What HelioHost is Not

HelioHost is a free web host; it is not your one-stop gateway to running a website. This article will explain exactly what HelioHost is NOT.

HelioHost is Not a Domain Registrar

A domain name registrar is a service used to purchase top level domains (TLDs) - i.e. a .com, .org, .net, or similar website name. HelioHost DOES NOT offer domain registration. When you sign up with HelioHost, you can use a free `domain.helioho.st` or `domain.heliohost.us` subdomain (where `domain` is whatever you choose).

{% hint style="info" %} As a sign of thanks for HelioHost's most active members, HelioHost will purchase a domain for you with our own funds if you meet the requirements outlined [here](https://www.helionet.org/index/topic/34286-free-domain-requests-400-posts-required/). {% endhint %}

Domain Registrars

Namecheap

HelioHost has an affiliate agreement with Namecheap, so if you're in the market for a new domain we highly recommend purchasing it from them. Once you set the nameservers to `ns1.heliohost.org` and `ns2.heliohost.org`, we can host the website on your brand new domain for you. Click on the banner below to use our affiliate link to shop for your new domain:

[![Namecheap Affiliate Banner]()](https://heliohost.org/partners/namecheap)

{% hint style="info" %} After checking if your preferred domain name is available, there will sometimes be a Promo Code you can use at checkout, to get a very low price for the first year. {% endhint %}

Other Registrars

You could also use a domain purchased from another registrar, such as GoDaddy or Network Solutions.

Another option is to use a free domain, which you can register at nic.EU.org.

HelioHost is Not a Website Designer

HelioHost offers free website hosting. HelioHost does NOT create, design, maintain, or handle backups of your website for you, it only gives it a place to be hosted.

Through Plesk, you can use the [Softaculous](../features/softaculous.md) auto-installer to install popular software (such as a Content Management System (CMS), blogging, and forum platforms) to your website.

As mentioned in our [Terms of Service](../hosting/terms.md), it is not HelioHost's responsibility to keep backups of your data. We strongly recommend you backup your data regularly and keep it in a safe place. Plesk enables you to [create, download, and schedule backups](../tutorials/plesk/account-backups.md) of your files.