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What is cPanel hosting?
cPanel is a widely adopted control panel in the realm of web development and hosting services, highly favoured by professionals and hosting companies alike. It is typically complemented by WHM (Web Host Manager), with each component serving distinct functions. WHM empowers administrators with server management capabilities, encompassing configurations and the ability to handle multiple accounts and websites.
Conversely, the cPanel interface offers an array of features such as web file management, MySQL database administration, statistics generation, data tracking, and search engine optimisation utilities. The extensive capabilities and user-friendly nature of cPanel contribute to its status as a leading control panel in the web development and hosting community.
To elaborate, cPanel hosting occurs when a hosting provider leverages WHM to oversee server administration and creates individual cPanel accounts for their customers.
If you seek a deeper understanding of cPanel hosting, this article aims to outline the advantages and disadvantages associated with cPanel, as well as provide instructions on how to utilize it. Additionally, we will present alternative control panels that offer similar functionality for those seeking alternatives to cPanel.
Understanding cPanel: Benefits, Drawbacks, and Usage Guidelines
cPanel hosting refers to Linux-based web hosting that incorporates the installation of cPanel, providing users with a dedicated cPanel account to manage their web hosting components.
This hosting solution is compatible with various hosting types, including shared, dedicated, and managed WordPress hosting.
cPanel serves as a user-friendly control panel option, particularly suited for beginners seeking a straightforward management solution. However, like any hosting control panel, cPanel comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
- User-friendly interface: cPanel organizes its diverse features into manageable modules, enabling users to easily locate and access them. The interface boasts intuitive menus and graphics, facilitating smooth navigation.
- Broad compatibility: As a leading control panel, cPanel functions seamlessly across multiple web browsers such as Google Chrome, Safari, and Mozilla Firefox. It also supports various third-party applications, including site builders and SEO tools.
- Extensive feature set: Even without advanced technical expertise, cPanel empowers users to execute complex tasks such as creating subdomains and FTP accounts, managing MySQL databases, and generating site backups.
- Automated software installation: In addition to its wide range of features, cPanel seamlessly integrates with the Softaculous Apps Installer, granting access to over 400 applications, including popular content management systems. Softaculous ensures efficient management of each application, from installation to updates.
- Reliable support: cPanel forums, blogs, and dedicated technical manuals for cPanel and WHM provide abundant resources to users, offering guidance on product utilization and issue resolution.
Disadvantages:
- Security vulnerabilities: Research indicates that cPanel’s two-factor authentication (2FA) method is susceptible to brute force attacks. It is essential to maintain an up-to-date cPanel version to mitigate such risks.
- Expensive licensing: Compared to its competitors, cPanel carries a higher licensing cost. Therefore, if you solely manage a website, opting for a cPanel hosting plan from a web host that provides the cPanel license can prove more cost-effective.
- Risk of data loss or corruption: Instances may arise where cPanel inadvertently overwrites server settings and erases data during major updates, often resulting from crashed or failed hard drives. In such scenarios, performing a comprehensive disaster recovery process becomes crucial for web server restoration.
cPanel Tutorial: A Guide to Utilizing cPanel
Having familiarised yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of cPanel, it is now time to delve into understanding how to effectively employ its features. Prior to embarking on the first cPanel tutorial, let us explore the various methods of accessing this control panel.
Typically, most hosting providers will furnish a direct link to the cPanel dashboard within the welcome email. However, in the event that such a link is absent, you can gain access to your cPanel account via the address bar of your preferred web browser. Remember to always use SSL
https://yourawesomedomain.com:2083
This will take you to the cPanel login page.
Please enter your cPanel username and password in the provided fields, and subsequently click on the “Log in” button. Upon successful authentication, you will gain access to the control dashboard, where you will encounter an array of modules and features.
In the following sections, we will provide detailed explanations of each section, accompanied by an overview of their primary functions.
Email addresses
While not all web hosting plans incorporate email functionality, if your plan encompasses both email and cPanel, this is where you will manage all tasks related to email administration.
Within the cPanel interface, you will find a range of features to facilitate various email-related tasks. These functionalities enable you to configure auto-responders, establish custom email accounts, and carry out other necessary actions efficiently.
FILE MANAGER and Databases
File Manager
The Files section encompasses a set of features dedicated to direct file management. Within this section, users can upload files without relying on an FTP client, define privacy levels, and configure a backup wizard.
One of the notable tools in this section is the File Manager, which provides a user-friendly interface resembling desktop file explorer applications. Through the File Manager, users can effortlessly edit, delete, or add files and folders.
To access the File Manager, simply click on the “File Manager” button, which will redirect you to a page listing all the files associated with your website.
Databases
If your website operates on a content management system (CMS) like WordPress, it necessitates a database to store essential data and information, including usernames, passwords, and posts.
In the cPanel interface, you will find dedicated sections for managing databases, predominantly through MySQL Databases and phpMyAdmin.
To create databases and manage MySQL users, access the MySQL Databases section. Within the New Database section, input your preferred database username and click on the “Create Database” button.
DOMAINS
It is a common practice for webmasters to utilize a single hosting account to manage multiple websites. Consequently, the Domains section offers a range of features specifically designed for tasks related to domain management. These tasks encompass managing domain names, setting up addon domains to accommodate newly purchased domains, and creating parked domains.
Furthermore, cPanel incorporates the DNS Zone Editor, a powerful tool that enables users to create, edit, and manage DNS (Domain Name System) records. This feature facilitates various actions, including the addition of MX records and the management of domain configurations.
Software
The Software section within our cPanel Hosting accounts encompasses a variety of tools and features aimed at managing software installations and configurations for your website.
One of the prominent components in this section is the Softaculous Apps Installer. It provides a vast collection of applications, including popular content management systems, e-commerce platforms, forums, and more. Softaculous simplifies the process of installing and managing these applications, allowing you to quickly set up and maintain your desired software.
Additionally, the Software section may include options to manage PHP versions, configure PHP extensions, and handle other software-related settings. These tools offer flexibility and control over the software environment of your website, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance.
Overall, the Software section in cPanel empowers users to manage, install, and configure various software applications and settings to enhance the functionality and performance of their website.
Conclusion
cPanel is a highly popular Linux-based web hosting control panel that offers a comprehensive range of modules designed to facilitate efficient website management. Its user-friendly interface and simplicity have made it a preferred choice among webmasters. With cPanel, running a website, managing web files, and performing various tasks become more streamlined.
Here are some key actions that can be performed using cPanel:
- Manage and edit site files: Easily handle website files, including uploading, editing, and organising them.
- Save important contact information: Store and manage your contact details within the Preferences section of cPanel.
- Create and manage MySQL databases for WordPress websites: Utilize the Databases module to create and manage MySQL databases, which are essential for WordPress websites.
- Install software with ease: With the Softaculous Apps Installer, you can install a wide range of software applications, including content management systems, with just a few clicks.
- Add and update DNS records: Utilize the Domains section and the DNS Zone Editor to add, edit, and manage Domain Name System (DNS) records for your website.
- Monitor key metrics of your site and server: The Metrics module provides valuable insights into website traffic, resource usage, and other important metrics to help you analyze and optimize your site’s performance.
- Configure extra security layers: Strengthen your website’s security by utilizing the security features available in the Security section of cPanel, such as SSH access and SSL/TLS certificate management.
- Activate various cron jobs: Use the Advanced section and Cron Jobs feature to schedule and automate tasks, such as backups or file deletion, on your website.
- Create and manage email accounts: The Email module allows you to create and manage custom email accounts associated with your domain.
Overall, cPanel provides a comprehensive set of features to simplify website management and empower users to handle various aspects of their online presence. It offers an intuitive interface and tools for file management, database administration, software installation, security configurations, and email account management. Whether you are a webmaster or a website owner, cPanel can streamline your website management tasks and help you efficiently maintain your online presence.
