← Help center · Domains and SSL

What is a domain name and how does it work?

A domain name is the easy-to-remember address of your website, like example.com. Computers use numbers (IP addresses), so the internet has a phone book called DNS that links names to numbers.

How a visit works

1. A person types your domain.
2. DNS says which server IP holds the site.
3. The browser asks that server (your hosting) for the page.

Parts of a domain

• example is the name
• .com is the extension (TLD), other examples are .co.uk, .pk, .net

Good to know

• You rent a domain, usually for 1 year or more, and must renew it.
• Keep your contact details correct to avoid losing it.
• Domain and hosting can be bought in one place.

Check names and prices on our domains page.

More in Domains and SSL

• How to point your domain to your hosting
• DNS records explained: A, CNAME, MX and TXT
• How to transfer a domain to us
• What is an EPP code (auth code)?
• What is an SSL certificate and why do you need one?

Still stuck? Open a support ticket.