Usually its down only for, so far as I've noticed, fifteen minutes to a half hour for server maintenance every so often(there's generally an announcement beforehand).
Also it might help for latter topics if you put in the subject line something that might clue people in to the question. In this case something along the lines of 'server downtime?' or 'something to the effect would have been more appropriate.
Just try to remember that this is a free server, and the folk here have worked long and hard on making it the way it is. I'm sure you'll have a blast, and if you need anything just use the /guild channle and you'll likely get some help(as all newbies re by default put in the beginer's guild).