What Is cPanel? The Complete Guide To cPanel For Beginners
Introduction
Are you a beginner in web hosting and looking for a complete guide on cPanel? Then you are in the right place. When it comes to web hosting, cPanel is like a household name in the United States and across Europe.
It was first launched in 1996, and since then, it has grown to become a force to reckon with. cPanel is a Linux-based graphical interface used to simplify websites and server management.
It lets you manage domains, publish websites, create email accounts, organize web files, and much more.
In this post, we will walk you through the benefits and disadvantages of cPanel, and also discuss how to use this control panel. But before we go too far, let’s quickly define what cPanel is.
Sounds good, right?
Then let’s roll!
What is cPanel Hosting?
In a nutshell, cPanel can be defined as a control panel that is used to manage web hosting through a non-technical dashboard. Using cPanel doesn’t require technical knowledge, as you can use it to access important configurations and hosting features.
This web host control panel comes with two interfaces – a server management interface popularly known as “Web Host Manager,” and a user interface.
The combination of these two interfaces enables users to efficiently manage their websites and also provide their web hosting providers with the right tools to manage the servers.
Benefits Of Using cPanel To Manage Your Website
The following are the benefits of using cPanel web hosting:
- Simple Interface: This control panel comes with a simple-to-understand interface. The interface is highly responsive, user-friendly, and designed to enable newbies to kick-start their journey into web hosting. With cPanel, you will have no problem performing complex tasks like FTP, email accounts, or even software installation.
- Software Installation: cPanel will enable you to easily install WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, BookedScheduler, PrestaShop, and other content management systems without creating a single line of code or database.
- Features: It is equipped with amazing features that allow users to host, manage, and access their online web accounts without any hassle. These features are protected with a firewall or antivirus to prevent malware.
- Compatibility: It is compatible with all web browsers, including Safari, Google Chrome, Opera, Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, and FireFox. It also supports third-party add-ons like digital marketing boards, e-books, on-site blogs, and guest blogs.
Drawbacks Of Using cPanel
As with other web hosting platforms, cPanel has its drawbacks, some of which are:
- It is easy to accidentally make important changes to cPanel settings.
- cPanel comes at a price tag. It is relatively expensive compared to other web panels on the market.
How To Use cPanel
Installing and using this control panel is very easy and straightforward. As soon as you log in, you would immediately see some metrics that keep a record of your resource usages, such as your memory usage, available storage space, and CPU usage.
This information would help you keep track of your website performance.
The first step is to familiarize yourself with cPanel modules. cPanel comes with different modules.
File Modules
The most important cPanel module is File Module. These modules allow users to upload and manage files without using an FTP client. In fact, you can make backups and also specify privacy levels.
Other modules are – Backup, Disk, Directory Privacy, Backup Wizard, File Manager, FTP Connections, FTP Accounts, Images, Web Disk, Inode counter, and Gift Version Control.
Preferences
cPanel installation needs customization for efficient usage. This is where you will be able to customize the installation. Common modules here are – Change Language, User Manager, Contact Information, and Change Style.
Databases
Databases are used to store settings, posts, or any important information if your website uses a CMS (content management system).
This is the section to manage your databases. Some of the important modules here are – Remote MySQL, phpMyAdmin, MySQL Databases, and MySQL Database Wizard.
Web Application
Web applications allow cPanel users to install different software. It includes portals, blogs, forums, and even CMSs. Common modules here are – WordPress, phpBB, Joomla, Drupal.
Domains
Webmasters usually use one hosting account to power several websites. This section is meant to help you manage that. Popular modules in the section are: Subdomains, Redirects, Preview Website, DNS Manager, Aliases, and Addon Domains.
Metrics
The Metrics modules would enable you to keep track of your website performance. Some modules here include – Visitors, Raw access, Errors, CPU and Concurrent Connection Usage, Awstats, and Bandwidth.
Security
The issue of security is predominant for webmasters. This module would help you track important security settings regarding your hosting account. Examples of security modules are – IP Blocker, Hotlink Protection, Leech Protection, SSL/TLS, SSH Access, 2FA, and ModSecurity.
Software
You don’t need the software module except if you are an advanced user. At its very core, the software module is about Perl and PHP. Common modules are – Application Manager, PHP Version Selector, Cloudflare, PHP PEAR Packages, WordPress Themes, and Optimize Website.
Final Thoughts
cPanel is a popular web hosting control panel. It displays important metrics about your website & server and also allows you to access different modules, including Domains, Documentations, Web Applications, Databases, Preferences, Files, Security, and Metrics.
One more thing..
We believe you now understand what cPanel is and how to use it. It’s time to share your first time experience(s) with us. Use the comment below to give us your feedback.