What is a domain name?
A domain name is the address of your website, like yourname.com. People type it into their browser to visit you. It is like the street address of a house. Registering means you reserve that address so it is yours for a set time.
Before you start
- Pick a name that is short and easy to say.
- Avoid hard spellings, numbers and dashes if you can.
- Have a second choice ready in case the first one is taken.
- Have your payment method ready.
Steps
- Go to https://secure.hostvento.com/clientarea.php and log in. If you are new, create an account first.
- Click Domains in the top menu.
- Choose Register a New Domain.
- Type the name you want in the search box.
- Click Check or Search.
- Read the result. It tells you if the name is free. It also shows other endings, like
.netor.org. These endings are called extensions. - Choose the name and extension you want.
- Choose how many years to register for. The price is shown on the page before you pay.
- Click Continue and go to the checkout.
- Fill in your contact details. Use a real email address. You will get important notices there.
- Choose a payment method and complete the payment.
After payment, you get an email. The domain then shows under Domains, then My Domains.
What to do next
- Point the domain to your hosting by setting the nameservers. These come in your welcome email.
- Check your contact details are correct. The domain rules need a working email.
- Turn on renewal reminders so you do not lose the name.
Tip: Some extensions have extra rules, such as a local presence. If the page asks for more details, follow it. Ask support if you are unsure.
Need help?
If the name search fails or the payment does not go through, open a support ticket.
Quick recap
- A domain name is your website's address.
- Log in, then use Domains and Register a New Domain.
- Search, pick the extension and years, then check out.
- Use a real email address.
- Set nameservers afterwards to link it to your hosting.