One of the most important tools required with a web hosting account is a control panel. The very best control panel programs available are those that are easy to use, enable the user to control every aspect of their web hosted account, and have the necessary tools available for support should the need arise. cPanel is one such program that is the favorite of many web hosting providers.

cPanel and WHM

cPanel is actually two pieces of software combined into one package. cPanel itself is an intuitive interface designed to assist web site owners in managing their online web sites. The initial log in page presents users with a neatly sectioned control panel that enables the quick location of specific tasks.

On the left-hand side of the interface, users will find a search bar, frequently accessed areas and statistics. Within the main area, categories are set to allow fast access to software and services, files, email, preferences, logs and much more. Logged in users can change the overall preferences of how this main page is presented as well by simply choosing “lite graphics,” opting to hide all icons, and even reset the category box order.

The other part of this program is the WHM (Web Host Manager). The WHM automates server management and is designed to be used by server administrators. The interface provided in the WHM program covers every aspect of server administration. The left-hand panel displays server configuration, support, cluster and remote access, account functions, themes, packages and much more. Server administrators can restart web services as needed, work with the DNS zone information, and even add new packages to the server.

cPanel and WHM benefits

First and foremost, one of the best benefits to using cPanel is in how simplified web site managing becomes. There is a lot of work involved in setting up and running a web site smoothly. File uploading, creating web pages, and editing existing web pages are just a few of the web site manager’s tasks. cPanel makes these chores more enjoyable with drag and drop features, a file manager and the ability to use FTP services, as well as create multiple FTP accounts for other co-managers.

Web-based applications such as WordPress, osCommerce, and discussion programs are incorporated within the control panel. cPanel allows web site owners to select and configure the desired applications with a few simple mouse clicks.

The control panel program is built with virus protection. All files are scanned prior to uploading ensuring the security of the web site. Web site owners can restrict outside access to bandwidth, password protect specific areas of a web site and even ban users who have shared password information with non-authorized persons.

E-mail management is covered as well with cPanel. The standard mail protocols are supported – POP, IMAP, and SMTP. To block the possibility of spam, the control panel program is equipped with SpamAssassin and BoxTrapper. All e-mails can be checked via an included web-mail program, allowing web site users to remotely check on their accounts when they are on the go.

WHM allows server administrators the ability to employ support for new technologies with a few simple clicks. Web server software can be changed with ease and the installation of new software modules with no hassle makes the server administrator role a little less hectic.

One big advantage to using WHM is in how it enhances server reliability. If at any time a service goes down on the server, the WHM program will automatically restart it and alert the server administrator of the issue. When disk space becomes limited, the program sends off a notification to the administrator. Overall server loads can be monitored quickly and easily with WHM. All these items are critical issues when it comes to server administration and WHM makes them simple and easy.

Conclusion

Trying to manage a web site without some form of control panel can make web hosting a nightmare. Even more of a headache is attempting to administer an entire server with dozens of different tools. The combination of cPanel and WHM takes away much of this difficulty and helps make both jobs a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.