Understanding Domain Types (Firstserv Guide – BusyRacks DNS Manager)
Managing domains and websites can feel confusing at first. This guide explains the different domain types available on Firstserv hosting and how they relate to BusyRacks (our DNS Manager) and cPanel.
Quick Overview
| Domain Type | Can Host a Separate Website? | Can Have Email Accounts? |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Domain | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Addon Domain | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Subdomain (Primary/Addon) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Alias Domain | ❌ No (points to existing site) | ✅ Yes |
| Subdomain (Alias) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
How Hosting & DNS Work Together
- cPanel → Controls website files, databases, and email
- BusyRacks DNS Manager → Controls domain routing (A records, MX, etc.)
👉 To use domains with your hosting:
- Your domain must point to:
ns1.firstserv.com ns2.firstserv.com - DNS changes are managed in BusyRacks
- Websites are managed in cPanel
Key Concepts
All Firstserv Cloud and Business plans:
- Use a single cPanel account
- Share resources (CPU, RAM, disk space) across all sites
- Are designed for one business or user
👉 If hosting websites for clients, use Reseller Hosting
Primary Domain
Your primary domain is:
- The main domain linked to your hosting account
- Set when your hosting is created
How It Works
- Website files are stored in:
/public_html/ - Example:
/public_html/index.html → https://yourdomain.com
✅ Always upload your main site to /public_html
Addon Domains (Separate Website)
Use an Addon Domain when you want a completely separate website on your account.
✅ Features
- Hosts a different website
- Has its own folder and files
- Can have its own email accounts
- Counts toward your website limit
✅ Example
Primary: example.com
Addon: mysecondsite.co.uk
👉 Two independent websites
🔧 DNS (BusyRacks)
For addon domains:
- Point the domain to Firstserv via:
ns1.firstserv.com ns2.firstserv.com
Alias Domains (Same Website, Different Domain)
Use an Alias Domain when you want another domain to show the same content.
✅ Features
- Points to an existing site (no separate files)
- Does NOT count as a separate website
- Can have its own email accounts
✅ Example
Primary: example.com
Alias: example.net
👉 Both load the same site
🔧 DNS (BusyRacks)
Ensure the alias domain:
- Uses Firstserv nameservers
- Points to the same hosting account
Subdomains (New Section or Site)
A subdomain creates a new site or section under an existing domain.
✅ Features
- Separate website or content area
- Stored in its own directory
- Counts as a unique site
- Can have email accounts
✅ Examples
blog.example.com
shop.example.com
city1.restaurant.co.uk
✅ Use Cases
- Blogs
- Regional branches
- Development/test environments
Subdomains of Alias Domains
- ❌ Cannot host their own websites
- ✅ Can still be used for email addresses
Choosing the Right Option
- ✅ New website with a new domain → Addon Domain
- ✅ Same site on multiple domains → Alias Domain
- ✅ New section or site under existing domain → Subdomain
- ✅ Main website → Primary Domain
DNS Tips (BusyRacks)
- Always ensure domains point to:
ns1.firstserv.com ns2.firstserv.com - Manage DNS records in BusyRacks DNS Manager
- Allow up to 24 hours for DNS changes
Summary
- Primary Domain: Your main website
- Addon Domain: Separate site on a new domain
- Alias Domain: Extra domain showing the same site
- Subdomain: New section or site under a domain
- BusyRacks: Controls DNS and domain routing
Need Help?
If you're unsure which option to use or how to configure DNS in BusyRacks, the Firstserv support team is always happy to help you choose the best setup.
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