If you are starting to explore the world of web hosting, perhaps because you are creating a website, an e-commerce site or simply want to learn more, you have probably already heard of cPanel. But what exactly is cPanel? Why is it so popular? And above all: is it really worth using?

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about cPanel in a clear and detailed way: its origins, how it works, what it’s used for, how to create an account, the pros and cons, and I’ll also introduce you to some valid alternatives.

The origins and history of cPanel

To understand why cPanel has become a benchmark in the hosting industry, it’s interesting to take a brief trip down memory lane.

From idea to web hosting revolution

cPanel was created in 1996 by John Nick Koston, an American developer with a clear goal: to simplify web server management. At the time, managing a Linux server was a task for experts: everything was done via terminal, and even the simplest operations required advanced technical skills.

The idea behind cPanel was innovative: to develop a graphical dashboard accessible via a browser that would allow even those without expertise to manage hosting, email, databases and files, without having to write a single line of code.

Evolution over time

Since then, cPanel has continued to grow, becoming the industry standard.

Today, it is used by millions of websites, thanks to its reliability, ease of use and compatibility with major CMSs such as WordPress, Joomla, Drupal and others.

In recent years, it has been acquired by larger companies and has continued to evolve, introducing new features, improving the user interface and increasing the level of security.

What is cPanel for and how is it used?

Now that we know its origins, let’s move on to the practical side and take a closer look at what cPanel is used for and how it is used in practice.

What you can do with cPanel

cPanel is, in essence, a web-based control panel that allows you to manage every aspect of your hosting space. Here are the main features:

• File and folder management: with File Manager, you can upload, edit or delete files directly online, without the need for FTP.
• Email account creation: you can create custom addresses with your domain (e.g. info@iltuodominio.it), manage forwarding, filters and automatic replies.
• MySQL databases: create and manage databases, which is very useful for CMS and web applications.
• DNS and domain management: add subdomains, additional domains, aliases and manage DNS records.
• CMS installation: thanks to tools such as Softaculous, you can install WordPress, PrestaShop, Magento and dozens of other scripts with a single click.
• Backup and restore: you can make backup copies of your site and restore them in case of problems.
• Security management: activate SSL certificates, block suspicious IPs, manage file permissions, and more.

Basically, everything you need to start, manage, and protect a website is contained in a simple and intuitive interface.

How to access and use cPanel

Accessing cPanel is really easy. Once you have purchased a hosting plan, your provider will send you a link such as:

https://iltuodominio.it/cpanel

or

https://iltuodominio.it:2083

Enter your credentials (username and password) and you will be taken to the dashboard. From there, you can navigate through sections, use the internal search bar to find features more quickly, and start managing every aspect of your site.

No specific skills are required. cPanel is also designed for beginners.

How to create a cPanel account

Now that we’ve looked at its origins, history and uses, let’s see how to use it in practice and start by creating an account. There are two main options.

Through a hosting provider

The first and most common is to purchase a hosting plan from a provider that offers cPanel included, such as Hostingfy.

Once you have completed your purchase:

• you will receive an email with a link to access cPanel;
• in the same email (or in another email), you will receive the necessary credentials.
• You can start using the panel without having to worry about technical configurations, as everything is already set up.

Independent installation on a VPS or dedicated server

If you have a VPS or dedicated server, you can install cPanel manually, but be careful: this is a more advanced solution.

To proceed, you will need:

• root access to the server
• to use operating systems such as CentOS, AlmaLinux or CloudLinux
• to run an installation script via terminal
• to complete the configuration through WHM (Web Host Manager).

Please note that if you use it on your own server, cPanel is not free and you will need to purchase a monthly licence.

Pros, cons and alternatives to cPanel

Let’s now look at the pros and cons of using cPanel.

Pros of using cPanel

• Extremely intuitive: it is one of the easiest panels to use.
• Wide compatibility: it works with almost all CMS, plugins and tools.
• Widely used: if you have a problem, you can find guides, tutorials and forums everywhere.
• All-in-one: file management, email, databases, backups, security… all in a single interface.
• Automation: installing WordPress or other scripts is a matter of clicks, not code.

Cons to keep in mind

• It’s not free: if you manage your own server, the cPanel licence can be a drain on your budget.
• It’s not open source: you can’t customise it freely.
• It requires resources: on servers with few resources, it can slow down performance.
• Rising costs: in recent years, licence prices have risen, especially for those with multiple accounts.

The main alternatives to cPanel

If you want to consider alternatives, don’t worry: there are other software programs that do more or less the same thing, both free and paid.

• Plesk: very similar to cPanel, but with a more modern (but more complex) interface. Perfect for those who also work on Windows servers. It’s easy to use, but again, we’re talking about a commercial panel.
• DirectAdmin: lighter and cheaper than cPanel. Great if you manage a few sites or want to save on the licence. Less intuitive, but very stable and high-performing.
• CyberPanel: a free and modern solution based on LiteSpeed. It has a pleasant interface and excellent performance. Perfect if you are looking for a free alternative with good performance.
• Webmin and Virtualmin: completely open source and highly customisable. Not really suitable for beginners, but very flexible for those familiar with server management.
• ISPConfig: another free and open source panel, suitable for those who manage multiple servers or want full control over the system.

Conclusions on cPanel

After reviewing everything, the final question is clear: is cPanel worth using?

If you are a beginner, a freelancer, or a web agency looking for a reliable, comprehensive, and easy-to-use tool, the answer is yes: cPanel is a safe choice.

On the other hand, if you are a more experienced user or want to save money on licences and manage a custom server, you may want to consider free and open source alternatives.

In any case, understanding what cPanel is, how it works, and what alternative options are available will help you make an informed decision and get started on the right foot in managing your website or web project. Need help choosing the right hosting plan with cPanel? Contact us, we can discuss it together!