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If your business has a website (or more), chances are that all the controls of that website and its associated peripherals (like web hosting) have a central home. Most commonly, cPanel is the most popular platform that developers use to control their websites, their hosting, and other tasks like emails, domains, and more.
In fact, according to statistics, about 1,404,284 websites live that currently use cPanel as the control room for all technical operations. This blog will help you understand what cPanel is, why your businesses should use it, and the various features that it can be used for.
What is cPanel?
cPanel is a control panel based on Linux that web developers and hosting agencies use to manage all the web hosting applications. It is similar in appearance and use to desktop-based software and allows the users to perform actions on their websites using a simple dashboard.
cPanel eliminates the need for running complex commands to achieve simple web hosting tasks. For example, operations like checking web server resources, managing domain names, and organizing website files can easily be conducted using cPanel from a central location.
In simpler words, cPanel is an interface that allows you to make changes to your web hosting.
Do You Need cPanel?
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cPanel is an extremely handy interface that allows you to perform a range of operations on your website. Some of them include:
- Software installation, like WordPress.
- Managing different users on your websites.
- Setting passwords and security measures.
- Website data backups, management, and searches on the database.
- Organization of website files.
- Creating webmail accounts and their management.
cPanel brings all these capabilities to the fingertips of those who don’t have in-depth technical knowledge to achieve these tasks without a GUI. Managing your own web hosting has become easier with cPanel and its straightforward, function-oriented interface.
Let’s now understand its features and how you can use them.
How To Use cPanel Features: A Walkthrough
cPanel provides its users with a wide range of benefits, like compatibility with several web browsers and support for third-party applications. Before you begin, log in to your cPanel account either using the link provided by your host or using the following address in the address bar:
- http://your-site-address.com:2082 for http sites
- https://your-site-address.com:2083 for https sites
Now you can use the 8 key features to streamline your web hosting operations:
1. Files
You can use the files feature to manage all types of website files from a central location. This includes backup files, disk usage, FTP accounts, images, version control, etc.
The interface is similar to the file explorer that you use on your desktop, making navigation familiar and easy.
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2. Preferences
In the Preferences tab of your dashboard, you can customize aspects like default language, themes, user information, and passwords. It also allows you to update your contact information in case you wish to receive email notifications about your account activity.
Click on the Contact Information option in Preferences, and fill out the form to update it.
3. Databases
The Database is the central repository where all your website’s data is stored. If you are using a CMS like WordPress, you can access your database using cPanel. You can access it by clicking on MySQLDatabases.
You can create new databases or access the existing ones using the Current Databases list.
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4. Software and Apps
cPanel provides access to Softaculous, a script library that you can use to install all manner of software to your hosting.
For example, Drupal, Joomla, Magento 1.9, etc., can be added. From the list provided, you can simply select the script you wish to install and click on Install Now.
Provide all the necessary specifications that the installer requests to complete the process.
5. Domains
If you have multisite operations on a single hosting service, then the Domain feature can come in handy for you. In the Domains section, click on Zone Editor to configure and manage DNS records and MX records.
You can get professional help to understand how to configure these records more efficiently.
6. Email
If you have a hosting plan that provides you with email and cPanel, you can use this feature to set up webmail for your company. Navigate to the Email section and click on Email Account.
Click on Create to start creating company email IDs for your employees – fill out the forms displayed before you with information like passwords, email addresses, storage allocation, etc.
7. Metrics and Security
The Metrics feature allows you to measure metrics such as visitors, resource usage, website errors, bandwidth, etc.
In the Metrics section, you will find options in the left sidebar to view. Click on any option and then fill in the Reported Period to see metrics for a specific timeline.
You can also determine the security features like hotlink protection through the Security section in the cPanel dashboard.
8. Advanced Features
cPanel also provides several advanced features for users who wish to have a little more control over their website. You can use this feature to clear cache, track network information, and set up automated commands using the Cron Job feature.
These features only make sense for the advanced user and can be challenging to use for those who don’t have a technical understanding of aspects like indexing, DNS tracking, WebHost Manager, etc.
Freeparking: Control and Manage Your Website Easily
Website performance depends on how well the backend operations are managed. cPanel provides an excellent opportunity to streamline web hosting operations easily through a GUI to the more complex aspects of website management.
To achieve the best results, consider setting up your hosting with Freeparking, a robust hosting services provider that can help you set up your website control room.
With features like a web builder and control options, you can custom-fit your web hosting control panel to provide a more familiar control environment. You can also access other key associated web hosting services like domains, security, customer support, and more.
To understand these offerings in better detail, contact Freeparking today!
