cPanel is one of the most common Web hosting account control panels in Linux. It lets you access all services conveniently. Currently cPanel is the industry standard, and most web developers are well known for it.
It is intuitive and easy to use. cPanel empowers you to have maximum efficiency in managing a web hosting account, creating new FTP users and email addresses, or tracking infrastructure, creating subdomains, and programme installations.
What is cPanel Hosting?
cPanel hosting is basically Linux Web hosting that includes cPanel installation. cPanel has its advantages and disadvantages, but it works pretty well in most cases and makes a sensible choice when you’re looking for a solution to the control panel.
Pros:
- Easy to learn
- Easy to use
- Saves time and money
- Tried and tested
- Includes software auto-installers
- Plenty of tutorials/support available online
Cons:
- Number of features can be overwhelming
- Accidental modification of important settings
- Some hosts run outdated software
- Can cost more, and is seldom available with free hosting
Is cPanel free?
It is not free, because it is an application from a third party. Most hosting providers however include cPanel at no extra cost in their hosting plans. For the first year, there are several companies that will provide cPanel free, and then charge a fee for subsequent years.
cPanel increased its prices in 2019, and many web hosting firms are considering moving from cPanel to other website control panels.
Is cPanel private?
Yes, your account with is private. If you are the owner of the website, then be sure to keep your username and password safe. This is important to keep the details and settings about your website private and secure.
How to use cPanel?
Different cPanel installations include different features but the good news is that it’s pretty easy to browse and get to know each of the different sections. Usually, when you first log in, you will see some metrics that log your resource usage (such as your CPU usage, your storage space available and your memory usage). These will provide a valuable way to keep an eye on the overall performance of your website.
Once you’ve become familiar with the performance of your website, it’s time to take a look at the various modules. We’ve given an overview of the most common cPanel modules below.
File Modules:
Functions for managing cPanel files
These modules enable you to upload and manage files directly from within the Panel, without using an FTP client. You can also specify the levels of privacy, make backups and more. Modules common to all include:
- Backup
- Backup Wizard
- Directory Privacy
- Disk Usage
- File Manager
- FTP Accounts
- FTP Connections
- Images
- Web Disk
- Git Version Control
- Inode counter
Preferences:
Customization of the cPanel and its preferences
That’s where you customize your cPanel installation layout to make it fit as per your needs in a better way. Modules common to all include:
- Change Language
- Change Style
- Contact Information
- User Manager
Databases:
Management features of cPanel database
If your website uses a content management system (CMS), then a database will be used to store posts, settings, and other data. Then, this section is about managing those databases. Modules common to all include:
- MySQL Database Wizard
- MySQL Databases
- phpMyAdmin
- Remote MySQL
Web Applications:
cPanel auto installer scripts
This is where you will be able to install different types of software on your cPanel. It includes everything from blogs and portals to forums to CMSs. Modules popular to all include:
- Drupal
- Joomla
- phpBB
- WordPress
Domains:
cPanel Functions for Domain Management
Webmasters are not unusual to use one hosting account for several sites or set up subdomains and redirects. That’s the segment where you can handle that. Modules popular to all include:
- Addon
- Domains
- Aliases
- DNS Manager
- Preview Website
- Redirects
- Subdomains
Metrics:
cPanel Data and Statistics
If you run a website, then you will want to keep an eye on its performance. That is where the modules for the metrics come in. It’s all about giving you access to powerful information that can help you make smarter decisions on how your website functions. Modules popular to all include:
- Awstats
- Bandwidth
- CPU and Concurrent Connection Usage
- Errors
- Raw Access
- Visitors
Security:
Security features
For most webmasters, security is a big concern, especially if they store sensitive information like usernames, passwords or financial information. This module will help you to keep an eye on your hosting account’s key security settings.
Modules popular to all include:
- Hotlink Protection
- IP Blocker
- Leech Protection
- SSH Access
- SSL/TLS
- Leech Protection
- Two-Factor Authentication
- Lets Encrypt
- ModSecurity
- Manage API Tokens
Software:
Section of cPanel Applications
These modules are largely about PHP and Perl. However, if you are a more advanced user, they aren’t necessary. Modules popular to all include:
- Softaculpis Apps Installer
- Optimize Website
- Free Shopping Cart
- Setup Ruby App
- RVsitebuilder
- WordPress Themes
- PHP PEAR Packages
- Cloudflare
- PHP Version Selector
- Application Manager
Advanced:
Advanced features
Those settings are also more useful to advanced users, as the title suggests. Modules popular to all include:
- Apache Handlers
- Cron Jobs
- Error Pages
- Indexes
- MIME Types
- Track DNS
- LiteSpeed Web Cache Manager
Email:
cPanel Email Administration features
Not all web hosting packages include email, but if your package includes both email and cPanel, then this is where all of those email accounts will be administered. Modules popular to all include:
- Address Importer
- Encryption
- Autoresponders
- Default Address
- Email Wizard
- Encryption
- Forwarders
- Global Filters
- Email Disk Usage
- Track Delivery
- User Filters