When you get a dedicated server for your website, you need an easy way to manage it. This is where web hosting control panels come in handy.
A control panel gives you a user-friendly interface to handle all aspects of your server, like domains, emails, databases, files, and more. If you plan to buy a domain name and hosting, having a reliable control panel can make server management a breeze.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the popular web hosting control panels that can help you efficiently manage your dedicated server in Australia for your website.
What is a Web Hosting Control Panel?
A web hosting control panel is software that helps server management through a graphical user interface (GUI).
Without a control panel, you would have to use command-line tools, which can be complex and time-consuming, especially for beginners.
A control panel simplifies tasks like setting up websites, creating email accounts, managing databases, and monitoring server resources.
Top Web Hosting Control Panels
cPanel
One of the most widely used control panels for web hosting is cPanel, particularly for dedicated servers that are operating Linux. It has a user-friendly interface along with a large variety of functionality, including the following:
- Website management (creating domains, managing files, etc.)
- Email management (creating accounts, configuring email clients, etc.)
- Database management (creating and managing databases)
- Security features (SSL certificates, IP address deny listing, etc.)
- Software installations (WordPress, Joomla, etc.)
cPanel is easy to use, even for beginners, making it a popular choice for managing dedicated servers.
Plesk Hosting
Another popular web hosting control panel, Plesk, offers Linux and Windows dedicated servers:
- Domain management
- Email management
- Database management
- Application installations (WordPress, Joomla, etc.)
- Security features (firewall, antivirus, etc.)
- Server monitoring and performance optimisation
Plesk is known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a great choice for small businesses or individuals managing their dedicated servers.
ISPConfig
ISPConfig is a Linux distribution-compatible open-source web hosting control panel. It offers a range of features, including:
- Web server management (Apache, Nginx)
- Email management with spam filtering
- DNS management
- Database management
- Firewall configuration
- Multi-server management
ISPConfig is a popular choice for system administrators who need to manage multiple dedicated servers from a single control panel.
Benefits of a Web Hosting Control Panel
There are several advantages to using a control panel to manage your dedicated server:
- Ease of Use: Control panels provide a user-friendly interface, making it easier to manage your server without having to use complex command-line tools.
- Time-Saving: With a control panel, you can perform tasks like creating email accounts, managing databases, and installing applications with just a few clicks, saving you time and effort.
- Centralised Management: Control panels allow you to manage all aspects of your server, such as websites, emails, databases, and files, from a single interface.
- Security: Many control panels offer built-in security features, such as SSL certificates, IP address deny listing, and firewalls, to help protect your server and websites.
- Scalability: Some control panels, like ISPConfig, support multi-server management, making it easier to scale your operations as your business grows.
Conclusion
A dedicated server might be difficult to manage, particularly for beginners or people with little technical experience. Web hosting control panels provide a user-friendly interface that simplifies server management, allowing you to focus on running your business.
With so many functions, well-known control panels like Plesk, ISPConfig, and cPanel work well for both large and small companies. When choosing a control panel, consider factors like ease of use, features, and compatibility with your server’s operating system.