# Your first steps

https://vmshost.io/kb/a/your-first-steps

Welcome to vmshost! This guide takes you from a new hosting account to a running phpVMS site. Each step links to a detailed article.

## 1. Sign in to the client area

Go to [vmshost.io/login](https://vmshost.io/login) and sign in. If you don't know your password, see [Signing in and resetting your password](https://vmshost.io/knowledgebase/article/signing-in-and-resetting-your-password).

Your dashboard shows your active services, domains, unpaid invoices and open tickets:

The first time you sign in, we ask if you want to set up two-factor authentication. We recommend it: it keeps your account safe even if someone learns your password.

## 2. Point your domain to us

At the company where you registered your domain, set its nameservers to:

- ns1.vmshost.io
- ns2.vmshost.io

See [Nameservers](https://vmshost.io/knowledgebase/article/nameservers). Nameserver changes can take up to 24 to 48 hours to reach everyone.

## 3. Open cPanel

Go to **Services**, select your hosting plan, and click **Open Control Panel**. You are signed in to cPanel directly, with no second password. See [Opening cPanel and webmail](https://vmshost.io/knowledgebase/article/opening-cpanel-and-webmail).

## 4. Install phpVMS

Use the automated installer in cPanel. See [Install phpVMS with the installer](https://vmshost.io/knowledgebase/article/setting-up-phpvms).

## 5. Upload your files

For themes, modules and other files, see [Uploading files: File Manager and FTP](https://vmshost.io/knowledgebase/article/uploading-files-file-manager-and-ftp)