web hosting

A Control Panel for Your Dedicated Server

When making the decision to host your site on a dedicated server, you need to prepare for an entirely different level of complexity.  Unlike a shared server where the web hosting company takes care of all the management tasks, you are essentially on your own and responsible for making sure your site stays operating.  There are several factors that need to be considered but one of the most important of all is the control panel software.

The control panel a company offers can make your web hosting experience a smooth one or extremely frustrating.  Keep in mind that every provider has their own preference, preferences in which you may be forced to accept upon signing up with them.  What is the primary significance of control panels?  The answer is simple – power.  A control panel gives you the freedom to control the features of your web hosting account.  It allows you to access all the essentials such as your domains, email and FTP accounts, files, databases and much more.  When it comes to dedicated server hosting, the control panel is what will enable you to create the best site possible by putting the administrative power in your hands.

Available Control Panels

With so many programs available, choosing one for your dedicated server can be a grueling process.  The best way to make this determination is to know what you are looking to achieve and what a particular control panel has to offer.  In general, control panels are designed for specific platforms or operating systems, which usually boils down to Windows, Linux or Unix.  Some of the most popular options include cPanel, Plesk, Ensim, Hostopia, Sphera and vDeck, all of which are very reliable.

If you are new to the dedicated server environment then you want a control panel that is intuitive and easy to use.  However, if you already have a bit of experience, you may prefer something that offers more power and flexibility.  Programs such as cPanel and vDeck are very popular and extremely easy to use while control panels like Ensim tend to be more functional and suited for advanced users.  If you want something that offers the best of both worlds, Plesk might be a good option as it is both user-friendly and highly functional.

Choosing a Control Panel

One way to find a control panel suited for your dedicated server is to play around with a few demo versions.  Many companies will provide you with temporary login credentials to get a feel of the software before making a decision.  By doing so, you will experience a number of different platforms and are more likely find a control panel that works best for your requirements.  Always remember that any program has a learning curve and will take some time getting used to.  Because each control panel has its own set of features and capabilities, you should choose a program that matches your skill level.  When basing a control panel on your personal needs, its functionality and your abilities, you will be able to find one that is just right for your dedicated server.

Control Panels: cPanel vs. Ensim

What often sets web hosting companies apart is the software they offer to their clients.  Control panels are one of the most sought after software components and there are a wide variety available.  In this article we will focus on two of the leading control panel brands: cPanel and Ensim.

Advantages of cPanel

cPanel is perhaps the most widely used control panel and some even regard it as the best.  The clean user interface makes for easy navigation with icons that put everything a user needs right in front of them.  cPanel supports an array of network operating systems including Free BSD, CentOS, Debian, Fedora, Redhat and Trustix.  This compatibility enables it to be used by almost any web host.  cPanel’s developers are currently looking to extend this portability by making the program compatible with Mac OS X and Windows operating systems.

The cPanel software makes it easy for the end-user to incorporate third-party programs into their web hosting account.  One of its most popular components is an add-on called Fantastico, a unique program developed by Netenberg.  Fantastico works as an automatic script installer, allowing the user to install a huge library of scripts with the simple click of a button.  Some of these scripts include highly functioning programs such as blogs, message forums, content management systems and much more.

The Downside of cPanel

It’s difficult for any software to be absolutely flawless and the same holds true for cPanel.  The biggest disadvantage relates to WHM (Web Host Manager), the version of cPanel designed for reseller accounts.  The layout used by both versions is completely different.  While the WHM interface is pretty straightforward, it can be confusing to resellers familiar with the conventional cPanel layout.  This makes cPanel somewhat unattractive when compared to other control panels that utilize the same interface for resellers and end-users.

Advantages of Ensim

The Ensim control panel offers a very professional and well designed client-side interface.  The main layout is divided into sections associated with numerous components of the hosting account.  Some of these areas include database management, email management and sub-domain management.  Several users have admitted that Ensim’s interface is far more organized and professional than that of cPanel.  This control panel supports an array of operating systems including Windows and Linux-based systems like Fedora and Redhat.

Ensim is feature-rich with an exceptional spam filter and its very own script installer that rivals Fantastico.  It also offers a number of helpful utilities such as the bandwidth reporting tool that provides detailed information in the form of charts and graphs.  Best of all, Ensim provides the same user interface for its reseller and end-user clients.

The Downside of Ensim

The Ensim control panel has a few minor drawbacks as well.  For one, the interface is incredibly difficult to skin, leaving users with fewer branding options.  While there is an option that enables seamless branding, the number of available skins are limited.  Moreover, Ensim is less known than cPanel.  This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it does mean that Ensim has a ways to go before it achieves cPanel’s popularity.

Conclusion

As you can see, both control panels are extremely functional with minimal drawbacks.  However, they do have varying features that distinguish them significantly.  If you’re looking for a winner, we’re not in the position to declare one.  The best solution is one that provides features best suited for your site.  Therefore, we recommend both.