Advanced Domain Management

The FreeHostia control panel allows you to create subdomains, register and transfer domains, change your nameservers, DNS records and much more.  These are features normally provided by a conventional domain name register but FreeHostia makes it so you can do it all from your web hosting control panel.

Extensive Website Management

Similar to cPanel, the FreeHostia control panel comes with a web-based file managed integrated within the software.  It also supports a number of FTP clients and lets you easily set up FTP accounts for your users.  The unique aspect of this panel is that it provides a facility that allows you to install SSL certificates onto your domain.

Website Tools

FreeHostia has bundled a nice variety of tools in its control panel.  One of the most notable is the Efefante Installer utility, which is similar to Fantastico in cPanel.  This tool allows you to add programs such as forums, photo galleries, blogs and content management systems onto your account with a few easy clicks.  Elefante is also integrated with a suite of marketing tools that can be used to enhance the popularity of your site and attract more visitors.

Web Analytic Tools

Once traffic starts rolling in, you can analyze those statics and the performance of your site by viewing detailed reports on your visitors.  Learn where they are coming from, what keywords they used find you, and make improvements where needed.

Built-in Support Ticket System

The FreeHostia customer support staff can be reached quickly right from your control panel.  Simply visit the Open New Ticket section, fill in the form, submit it and wait for a reply. You can also track the status of all open tickets and review prior inquires as well.

Conclusion

The FreeHostia website management software is more than your average control panel.  While it offers many of the same features and capabilities you will find in other applications, it also has some unique qualities you don’t see all that often. For example, it is one of few control panels that allows you to upgrade your web hosting package directly through the interface.  Once the addition has been paid for, the entire upgrade process is fully automated and done in a matter of minutes.  Throw in the billing system and all the advanced management tools and it becomes clearer to see why FreeHostia is the home of thousands of happy customers.

Potential Issues

In terms of performance and security, industry leading control panels such as cPanel and Plesk are not always what they are cracked up to be.  These powerful applications consume a great deal of resources and often force customers to upgrade their packages to continuously thrive in a VPS hosting environment.  This consumption is due to HTTPD processes ran by web servers like Apache that make a VPS more susceptible to performance issues and less able to handle exploits such as DOS (Denial of Service) attacks.  Though very useful, cPanel and Plesk are both resource hogs that are more likely to reduce the overall responsiveness and performance of web applications, leading customers to upgrade to more costly packages they do not necessarily need.  In addition to this, even simple tasks such as creating email account and managing databases are slow and lagging processes that generally take too long to complete.

Alternative VPS Control Panels

cPanel and Plesk are ideal for shared and dedicated hosting arrangements but could result in more problems then you bargained for when using them with a virtual private server.  Two more efficient control panels you may want to consider for your VPS hosting solution are DirectAdmin and LxAdmin as both are incredibly lightweight and consume notably less system resources than cPanel and Plesk.  This essentially means they are far more responsive, faster and likely to give you a better performance than the leading products.  A number of tests are increasingly showing that they are also more stable and secure than the competition.

Many observers are stepping out to the make the claim that cPanel’s days as a VPS control panel are numbered, attributing this to the fact that is the most resource leeching solution.  Due to its mass popularity and widespread use, it is also among the highly targeted by hackers, which presents numerous potential security risks to your hosting environment and sensitive data.  For this reason, you may want to carefully consider utilizing this control panel with your virtual private server.  Unless you have a robust VPS plan with a lot of RAM or absolutely require automation, it might be worth the risk to install a glamorous commercial product.

Conclusion

We are not telling you to refrain from using cPanel or Plesk as both are on top of the control panel market for obvious reasons.  However, in many situations, going with a lighter product or performing command line administration will allow you to get the job done in a faster, more efficient and secure manner.  Fortunately, there are several control panel applications specifically designed for the VPS environment, better assuring the optimal performance and adequate security you need to thrive with your web presence.

Different web hosting providers tend to utilize and offer different control panel applications.  For example, some use the industry leading Linux-based cPanel, while others prefer Plesk because of its ability to support both Windows and Linux platforms.  You also have hosting providers that offer their own custom or proprietary control panel software.  One such company happens to be one of the largest and most well know entities in the internet world.  This article will introduce you to the Yahoo control panel, very underrated yet highly effective and easy to use.

Tools and Features

In order to access the control panel, you must first sign in with the username and password designated for your Yahoo web hosting account.  After entering the required information, click “OK” to log in.  Once inside, you will see that you have a variety of options to work with.  Below are some of the options you will find:

Home - The Home tab lets you view your daily website traffic in the form of detailed reports.

Email – The email tab allows you to create additional email addresses that will be associated with your website and domain.  Simply click on “Add an Email Address” and enter the required information in the short fields.

Create and Update – The Create and Update tab allows you to incorporate a number of add-on programs and utilities such as the WordPress blogging platform, and intuitive file management tools.  It also offers a variety of helpful support resources for beginners.

Manage – The Manage tab lets you add or remove files from the web server and password protect specific domains, sub-domains and web pages.  It also allows you to generate online snapshot backups of your website data.

Promote – The Promote tab is a powerful SEO tool that allows you to submit your URL to all the major search engines in one easy click.  Underneath this tab you can also send news about the launch of your website via email and create a Yahoo local listing for your site or business as well.

Help – The Help tab offers a comprehensive menu that can be used to assist you with all the functions of the control panel.  This is where you want to go if you get lost creating emails or maintaining your domains.

Index – The Index tab gives you an alphabetized index of the features and options that come included with the hosting control panel.

While the Yahoo control panel in not the most sophisticated piece of software, it does provide all the tools you need to create and maintain your hosting account.  Hundreds of thousands of personal and business customers agree that it delivers more than enough functionality for their needs.

GNUPanel

A relatively new option, the GNUPanel is an application scripted in the PHP5 programming language and designed to run on the Debian distribution of Linux.  The standout features of this software include domain and FTP management, mail management and database administration.  This control panel lets you control popular applications such as the Apache web server as well packages like PHP and MySQL among others.  The software also enables the automatic installation of various third-party programs including Joomla, phpBB, osCommerce and Wordpress among others.  Hence the name, GNUPanel has an open-source license under the GPL.  Although this control panel is currently restricted to the Debian platform, its developers say the application is currently being designed to support other operating systems.

SysCP

The SysCP control panel allows you to manage your web space, mail, CGI scripts, DNS settings, create custom error pages, view statistics and more.  The features integrated into the software provide you with the ability to control a wide variety of applications including Apache, BIND, Courier and ProFTPD.  While there are numerous modules built-in into the control panel, there are even more extensions available for download that enable you to administer other aspects of the server.  Some of the third-party modules for SysCP include tools that allow you to manage applications such as Fetchmail and SpamAssassin, perform backups of your critical data and more.  This control panel supports five major Unix-like distributions with the most notable being Debian, Gentoo, FreeBSD, OpenSuSe and Ubuntu.  Under the GNU GPL, SysCP can be freely distributed and modified.  Before installing SysCP, be sure to check for compatibility as it supports certain versions of the afore mentioned operating systems.

Webmin

The Webmin control panel is becoming an increasingly popular option for dedicated server customers.  This software is incredibly easy to use and loaded with a number of features, which are primarily modules that provide the ability to administer the server.  It comes standard with modules for Apache and BIND, a BSD firewall, bandwidth monitoring, a cron job manager and much more.  Aside from the built-in modules, Webmin  supports a variety of third-party extensions that can be downloaded from the web.  It also gives you the option to develop your modules.  Webmin currently supports more than 80 different operating systems including Unix, FreeBDS and several variations of Linux.   Because it is under the GNU GPL as open-source software, many developers from all over the world have contributed to the code and improved the software.  The most recent versions of Webmin have been released under a license similar to that of BSD, basically meaning that it can be freely distributed and modified for both commercial and non-commercial use.

Dedicated Hosting

The RPM installation and modular design of Plesk allows dedicated hosting providers to cater to the needs of the technically inclined.  The software can be set up in an instant and deployed in no time.  Many companies have taken a liking to Plesk because it offers such an excellent value by delivering a high level of performance at a reasonable price.  System administrators have access to several unique features including the XML-API, a built-in interface that automates the provisioning process.  It also facilitates the implementation of the numerous third-party applications built into the control panel.  With fully integrated software development kits and a number of back-end utilities, Plesk gives hosting providers and end-users the ability to dramatically enhance their operations.

Shared Hosting

Tiered self administration and a unified multi-platform design makes Plesk a perfect administrative tool in the shared hosting environment as well.  This control panel makes it easier for providers to mange multiple domains on a highly scalable architecture optimized for demanding tasks.  An administrator with little to no technical background can easily create and manage user accounts on the server.  In addition, customers can manage their own domains without direct support of the server administrator.  The power of Plesk covers the needs of the simple and complex side of the traditional web hosting service, enabling full customization that benefits both the host and the end-user.

VPS Hosting

The Plesk control panel is also becoming more common in the virtual private server environment, mainly because it delivers exceptional management power and has a small footprint that ensures great performance.  When used in conjunction with the Virtuozzo software, Plesk allows system administrators to quickly deploy templates of multiple control panel systems.  This is made possible a VPS’s ability to create several isolated server environments on a single machine.  On a virtualized platform, Plesk and Virtuzzo are unparalleled in their ability to increase ROI and revenues for professional web hosting providers while meeting the demanding needs of customers.

Conclusion

Plesk has so many beneficial uses that going wrong with this control panel is almost impossible. The software offers power that allows you to administrator a single machine, a cluster of servers or a simple shared hosting account.  If you’re still looking for a control panel, Plesk could be the solution.

What is Webmin?

Webmin is a software tool designed to simply the process of managing Unix and Linux platforms.  The program is compatible with virtually any web browser, permitting various administrative tasks through a cleanly designed, user-friendly interface.  Webmin provides the ability to manage various aspects of the web hosting environment from setting up a web server and creating accounts to maintaining FTP and mail servers.

Webmin Features and Capabilities

The Webmin control panel allows you to do the following:

• Use NFS protocol to exports files and directories to other systems
• Set up quotas to control how much disk space is allocated to users
• Install, manage and delete software packages in formats such as RPM
• Modify the systems’ DNS settings, IP address and routing configuration
• Set up firewalls for added security or to provide LAN access to the internet
• Create and configure virtual servers on Apache
• Manage databases, tables and fields on MySQL or PostgreSQL database servers

These are just some of the capabilities offered by the Webmin software.  Because it is accessed via a browser, you can login from any system connected to your own through a network.  There is no difference between running Webmin locally or remotely.  The software is built on a modular design, meaning each of its functions are contained in a module that can be installed or uninstalled independent of the rest of the application.  This structure alone makes Webmin very distinctive of your average control panel.

Although Webmin is primarily used on the Linux platform, it also integrates with Unix flavors such as FreeBSD, HP/UX and Solaris.  One of its greatest strengths is the ability to adjust its behavior and interface in accordance to the underlying platform.  For example, Webmin can conceal the obvious differences between Linux and other Unix variants by presenting an interface that is either identical or quite similar regardless of what system you are using.

Webmin Disadvantages

Webmin offers many advantages but is not very useful on its own accord.  This is because unlike cPanel which acts as a server, Webmin is merely a configuration tool and therefore, it depends on other applications to perform.  For instance, in order to user the Apache module, the actual Apache web server application must be installed on the system.  The good thing is that all of these servers and services it relies on are included standard with Unix-like distributions or can be freely downloaded and implemented.

Who Needs Webmin?

The Webmin control panel is designed for users with a familiarity of Linux commands but are not all that familiar with the intricacies of server administration.  This software assumes that the user is familiar with basic networking concepts such as DNS servers, IP addresses and hostnames as well as the layout of the Unix file system.   Those who possess these capabilities can enjoy everything from the power to set up FTP accounts and simple website management to root privileges and custom software installations.

cPanel

cPanel makes a great choice for reselling because it is incredibly easy to use and loaded with features.  The standard cPanel reseller package comes with two separate applications: WHM and cPanel.  WHM (Web Host Manager) is the control panel used to create user accounts and web hosting packages.  Other features include the ability to modify plans, add and suspend sites, park domains, view bandwidth statistics and perform other administrative tasks.  Clients of the reseller are provided with the end-user version of cPanel to manage their own sites.

A cPanel reseller hosting package also includes an optional application called WHM Autopilot.  This program allows you to configure account creation and suspensions, email notifications and other automated functions.  WHM Autopilot can be seamlessly integrated with numerous payment gateways and includes a built-in helpdesk, invoice module and several administrative tools.

H-Sphere

H-Sphere is a cross-platform control panel that allows resellers to set up hosting plans on both Windows and Linux systems.  It provides the unique ability to manage sites on different servers from a single interface even though the control panel is actually on a separate server.  H-Sphere completely automates the management processing, allowing you to easily make configurations, process credit card payments, handle domain name registrations and send out email notifications.  This control panel also has a built-in helpdesk, a billing module and supports more than 20 payment gateways.

The advanced features and functionality of H-Sphere results in a steeper learning curve than other control panels.  For this reason, beginners may find this software a bit too complex for their needs.  On the other hand, more advanced users appreciate the flexibility and control H-Sphere offers.  Aside from the features mentioned, H-Sphere also comes with the SiteStudio website builder that allows end-users to create websites from a number of pre-designed themes.  This gives domain owners the ability to build professional sites regardless of their experience with FTP or HTML.

Plesk

The Plesk control panel is known as one of the most stable and secure on the market.  Resellers and end-users both admire the software’s clean interface, simple navigation and professional appearance.  Plesk offers control on four different levels: Server administrator, Client/Reseller, Domain owner and Mail user.  Each level gives users control of their particular level along with the level below them.  For instance, the server administrator can view information about the reseller, the reseller can view the details on their clients and so forth.

Plesk’s developer Swsoft, also offers Site Builder through the control panel, a program that provides end-users with an easy way to create their sites.  Site Builder has more than 300 templates in numerous categories, allowing reseller clients to create sites with no programming or FTP knowledge.  When combined with HSPcomplete, another Swsoft creation, Plesk delivers automation that allows you to process credit card payments, send email notifications and much more.

HSPcomplete

With HSPcomplete, you can manage your entire VPS hosting account from a single login interface.  The software is based on a template, making it lightweight and incredibly easy to use. Despite the simplicity, it does come integrated with some pretty nice features.  HSPcomplete is very reliable but lacks the functionality required to be successful with reseller accounts.

Plesk

Another template-based control panel, Plesk has won numerous awards for its performance in the shared and VPS hosting environment.  Unlike HSPcomplete, it is also makes a viable option for reseller hosting.  This control panel is fast, feature-rich and reliable, offering benefits to users on the administrator and domain level.  If want to give your customers a powerful control panel, Plesk is the answer.

cPanel/WHM

The award-winning cPanel is the leading control panel software.  Many web hosts and end-users prefer this application because of its straightforward, feature-rich interface.  The GUI is designed in a manner that allows even inexperienced users to thrive with a VPS account.  Because cPanel is primarily based on icons and not templates as the control panels mentioned above, it generally takes up more disk space and resources.

Recommendations

If you are still having a difficult time deciding which control panel to choose for your VPS account, the following details may help.  Both Plesk and HSPcomplete are created by software company Swsoft, the same people who developed Virtuozzo, the virtualization technology installed on most VPS hosting accounts.  These control panels are sure to give you excellent performance as they only leave a small footprint in the Virtuozzo software.  This is because the programs are based on a single template running on the physical node instead on the virtual private server.

The cPanel/WHM (Web Host Manager) package never makes a bad choice for the simple fact that it is so easy to use.  However, the size of the software and design that fits a great number of icons on the interface makes it a bit slower than other control panels.  You can certainly get by with cPanel on a VPS, but you may not get the performance a control panel like Plesk will provide.

Some customers go to a VPS hosting provider having done their research and know what control they want and others have no clue.  Whether its in a virtualized environment or typical hosting arrangement, the right control panel all boils down to personal preference.  If you have no familiarity with control panel software, your best bet would to check out a live demo and try to determine which program you feel comfortable with.

Ensim is one control panel available for Windows and Linux platforms.  This powerful software is able to cover a wide range of hosting needs from reseller and dedicated server accounts to providing solutions for small businesses and large enterprises.  Although Ensim does offer benefits over popular applications such as cPanel and Plesk, it does have a few drawbacks as well.

Advantages

The Ensim control panel gives you a well designed professional interface.  There are separate sections dedicated to various components for managing your hosting account.  Although most of  the essential features are made accessible on the screen, they are integrated nicely and serve as more than eye candy.

Unlike many control panels, Ensim supports a wide range of operating systems including Web and Standard versions of Windows along with Linux-based systems such as Fedora and RedHat.

Additionally, Ensim offers the same interface for all levels of control.  This enables familiarity for anyone that needs to use a control panel with a combination of root, reseller, end-user and mail user capabilities.

The Ensim control panel is powered by in-house software and doesn’t rely on third-party solutions.  One inclusion is Ensim Power Tools, a program that is comparative to the Fantastico script installer found on cPanel accounts.  Another Ensim tool is the built-in spam filter that performs well with the pre-installed webmail utility.  New versions also include comprehensive reporting tools for viewing critical resources and web stats.

Disadvantages

Despite its professional appearance, one of the biggest knocks on Ensim is that the interface is incredibly difficult to skin.  You can however, incorporate logos for your brand with relative ease.  In this regard, cPanel offers more extensive branding as Ensim has very few skins available.

Another disadvantage of Ensim is that it isn’t as widely installed as cPanel, a factor that presents challenges to the reseller.  This could be a turn off to potential clients who are not aware of the software and its capabilities.  Additionally, end-users may find the interface more difficult to navigate than the simple, yet user-friendly environment of cPanel.  Despite its professional structure, the newer versions of Ensim appear to be more geared for the experienced webmaster.  Fortunately, the software does offer tons of documentation to help you get more familiar with navigation and all the essentials.

Conclusion

As you can see, Ensim does have minimal drawbacks along with a plethora of features that make it a solid choice for web hosting.  The advantages greatly outweigh the disadvantages as this control panel has the ability to do what others can’t.  Whether you are looking to dabble with shared hosting or something more flexible such as a VPS, the Ensim software can provide the tools needed to effectively manage your business.

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.