If you are a website developer or a digital marketer, there is a strong chance you know what a cPanel is. This blog is written for those who aren’t aware of what cPanel is, cPanel hosting, cPanel server management and other nitty-gritty of server and web administration.

Website hosting is a formidable task that involves a web of complex intricacies such as security protocols, and website and server management. The idea behind launching cPanel was to simply web management and make it user-friendly for “not-so-tech-savvy” individuals without a background in web development or design.

Let’s dive straight in. But first, let’s define what is cPanel.

 

What is cPanel?

 

Technically, cPanel is a Linux-based control panel that allows you to manage a website’s key metrics and take control of its overall health. Users can manage domain names, and site backups, look into various databases, and install content management systems (CMS) via the intuitive interface and user-friendly dashboard.

The cPanel has two primary interfaces; the server management interface known as Web Hosting Manager (WHM) and the user interface known as cPanel. The dual interface system helps you seamlessly switch between performing administrative tasks and focusing on user-specific functions.

Now, onto why you should use cPanel.

 

Why use cPanel?

 

We now know what cPanel is. Great, but it is equally important to understand what is cPanel used for.

cPanel is a boon for non-technical users who do not understand the nuances of hosting configurations and features. The cPanel allows them to understand and manage multiple elements of their hosting account such as emails, domains, and websites.

Let’s admit it. Writing code is not everyone’s cup of tea and more importantly, does not fall under everyone’s scope of work. That said, understanding the basics of web management, hosting configurations, and other aspects becomes a necessity in today’s digital landscape.

This is why cPanel is useful as it enables users to perform certain actions directly from the dashboard without the need for advanced programming and commands.

We hope this serves as a good answer to the question, “What is cPanel used for.”

Moving on to the features of cPanel in the next section.

 

Features of cPanel

 

Even though cPanel has been around since 1996, it is trusted by 4,283,729 websites worldwide. Its long-lasting popularity can be attributed to a few key factors including its robust features and user-friendliness.

Let’s look at some of the features of cPanel.

 

  • File or FTP account management

cPanel contains different sections where you can manage different functions of a website. The Files section allows users to back up and transfer web files via the cPanel interface. It also comes with several features for direct file management including uploading and downloading files, deleting files, organising files, and managing file permissions. Additionally, you can also pick the access levels for different users by assigning specific directories to them.

 

  • Domain management

cPanel web hosting has made domain management easier, especially for webmasters who use one hosting account to host multiple sites. You can perform all domain-related activities from the ‘domain section’ in cPanel such as managing DNS zones, managing domain names, adding or deleting subdomains, creating parked domains, and more.

 

  • Email management

Similar to domains and files, the cPanel has an email section that allows users to manage and perform various email-related activities. You can add, delete, and edit email accounts from cPanel, giving you complete control over your email communications and configurations. Further, users can set autoresponders and create personalised email accounts from the cPanel’s dashboard.

 

  • Database management

The cPanel stores all the important data related to your website such as content, passwords, usernames, and more. You can create new and tailored databases using phpMyAdmin, MySQL Wizard, and other similar tools depending on your content management system (CMS).

 

  • Security

GDPR, CCTA, Australian Privacy Act 1988, and other equivalent regulations worldwide have made it imperative to safeguard customer information more than ever before. Additionally, the rising prevalence of cybercrimes, digital frauds, and malicious online activities has made it important to implement and manage website security. cPanel comes with many features that improve website security and protect your website from external threats such as Hotlink Protection and more.

 

How to use cPanel?

 

We can go on and on about how cPanel simplifies website management. That said, you should know how to use it. This section explains how you can use cPanel optimally.

 

  • Accessing cPanel

Follow these simple steps to access your site’s cPanel.

1.You need to enter your website or server’s IP address in the URL and either add 2082 or 2083 after that. For example, https://192.132.0.1:2083

2.Add your credentials including username and password which is sent via email by your service provider.

3.Click on ‘login’ to access cPanel.

 

  • Navigating the cPanel Dashboard

By now, you know that the cPanel dashboard has different sections that allow you to manage your hosting account. You need to complete the previous step to access your cPanel dashboard.

It is important to note that the appearance of cPanel dashboards may vary depending on the selected cPanel theme. That said, every cPanel dashboard has different sections including files, domains, databases, email, preferences, and more.

 

  • Managing Files and Directories

You can manage your website’s files and directories from the ‘Files’ section. It is crucial to tread with caution here so that you do not delete important files accidentally.

 

Benefits of using cPanel

 

Now, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of using cPanel.

 

  • User-friendly interface

It is easy to lose yourself when you don’t understand the tech jargon or are unaware of sophisticated terminology. You won’t experience this while interacting with cPanel’s user-friendly interface, making it easier for you to locate what you are looking for.

 

  • Time and Effort Savings

A cPanel license is affordable compared to some of its counterparts. Therefore, it is a preferred choice for many small businesses and businesses with a limited budget for website management and security. Additionally, cPanel hosting ensures that individuals with different expertise levels can seamlessly understand the different elements of website hosting.

 

  • Website Management Centralization

cPanel hosting gives you complete control over your hardware and software applications from a centralised dashboard. You can also decide to shut down or reboot your server from any location thanks to cPanel hosting.

 

Conclusion

 

cPanel hosting gives you everything you need to manage hosting configurations and website administration. The user-friendly interface and intuitive dashboard provide seamless control to users with different skill levels, making it an excellent choice to perform different web hosting tasks.

 

FAQs

 

What is the purpose of cPanel hosting?

 

cPanel hosting facilitates seamless management of your web hosting server and different hosting accounts.

 

How do I start cPanel?

 

You can access cPanel either by adding 2082 or 2083 at the end of your domain name or by typing /cpanel at the end of the URL. Now, enter your username and password to access the cPanel dashboard.

 

Is cPanel a server?

 

Although cPanel is not a web server, it is designed to function as a virtual private server.