How to change the .htaccess file name?

To use a different name from the the default .htaccess use the AccessFileName directive in httpd.conf file.

AccessFileName yourFileName

All you need to do is to reload Apache and the new setting will take effect.

TopHost Hostgator GoDaddy .htaccess Settings

The top web comes with mod_rewrite enabled. To use it, create a. htaccess file with the appropriate directives. 

Remember to always insert the Directive: 
RewriteBase / 

where / and 'the path of the. htaccess file, so if the. htaccess file is located in the subfolder demo must' be: 
RewriteBase /demo/