Server management with KeyHelp: Powerful control panel for Linux servers

In server administration, it is crucial to have an efficient and user-friendly management interface that simplifies the administration of web servers and associated services. KeyHelp, a free and powerful control panel, offers exactly these functions and has established itself in recent years as one of the best solutions on the market. Developed and supported by the German company Keyweb AG, KeyHelp combines an intuitive user interface with a broad range of features that enable both beginners and experienced administrators to carry out their tasks effectively and securely.

The following article provides an overview of KeyHelp’s features and how they help to optimise the administration process for web servers.

What does KeyHelp offer?

KeyHelp is a free, powerful and user-friendly server control panel specifically developed for managing Linux servers (Ubuntu LTS or Debian). With a wide range of features and tools, it enables businesses and private website owners to manage their web hosting services efficiently and securely.

The main features of KeyHelp include:

• Domain management: With KeyHelp you can manage an unlimited number of domains. Numerous options are available, such as adding subdomains, security settings (SSL/TLS certificates, HSTS), Perl settings and individual DNS settings. PHP interpreters can be assigned and web server settings configured.
• Email management: KeyHelp makes it easy to create and manage email accounts. Virus protection and self-learning spam protection secure the email accounts. Spam folders and the trash are cleaned automatically, eliminating the need to empty them manually. Email auto-configuration simplifies the setup of email clients.
• User interface: The user-friendly, responsive interface of KeyHelp provides optimal usability whether accessed from a desktop or a mobile device.
• Database management: KeyHelp allows management of databases and also offers remote access where required.
• File management: The integrated file manager allows management of web content directly through the browser. Features include a file editor with syntax highlighting, image viewer, audio player, archive extractor, creating new folders and files, downloading files and directories, and much more.
• FTP user management: Any number of users, individual access credentials and home directories can be created and managed.
• Scheduled tasks/cron job management: Cron jobs allow commands and scripts to be executed automatically at scheduled times.
• Online tools: Various online tools such as phpMyAdmin and Adminer simplify database administration. The webmail client software Roundcube and RainLoop enable easy management of email via the browser.
• Statistics: A clear statistics area provides traffic statistics for HTTP, FTP, IMAP, POP3 and SMTP as well as an overview of domain accesses and error logs.
• Multilingual support: Thanks to the international KeyHelp community, the server control panel is available in many languages, including English, Spanish, Russian, Italian and others.

KeyHelp also offers comprehensive security and protection features to ensure the integrity of your web projects. These include account security via two-factor authentication, login brute-force protection and restriction of administrative access, plus the ability to store SSH keys for additional security. In terms of data protection, IP addresses in web server logs and statistics can be anonymised in compliance with data protection requirements. Directory protection allows the creation of individual access credentials and protects your directories from unauthorised access. KeyHelp also supports the management of SSL/TLS certificates and the integration of free Let's Encrypt certificates to secure domains and server services and renew them automatically. Finally, KeyHelp can also be used to perform backups.

Image: KeyHelp domain management (screenshot from keyhelp.de)

What is KeyHelp Pro?

KeyHelp Pro is an advanced version of the server control panel KeyHelp that provides additional professional features for optimised server management. In addition to all standard KeyHelp functions, KeyHelp Pro includes extra features such as a one-click installer, an SSH jail, dark mode and more. The licence for KeyHelp Pro costs €9 per month.

The enhanced server management tool is ideal for IT administrators, Web hosting resellers, developers and digital agencies. With KeyHelp Pro, these users benefit from a user-friendly interface and useful features that simplify the administration of server services and the execution of related server and business processes.

Some of the Pro features include the SSH chroot environment, which allows users to establish an SSH connection to the server without compromising server security; the one-click application installer, which simplifies the installation of popular web applications such as WordPress, Joomla!, Nextcloud and OpenCart; the dark mode, which switches the server management tool to an eye-friendly dark display; and server migration, which is currently in testing and can be enabled on request to perform data and configuration migrations, for example from Plesk to KeyHelp.

Who is behind KeyHelp?

The Control Panel KeyHelp is developed by the Thuringia-based hosting provider Keyweb and made available to the public free of charge. With almost 25 years of experience as a data centre operator and hosting provider, Keyweb understands the need for reliable, high-quality server administration to fully exploit the potential of servers.

The idea for KeyHelp arose when customers were looking for a clear and free alternative to common control panels such as Plesk or cPanel. After an optimised relaunch in 2014, KeyHelp was initially available exclusively to Keyweb customers. Today KeyHelp runs on thousands of servers and is accessible to everyone.

KeyHelp is continuously developed, with the developers working closely with the community to keep the software free of charge, reliable and easy to understand. It can be used for an unlimited number of domains and is simple to operate, even without documentation or prior training.

Since 2020, at the request of KeyHelp users, Keyweb has offered KeyHelp Pro with additional professional features for more specialised server management options.

Who is KeyHelp suitable for?

KeyHelp is suitable for a wide range of users who want to manage their servers efficiently and easily. IT administrators benefit from the user-friendly interface and comprehensive features that simplify administering server services on Linux. Web hosting resellers can optimise their customer management with KeyHelp and maximise their servers’ performance. Developers will find KeyHelp a practical tool to manage their projects, saving time and resources. Digital agencies can manage their web projects effectively with KeyHelp and offer their clients optimal hosting solutions.

Overall, KeyHelp is suitable for anyone seeking a clear, free and reliable alternative to traditional administration software such as Plesk or cPanel. It is as accessible to beginners as it is to experienced professionals, since it can be used for an unlimited number of domains and is easy to operate without extensive onboarding. Thanks to continuous development and close collaboration with the community, KeyHelp remains a powerful and user-friendly server management tool that adapts to the needs of its users.

Use our Web hosting Control Panel comparison to find out which admin tool best suits 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://www.keyhelp.de/ (Official KeyHelp website)