The short answer to “What is cPanel?” is this: it’s an online Linux-based graphical interface (GUI) used as a control panel to simplify website and server management.
cPanel’s automated and configurable dashboard enables just about anyone to effectively manage their websites and shared servers.
In this article, we will highlight how to use cPanel, its features and what benefits it provides to a website owner.
cPanel is most commonly used to manage the:
- Files
- Databases
- Email accounts
- FTP access on your site and much more
cPanel also allows you to quickly set up a domain name or transfer one over from another hosting service provider.
Access to the cPanel dashboard is provided by your web hosting provider.
Related: Plesk vs cPanel – which is suitable for you?
Main advantages of using cPanel
cPanel is an excellent choice for beginners looking for a complete and intuitive control panel solution. Below mentioned are a few important features:
User-friendly interface
cPanel has an intuitive interface and divides various features under dedicated modules, allowing users to locate what they need easily.
cPanel makes it easy for users of all skill levels to easily move around the dashboard with minimal effort.
cPanel dashboard comes with intuitive menus and sidebars for smooth navigation.
Ease of usage
Using cPanel to manage your website doesn’t need advanced technical knowledge. cPanel lets users perform complicated tasks such as these with just a few clicks:
- Creating subdomains
- Managing files
- MySQL databases
- Generating site backups
Software installation
Not only does cPanel provide numerous features, but it is also well-integrated with the Softaculous Apps Installer. The installer grants access to several applications, including popular content management systems like:
- WordPress
- Drupal
- Magento
- Joomla
Softaculous takes care of each application's lifecycle, from installation to updates.
Reliable support
There are various cPanel forums and blogs on the internet that can guide you with a step-by-step process of different tasks and troubleshooting. There are even dedicated technical manuals for cPanel available on the internet.
What does cPanel help you do?
cPanel lets you perform many routine functions like:
Installation of softwares
cPanel allows users to create websites using a variety of content management systems (CMS), including WordPress, Drupal, Magento, and Joomla. Users can quickly build and monitor their websites from the ground up with just a few clicks in cPanel.
Managing FTP accounts
You can easily back up and transfer web files with the help of the cPanel interface. The ‘Files’ section of cPanel contains features for direct file management. From this section, you can:
- Upload files without an FTP client
- Specify privacy levels
- Set up a backup of your website
You can even use ‘File Manager’ to assist with desktop file explorer applications like edit, remove, or add files and folders.
Managing domain and sub-domains
cPanel allows site owners to:
- Manage their domain network
- Create aliases
- Add or remove subdomains
- Manage DNS zones
- Redirect site visitors around their web properties
It’s a common practice for webmasters to use one hosting account for hosting multiple sites.
The domains section in cPanel comes in handy for all domain-related tasks, such as managing domain names, setting up add-on domains for newly purchased domain names, and creating parked domains.
Email accounts
With cPanel you get the ability to stay connected with the powerful email and calendar capabilities. You can launch new email accounts, create shared calendars and enjoy various levels of spam protection.
Not all web hosting plans feature email functionality, but if your plan includes both email and cPanel, you’ll get to manage your email in the ‘Email’ section of the cPanel dashboard. You can also set up auto-responders and custom email accounts in the cPanel dashboard.
Related: How to stop wasting your agency’s time on email
Creating and managing new databases
Your website needs a database to store all the website-related content, including usernames, passwords, blogs, etc. cPanel allows you to create new databases and manage users.
cPanel provides users with the power to design custom databases using MySQL Wizard, phpMyAdmin, and various other tools.
Security
Web security is critical to prevent hackers and cyber thieves from accessing sensitive information from your systems. Without a strong security strategy, there is always risk of malware attacks on websites, networks, and other IT infrastructures.
The security module of cPanel helps you monitor the main security settings on your hosting account.
cPanel offers multiple features to optimise your site security, including SSH Access to connect to your server via SSH and SSL/TLS to enable SSL certificates for extra security.
Another primary security feature is Hotlink Protection, which prevents other sites from copying your site resources
Through cPanel, you can also allow specific sites to use your files. To do so, you must list them in the URLs list to allow access.
Related: National cybercrimes are on the rise – how to protect yourself
GoDaddy cPanel
GoDaddy cPanel is a web hosting control panel that allows you to manage your domain names and emails. In addition, it enables you to add more features such as a website builder, file manager, and FTP client.
With GoDaddy cPanel hosting, you can benefit from all the hosting features and settings you need with this industry-leading control panel, including:
- Cloud Linux - Helps to keep your site online with truly balanced CPU, RAM, and Disk IO limits
- Resources on-demand - Gives you more CPU, RAM, Entry Processes, and I/O as you need them
- Cage FS - Protect your content 24/7 with this virtualized file system
- Free applications - Helps you to quickly install over 125 applications on your website with just a click
What is cPanel explained
In this article, we have given a brief overview of what cPanel is and how it can be used to manage your website.
cPanel is one of the most popular Linux-based web hosting control panels, featuring a range of modules including:
- File management
- Databases
- Software installations
- Domains
- Security
The user-friendliness and intuitive interface make cPanel a leading choice for webmasters.
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