Cpanel License

Also known as Web Host Manager, it is a server management interface that is part of the cPanel & WHM software suite. WHM grants administrative access to the backend of cPanel and the ability to create and manage multiple websites. With this, users can easily monitor their servers, manage backups and security, create, delete, or suspend cPanel accounts, access DNS zones, and more.

When combined, cPanel & WHM become a versatile control panel with useful features for both simple website tasks and larger, server-wide maintenance work.

It is used for many reasons. The most popular ones are because this software offers:

• 1. A simple GUI. Without a control panel, you have to execute everything on the server through a command line. cPanel users only have to have minimal knowledge of website and server management as everything can be done with a few buttons on a simple web browser interface.
• 2. Easier website maintenance and domain management. With a cheap cPanel license, users are permitted to install additional applications, add-ons, extensions, and software that automate repetitive server tasks and allows them to quickly create and customize webpages. Such features as Zone Editor, Site Publisher, Aliases, Redirects, and Subdomains make domain creation and handling tasks quick & easy.
• 3. Improved security. It boosts website and server protection with such integrated tools as IP Blocker, Leech protection, two-factor authentication.
• 4. Great file management. You can upload, create, remove, and edit various files through the file manager without the need for third-party applications or FTP.
• 5. Database management. It also allows users to create and interact with their databases with such tools as phpMyAdmin or phpPgAdmin and has MySQL and PostgreSQL Database Wizard interfaces for handling large amounts of data.
• 6. Helpful email functions. Users can make their email experience easier by using such integrated tools as forwarders, email routing, autoresponders, mailing lists, filters, greylisting, address importers, calendars & contacts, archives, and even encryption.
• 7. Metric tracking. The cPanel license also grants access to metric tools that allow you to track everything happening on your website and server: traffic, visitor behaviour, bandwidth usage, errors.

The core differences between the two are:

• 1. Distribution compatibility. While both run exclusively on Linux OS, DirectAdmin operates only on RedHat Enterprise, Debian, CentOS, and FreeBSD, while cPanel officially supports RedHat Enterprise, CentOS, and CloudLinux.
• 2. Interface. DirectAdmin groups features into 4 main categories and has a simpler design. cPanel offers direct access to all the tools & features, and users can customize the interface.
• 3. Extensibility. DirectAdmin offers add-ons and plugins but from there is a limited amount to choose from. cPanel has an app store with pre-approved apps and custom code options for extended functionality

Both are popular web hosting control panels. While they do offer similar features, there are some core differences:

• 1. Distribution compatibility. Plesk is available for Windows, Linux, and 14 Linux distributions, including RedHat Enterprise, Ubuntu, CentOS, and Debian. cPanel is only available for Linux OS.
• 2. Interface. Plesk is streamlined for first-time users and groups features in a list on the left side of the window offering a tidier interface. cPanel does not group similar tools & features but it allows you to customize the home screen.
• 3. Extensibility. Plesk already comes installed with various extensions for server management, improved security measures, website creation, etc., and there are a lot of additional third-party add-ons to choose from. With cPanel, users can download extra apps via auto-installers through the app store, which is carefully managed and verified by official support.

cPanel was built only for the Linux environment and doesn’t support any Windows OS and its distributions. Although more experienced users use backdoor methods to run this software on Windows servers, for convenience’s sake it is generally advised to use alternative control panels, like Plesk.

No, it is not free. Users have to purchase at least a cheap cPanel license to use this program and all the features on it. However, those that are interested in getting cPanel & WHM can take a virtual tour and try the free trial version on cPanel’s official website.