1. A domain name is a text name which you register. The domain name is used to give computers text names rather than using the numeric IP addresses. This is like getting a vanity phone number that spells out a word to make it easier to remember. You need to have a domain name before you can have an email address or a web page that can be viewed on the internet. You register this yourself and you will need to RENEW this yourself, it is NOT renewed automatically!
2. Web hosting is needed to be able to have an email address and a web site that can be viewed on the internet. You must already have a domain name for this to work. The domain name must also be "pointed" at us (helpinghost.com) for it to work on our servers. See TRANSFER. Your web hosting services with us will be automatically renewed at the end of each billing cycle. (But NOT your domain name registration!) You must renew your domain name yourself!
3. The domain name and web hosting are the 2 components needed to work together to allow you to have an email address and a web site. They are separate, but both need to be functioning to renew your domain name.