Using cPanel as the control panel for server management

cPanel is, alongside Plesk, regarded as one of the most popular software solutions when it comes to server management or configuring web hosting packages. Through the web-based user interface of both applications, cPanel and WHM, all important settings for server administration and account administration can be made without having to tediously work with complex text commands directly at the system level. cPanel is specifically tailored for use on Linux operating systems. As it is proprietary software, appropriate licence fees apply for its use.

What does cPanel offer?

With cPanel users have a comprehensive range of configuration options for managing a server and configuring web hosting accounts. cPanel is actually split into three distinct user interfaces. cPanel itself serves as the control panel for the actual server settings. The web hosting manager WHM, on the other hand, is used for organising individual webspace packages and user accounts. In addition, the webmail interface provides a separate application for email. cPanel is one of the most popular Plesk alternatives and, directly behind its competitor, is the world's second-most widely used admin tool on the international market.

cPanel Control Panel

The cPanel Control Panel is the core of the management software. It allows all server settings to be configured at the domain level. With simple Point&Click control, the clear user interface can be used to configure all relevant system parameters.

• Domain management
  Domains can be added, parked or forwarded. Additionally, subdomains can be created and entries such as A records, MX records or CNAMEs can be edited via the DNS Zone Editor.
• Email management
  Mailboxes and email accounts can be created and managed. Advanced settings such as spam filters, autoresponders or email forwarding can also be configured.
• Security settings
  Security-related functions such as enabling directory protection, blocking specific IP addresses or setting up SSL certificates can be managed.
• Databases and files
  Data on the web space can be organised and backed up using the backup function. Larger datasets can also be managed in database systems such as MySQL or PostgreSQL.
• Log files
  Using applications such as Webalizer and AWStats, a detailed analysis of the log files can be carried out, showing all accesses to your website.

WHM Web Host Manager

The WHM Web Host Manager operates one level higher in the system and is used to manage user accounts and create individual web space packages. The graphical interface here also makes working with the software easier.

• User management
  Individual user accounts can be created and managed. System resources can be allocated to each package individually and access for customer accounts can be set up.
• Server monitoring
  Server monitoring helps administrators keep an eye on processes across the entire server. This way, for example, traffic usage and utilised system resources can be monitored continuously.
• Backups and migrations
  Complete backups of entire web hosting accounts can be created and restored if required. In addition, migrations of customer accounts to other servers can be realised easily.
• Unique branding
  The WHM web hosting manager enables customers, thanks to individual branding, to present themselves as an independent web hosting provider. Logos, colours and other design elements can be customised.

The webmail client

The webmail client can be used by individual email users as a web-based mail client. Messages can be sent, retrieved and sorted into different mailboxes. Administrators can also specify which webmail client is used. Popular software solutions such as Horde, Roundcube and SquirrelMail are available to choose from.

What requirements does cPanel have?

Because cPanel is a comprehensive configuration software that is deeply integrated into the system, installation should be performed immediately after reinstalling the server's operating system. Retrofitting it into an existing system is only possible with considerable effort and extensive technical knowledge. The same applies to removing the software. Anyone wishing to switch from cPanel to an alternative control panel will typically need to reinstall the server.

In principle, cPanel only requires a Unix or Linux operating system to run. All common distributions such as CentOS, Red Hat or Cloud Linux are supported. A Windows-based version of the software was available on the market for a time but has since been discontinued. For the concrete hardware requirements the developer specifies at least 20 GB of storage. Additionally, 1 GB of RAM should be available. For operation on a virtual server the following well-known virtualisation methods are among those supported: KVM, OpenVZ or Virtuozzo.

The development of cPanel

cPanel has a long history. The first version of the software was released more than 20 years ago by developer John Nick Koston. At that time, cPanel was available only internally to the customers of various web hosting providers in which John Nick Koston was involved, for server administration. It was only some years later that Koston began to focus exclusively on developing cPanel and eventually made it available to other users on the market. A major milestone in the software's development was 1999, when cPanel 3 was released for the first time as a completely revamped version with a new interface and numerous new features, such as WHM (WebHost Manager). Currently the software is distributed internationally by the company cPanel LLC based in Houston, Texas.

cPanel's pricing model

As cPanel is proprietary software, licence fees apply for its use. These are primarily determined by the number of user accounts and the type of server on which the control panel is deployed. A distinction is made between Cloud Licences (on VPS and cloud infrastructure) and Metal Licences (on Dedicated Servers).

The base costs for use on a VPS with a single user account are around USD 16 per month, while the base costs for use on a Dedicated Server with up to 100 user accounts are about USD 60 per month. Depending on how many licences are purchased or for what period they are paid in advance, customers can be granted attractive discounts on the base costs.

The current cPanel pricing structure is as follows:

• cPanel Solo: Entry-level plan for single user accounts on VPS hosting or cloud.
• cPanel Admin: Plan for small businesses with 5 user accounts on VPS or cloud.
• cPanel Pro: Plan for larger businesses with up to 30 user accounts on VPS or cloud.
• cPanel Premier: Enterprise plan for web hosts and data centres with more than 100 user accounts on Dedicated Servers, VPS or cloud.

In addition, numerous optional paid add-ons for cPanel are available.

Web hosting companies that choose to work exclusively with cPanel can also apply to become an official partner of the provider. In addition to discounts of up to 30 percent, companies thereby benefit from priority customer support. cPanel Inc.'s partners include well-known companies such as 1&1, GoDaddy, Bluehost and HostGator.

For ordinary customers who have cPanel provided by their web hosting provider, the licence fees for the administration software are usually already included in the monthly web hosting charges. Consequently, end customers do not normally incur any additional costs.

Who is cPanel suitable for?

Because of its extensive feature set, cPanel is suitable for a wide range of user groups. Above all, web hosting providers are provided with a practical tool for managing customer accounts and server settings in the form of cPanel and the WHM hosting manager. The attractive discounts and partnerships have contributed to many web hosting companies already choosing to use the proprietary software from the USA. For end customers too, using cPanel is an excellent way to manage their web hosting account, website, email addresses and data via the graphical user interface without requiring in-depth technical knowledge.

See how the control panel fares against its direct competitor in the cPanel vs Plesk comparison.

Use our Web hosting control panel comparison to find out which admin tool is best for your individual requirements.

Our article is based on our own experience and research as well as information from external sources.

Sources & further links on the topic:
https://cpanel.net/ (Official website of cPanel)