Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes things are not as easy as they should be, and asking questions is the quickest way to get help therefore we put together a small set of questions and answers for the common ones.
Questions
I modified/created my zone, but it doesn't seem to work yet?
How can I update my zone automatically, when my IP changes?
Can I have a webserver accessible via my ishidden.net zone?
What IP addresses are valid for use with my zone?
If I'm behind a router which has a public dynamic IP, how will the update client know my public IP?
What can I do with my zone?
What ports do the update clients use?
Can I write my own updater client?
What is considered a valid zone name?
How do I copy my files to your webserver?
How can I make my zone inaccessible for a period of time, without having to delete the zone?
I lost my email address I used when I registered. How do I get my account back?
Answers
Q: I modified/created my zone, but it doesn't seem to work yet?
A: The zone has been marked for update. Changes are applied on our systems within 10 minutes (usually faster).
Q: How can I update my zone automatically, when my IP changes?
A: Use one of our update clients. Go to your account and click "Update Client" for a list of update clients and supported Operating Systems.
Q: Can I have a webserver accessible via my ishidden.net zone?
A: Yes, you can run any service that makes use of an A record. If you're behind a router, check out http://portforward.com to see how you can forward a port to your server.
Q: What IP addresses are valid for use with my zone?
A: Any IP that is not contained in the so called "private block" described by RFC1918 (http://www.faqs.org/rfcs/rfc1918.html). If you have such a private address, it means that your ISP might be using NAT and most likely you won't be able to run any kind of public server.
Q: If I'm behind a router which has a public dynamic IP, how will the update client know my public IP?
A: The updater applications make use of ishidden.net API, which detects your external WAN IP, and updates it accordingly.
Q: What can I do with my zone?
A: Now that you have a host name attached to your IP, other people can easily use your service (webserver, FTP, etc).
Q: What ports do the update clients use?
A: All versions connect to api.ishidden.net on port 443 (https).
Q: Can I write my own updater client?
A: Yes, please have a look at the bottom of the "Update Client" section, in your account page, for the developer documentation. Our update clients are open source, and they should help you get started.
Q: What is considered a valid zone name?
A: Zones can be up to 10 characters in length, and must contain only characters a-z, 0-9.
Q: How do I copy my files to your webserver?
A: We don't run webservers for you. You need to set up and run your own, then point your zone to the your server's IP.
Q: How can I make my zone inaccessible for a period of time, without having to delete the zone?
A: Set the zone's IP to 127.0.0.1 (localhost).
Q: I lost my email address I used when I registered. How do I get my account back?
A: Use the contact form, and provide any pertinent information that will prove that you are the account owner, as well as any other details that will help us look into your issue as soon as possible.