual online page. If this does not work you will need to clear your browser cache in your browsers 'options' or 'preferences'.

Q. Why is the production of my website taking so long?
Websites can be produced in a matter of days, however it does depend on the folllowing: a) if we have a production slot available when you place your order, as our workload varies like everyones b) unless we are arranging photography and copywriting for you then we are invariably relying on you to provide the text and images and cannot realistically make a start until we have these. Please do not underestimate how long it may take you to source these! c) at various stages of production we will ask for your approval or request decisions from you. It is in your own interest for you to respond quickly. If there is too much of a delay we will may not be able to hold production schedules open, and you may find it can take a while before we can slot your work back in.

Q. How long does it take to register and setup a domain name?
A. We can register most domain names and setup hosting the same day. .co.uk names 'go live' usually the next day. .com names can vary but usually only take a few days. We recommend you use a .co.uk domain name as a primary and for hosting - see next question!

Q. How long does it take to transfer a domain name out to another ISP?
A. .co.uk domain names are usually transferred out within a few hours of us receiving your request in writing. We would simply need the IPS tag of your new ISP. However .com names can take up to several months (honestly) depending on a number of circumstances. These are not helped by there being quite complicated procedures that can involve registration companies on different continents and time limited responses required from all concerned. For the record it is not in our interests in any way to delay a transfer request - unlike the big registration companies and IPSswe act on all requests immediately.

Q. How do I place an order?
A. Please email, fax or post a brief written note of what you require and confirm any prices taken from our website or printed pricelist. If you have been sent a quote please confirm the quote number. Please clearly state your name, contact details, delivery address and any deadlines you may be working to. Unless you have already applied for and opened a credit account with us you will need to send payment by cheque or call us with your credit card details. Include your images on CD or upload your file via our website. We will send you an order confirmation by email (or post if you do not have an email address).

Q. What forms of payment do you accept?
A. We accept cheques and all major credit cards except Amercian Express. Once you have built up a trading history with us we will be happy to send you an account application form to apply for a 30 day trade account. Schools, Colleges and Government bodies need only to send an official written purchase order.