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What is cPanel? The basic Guide to cPanel for Beginners

cPanel is an online Linux-based graphical interface (GUI) used as a control panel to simplify website and server management. cPanel allows you to publish websites, manage domains, organize web files, create email accounts, and more.

cPanel is not free because it is a third-party application. However, most hosting providers include cPanel in their hosting plans at no extra cost.

You can login to your cPanel using the address bar of your browser.

  • Type in your website address followed by a colon and then 2083. Accessing your cPanel would look like this https://yoursite.com:2083
  • You can also log in to your cPanel by typing in /cPanel after your website address. When you use this method to log in to your cPanel, it would look like this: https://yoursite.com/cpanel

How to Use cPanel?

Different cPanel installations include different features, but the good news is that it’s pretty easy to browse around and to get to know each of the different sections.

We’ve provided an overview of the most typical cPanel modules below.

1. File Modules:

These modules allow you to directly upload and manage files from within cPanel without needing to use an FTP client. You can also specify privacy levels, make backups, and more. Common modules include:

  • Backup
  • Backup Wizard
  • Directory Privacy
  • Disk Usage
  • File Manager
  • FTP Accounts
  • FTP Connections
  • Images
  • Web Disk
  • Git Version Control
  • Inode counter

2. Preferences:

This is where you customize the layout of your cPanel installation to make it better fit your needs. Common modules include:

  • Change Language
  • Change Style
  • Contact Information
  • User Manager

3. Databases:

If your website uses a content management system (CMS) then it will use a database to store posts, settings, and other information. This section, then, is all about managing those databases. Common modules include:

  • MySQL Database Wizard
  • MySQL Databases
  • phpMyAdmin
  • Remote MySQL

4. Web Applications:

This is typically where your cPanel installation will allow you to install different types of software. It includes everything from blogs and portals to CMSs and forums. Common modules include:

  • Drupal
  • Joomla
  • phpBB
  • WordPress

5. Domains:

It’s not uncommon for webmasters to use one hosting account for multiple sites or to set up subdomains and redirects. This is the section in which you can manage that. Common modules include:

  • Addon Domains
  • Aliases
  • DNS Manager
  • Preview Website
  • Redirects
  • Subdomains

6. Metrics:

If you’re running a website then you’re going to want to keep an eye on its performance. That’s where the metrics modules come in. They’re all about giving you access to powerful insights that can help you to better make decisions about the way your website works. Common modules include:

  • Awstats
  • Bandwidth
  • CPU and Concurrent Connection Usage
  • Errors
  • Raw Access
  • Visitors

7. Security:

Security is a big concern for most webmasters, especially if they’re storing sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, or financial information. This module will help you to keep an eye on key security settings for your hosting account. Common modules include:

  • Hotlink Protection
  • IP Blocker
  • Leech Protection
  • SSH Access
  • SSL/TLS
  • Leech Protection
  • Two-Factor Authentication
  • Lets Encrypt
  • ModSecurity
  • Manage API Tokens

8. Software:

These modules are largely about PHP and Perl and aren’t necessarily needed unless you’re a more advanced user. Common modules include:

  • Softaculpis Apps Installer
  • Optimize Website
  • Free Shopping Cart
  • Setup Ruby App
  • RVsitebuilder
  • WordPress Themes
  • PHP PEAR Packages
  • Cloudflare
  • PHP Version Selector
  • Application Manager

9. Advance:

As the title suggests, these settings are also more useful for advanced users. Common modules include:

  • Apache Handlers
  • Cron Jobs
  • Error Pages
  • Indexes
  • MIME Types
  • Track DNS
  • LiteSpeed Web Cache Manager

10. Email:

Not all web hosting packages include email, but if your package includes both email and cPanel then this is where you’ll administer all of those email accounts. Common modules include:

  • Address Importer
  • Encryption
  • Autoresponders
  • Default Address
  • Email Wizard
  • Encryption
  • Forwarders
  • Global Filters
  • Email Disk Usage
  • Track Delivery
  • User Filters
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Monkey Owl

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