The control panel is an integrated part of any web hosting solution. This type of program gives you the ability to manage your email accounts, domains, databases, web building tools and much more. Web hosts offer a variety of control panels and each one is different. To help you decide on a program, we have provided details on some of the control panel applications currently on the market.
cPanel is the leading control panel software, offering an array of features and functionality suited for the novice and veteran webmaster. This program has a simple interface and provides easy access to all of your critical features. Most web hosts using this control panel provide numerous video tutorials and documents to help you get familiar with the basic functions. With cPanel you can access webmail, filter your inbox with Spam Assassin, setup cron jobs and upload files via FTP. MySQL databases, web stat tools and a default site builder can also be accessed from the interface.
Supreme Control Panel is another program designed for both new and experienced webmasters. The control panel offers an intuitive interface that is easy to use along with a wide range of features and management tools. Supreme Control Panel allows you to view live statistics of your web traffic, bandwidth, log files and databases. Additionally, it supports over 13 languages including English, Spanish, French and Ukrainian. With Supreme Control Panel you can basically control every aspect of your hosting account from retrieving news feeds to renewing service with the provider.
This Windows-based control panel offers a look and feel similar to that of the popular Microsoft operating system. Helm provides all the basics and even includes a variety of built-in wizards to help you get started. This program gives you the power to create email and FTP accounts databases, view web stats and backup your essential data. Helm also includes a one-click installer that allows you to incorporate add-on programs with ease. Unlike cPanel, the interface of this control panel may take some getting used to.
The SiteWorx control panel is geared more towards the novice user. The interface is very straightforward as all your vital features are grouped right on the main page. Like the competition, SiteWorx allows you to create email accounts, manage domains, view statistics and maintain your files. The downside is that it doesn’t offer any built-in support tools and lacks the power of competing programs.
Plesk is another widely used control panel commonly offered by web hosting companies. The program is incredibly easy to use thanks to a well designed interface. Plesk gives you control overall the essentials such as email accounts, domains and web building tools and also features a number of helpful tutorials and wizards. A cross-platform solution, it allows you to create MySQL or MS SQL databases and offers exclusive features such as Web User, which lets you give other users as to your website.
Choosing a Control Panel
These are just a few of the many control panels on the market. The program for you is one that is both easy to use and provides the features most important to your initiative. You can get a good idea of what to expect by playing demo versions as they are offered by many web hosts.
