What is a web hosting control panel? When you sign up with a web hosting provider, your account gives you access to a control panel. A web hosting control panel is a graphical (or sometimes a web-based) interface that provides you with the tools you need to manage your website, your web hosting account, and sometimes your server as well. You can use it to manage your domains, install and remove applications, create and delete email accounts, upload files, track performance, and more. Web panels, which are generally accessed via a web browser, are made to be intuitive and simple, and save you time and effort.
A web hosting control panel allows you to monitor as well as adjust server services from pretty much anywhere, as long as you have a stable internet connection. Most control panels also offer advanced features like security and statistics.
Most hosting companies have control panels for their hosting accounts. Some of these will include options of different types, with different features and functionalities, so you can choose what best meets your needs. These will determine the quality of your user experience with your web host of choice.
With a graphical user interface, you can avoid having to type long control commands into a black screen, as was done in the early days of computer systems. Instead, you can use your mouse, select, and click on command icons. Most people prefer a visual interface, as it is quicker and easier to use.
A web hosting control panel is a visual interface that lets you manage your website by clicking on command icons as part of your web hosting package. With it, you can do administration tasks from the web interface instead of having to type in commands manually.
A web hosting control panel is a virtual interface provided by a web hosting service that allows you to manage your servers and hosted services. Every hosting provider has its own type of control panel. To access your control panel, you only need to go to your hosting account webpage and input your login details. Your control panel will open.
You may use the statistics offered to optimize your sites, to analyze traffic for search engine optimization, and to track your site’s performance. For instance, the number of visitors, what browsers your visitors use, or how long users stay on your site.
A control panel also helps you to tighten the security on track, by creating password-protected directories, whitelist IPs, or blocking specific IPs from accessing your site.
Your hosting provider may offer one-click applications accessible from the control panel. This may be part of the hosting offering or by a third-party application. It may also include content management systems, e-commerce applications, image galleries, and ad management, among other things.
A common question is whether you need a control panel installed in order to manage a server. Technically, you can manage a server successfully without a control panel. However, this requires knowledge and familiarity with the server functions and server administration skills.
A control panel makes it easier to control the server because of its automation functionality. The panel can take care of a server’s repetitive and everyday tasks. For instance, setting an app or deleting email addresses can be automated via a control panel.
A downside of using a control panel for your server is the lack of customization options. If you know how to manage your server and know how to customize it, you can get away without a control panel. However, if you are not experienced in managing your server with command lines, you will probably benefit from a control panel. Routine tasks like setting up websites, emails, or databases are much easier with a control panel. Using one will reduce the time you need to spend administering your server.
A web hosting control panel enables you to manage your server from any connected computer. Every web hosting provider offers a control panel with a range of available tools. There are also other control panels to choose from, each one with a different list of features. There are, however, some common features shared by the different products.
Some tasks you can do on a web hosting control panel include:
Some offerings may also include the following features:
Top web hosting control panels usually offer premium features and add-on packages for enterprise versions, which allow you to:
