Web Hosting Articles & Tutorials

An Introduction to cPanel - cPanel Tutorials Ch.1

cPanel is a highly advanced web based program that integrates with web hosting servers.   As an enhancement of the typical control panel, this software was created to add ease and simplicity to administrative functions of a web site.  cPanel is very popular for it’s numerous features, a user friendly system. This program appeals to the least experienced individual as it allows for easy and comfortable management of your website.      

The cPanel software is most commonly used for web hosting clients to have more freedom at controlling their site. It easily manages email accounts with extensive features such as mail forwarding, maintaining your database, files, payment procedures and much more.  It is also frequently used by web hosts to maintain the server and manage resources.  This mode is known as the WHM (Web Host Manager).  The Web Host Manager handles user accounts and system maintenance while interacting with enhancements such as the powerful MySQL database and FTP.    

There are many add-ons available for cPanel which include Moodle, Joomla, Drupa, SMF, Tiki Wiki and many more popular web applications.  This software gives it’s best performance when installed on a fresh operating system.   

cPanel differs from rival web hosting administrative panels by way of compatibility and features.  It is capable of automatically upgrading web applications such as Apache and PHP.  This is done so that all components remain up to date with cPanel and perform accordingly.

Though cPanel integrates smoothly with many servers it is most commonly used on Apache over the Linux operating system though it is currently being configured for Windows.  When integrated with other web applications cPanel allows users to easily add bigger and better features to their website.  Blogs, message forums, photo galleries and chat rooms are just a few of the many features that can be produced through cPanel.        

After purchasing a quality hosting account that supports cPanel you will receive a confirmation email.  This will contain a user ID and password.  From there cPanel can be launched in a web browser like Internet Explorer.  The following is an example of the most common way users log into cPanel.  www.joedomain.com/cpanel   This will direct you to the proper section where you are able to a enter password and user name. 

While this tutorial will elaborate on the features of cPanel you should observe a few things right away.  General information is displayed on the left hand side of your control panel.  Details such as disk space, the number of add on and sub domains, and email accounts will be familiar.   It’s best to assure that all the account information is correct before continuing on with cPanel.  

System requirements for cPanel program:

266 MHZ processor or faster
65 MB and 1 GB of RAM for multiple domains
10 GB or more of HDD space

FTP Basics - cPanel Tutorials Ch.2

FTP is an abbreviation frequently used on the net, one you would like to become familiar with.  This is the manner in which files are transmitted to the web hosting server.  Web hosts allow you to upload your photos and documents on a 24 hour basis, giving you the freedom to maintain the site on your time.

After choosing a FTP client users should familiarize themselves the system by performing both uploads and downloads of several files.  Cuteftp is a very reliable program that can be integrated into your cPanel, though most web servers come equipped with at least one FTP.  

Some cPanel hosting accounts permit users to bring in other FTP clients.  This can be done by clicking the file transfer manager (ft) of the control panel.  After that, click on your ftp account button then you should see an option to “add ftp account”.  >From there you will be prompted for login details pertaining to the new account and suggested to follow a few instructions. 

When this has been setup, files can be successfully transferred.  Regardless of the FTP client you choose to implement keep in mind that they will require the following.

Hosting Address - this is typically a domain with ftp. proceeding the name.  (ftp.joe.com)

Username - Most of the time this will be identical to your cPanel account.

Password - This will also be the same as your main account. 

Remember that the system is liable to be case sensitive when it comes to entering your information.  

The majority of web hosting servers who support cPanel allow 2500 files to be stored into a single directory with the first 2000 available for immediate display.  I strongly suggest that users stay away from storing more than 2000 files.  This could slow down the transfer rate and limit the effectiveness of FTP.

WS FTP

WS FTP is a popular transfer client commonly integrated into cPanel by PC users.  This program is now available at www.download.com

When using WS FTP the user name and passwords are typically the same as your primary account and your FTP hosting address will usually be your actual domain.       

When running your WS FTP a “session profile” window will display.  By creating a profile there it will not be a need to manually configure the client every time you use FTP to transfer to the server.  Start to create your profile by clicking “New” then create a name for it.  You will then enter the host address, user name and password for the main account.
By clicking OK you will be redirected to the home page of your web hosting account.  A split screen will be displayed on cPanel with files to the left of your computer.  To the right you will notice links that hint to a successful transfer from your computer to the web server.

Files are stored into a web directory and subdirectories can be created.  In many instances you may only be required to use the cgi.bin, a directory made for custom scripts.  You may then upload files by highlighting it and clicking the right arrow button.  HTML scripts should be uploaded in ASCII mode while images should be uploaded in Binary mode.  

When a file is successfully transferred to the server it can be viewed by all visitors.  If the file displays and “X” or isn’t visible there may be a problem.  Try clicking refresh or the back button of your browser and upload again.  If problems still occur you may need to clear the browser’s cache. 

cPanel and Webmail - cPanel Tutorials Ch.3

Those new to web hosting are likely to have email accounts from other Internet Service Providers or Yahoo.  You’ve been receiving mail there for years, so why even worry about creating new accounts?  Here a few reasons why you may think to use these additional email domains available on your website.

Credibility - Using an email address that relates to your domain adds to your professional appeal.  This is certainly an advantage when operating an online business.  joe@joestools.com is certainly more presentable than joe2000@yahoo.com    

Control - Emails included with your web hosting server will be much more manageable than one from an IP. cPanel allows you to forward automatic emails to multiple individuals, modify your accounts, implement auto-responders and more.  Users can also select how they’d like to access email.  This can be done securely from any browser.

Enhanced Spam Defense -   Several servers come equipped with anti spam filters with effective spam fighting functions.  

All your email functions may be accessed by clicking the “mail button” on the primary cPanel screen.

SET UP YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNTS  
  
Creating email domains via the cPanel is a fairly simple process.  Here are a few tips.  

- To begin setting up email accounts you must enter cPanel.  

- From there you enter a username and password.  

- Click on the “mail” icon. 

- Click “POP Email Accounts” from the menu section.

- Find the “Add Account” area.  Type in the new email address and passwords in the appropriate fields.  

- Click “Add”.

The new accounts have now been added and should work fine.  Any issues you may have can normally be resolved by your web host.

DELETE EMAIL ACCOUNTS

Deleting email accounts from cPanel is just as easy as creating them.  

- To begin deleting email accounts you must enter cPanel  

- From there you enter a username and password.  

- Click “POP Email Account” from the menu.  This will detail all existing accounts that have been added to the account.  

- To delete an account select it by checking the red circle beside it. 

REDIRECTING AND FORWARDING EMAIL
 
Redirecting and forwarding email to other domains shows creativity.  Lets say you have an account forjoe@joe.com.  You may wish to display a more efficient business by adding submissions@joe.com.  Your new domain can be redirected to the primary account and keep your message system simple and easy to manage.  

Many servers permit users unlimited forwards to redirect to a single account.  To makesubmissions@joe.com point to joe@joe.com follow these directions.

- Log into cPanel

- Click “Mail”

- Click “Forwarding” 

- Click “Add Forwarder”

You will then see your email domain with an empty box beside it that should be filled out with the address to be forwarded to.  

- Click “Add Forward” below and the process is complete.

SPAM SETTINGS

Most of us are familiar with the term “SPAM”.  This is the designated name for unsolicited email messages delivered to your inbox.  Spam Assassin is one filtering system used with cPanel to regulate this ongoing problem.  To access your spam settings follow the directions below.

- Log into cPanel

- Click “mail”

- Click “Spam Assassin” or what ever application the host supports

- Click “manage” beside the email domain you would like to regulate.  

- Click “configure” to determine how long the message will remain in the queue for your approval.

Email Autoresponders - cPanel Tutorials Ch.4

We have already learned that what has made cPanel such a widely used program for web hosting is its extensive email functions.  Aside from forwarding and redirecting messages cPanel also allows you to set email auto-responders.

A lot of users new to web hosting have a level of confusion concerning the “Auto-responder” tab in the cPanel.  This section will thoroughly describe this function and explain how to use it.

WHAT ARE AUTO-RESPONDERS?

The definition of auto-responders is rather clear cut and straight forward.  To keep it simple, they are email messages sent automatically when email is delivered for a specific account.  Here is a perfect example:  

After receiving your computer software in the mail you have some concerns about the condition in which it arrived.  You search the invoice for contact information and are instantly referred to an email address for a company representative.  You open your mail server and type a message into the body of the email.  After clicking the send button you receive a message similar to this, “On vacation, will return next week” or “Out of the office until tomorrow”.  This is the result of an auto-responder.

Several web hosting services provide a free auto-responder that can be found within your cPanel.  They are typically one shot responders that allow you to enable others to receive your documents via email.  Most browsers also permit users to have multiple auto-responders per account.  This can be done with plain text or even HTML scripts that allow you to select from a vast number of character sets.

SETTING UP AUTO-RESPONDERS

Using the auto-responder feature is a fairly simple process.  Below are detailed directions.

- First login into cPanel using the appropriate address

- Enter your username and password

- After you’ve reached the main page of cPanel you will observe several icons.  The one you are looking for is titled “mail”.  

- After clicking on that you will be prompted with a screen that displays several options.  You will search for the “auto-responder” tab which should be the fourth selection from the top.  

- After clicking the auto-responder tab you will be taken to a fresh screen with numerous boxed 
categories that will read something like this:

Email:
From:
Subject:
Character Set:
HTML Message:
Body:  

Email: Starting from this line you will type in the prefix for email address that you will use.  On the right side of it is a drop down box.  Click on that and choose the domain or subdomain it’s relevant to.

Category: In this section you will type in just who the email will be sent from.  This may include a name, particular email address and more.

Subject: In this line you will of course type in the email’s subject.  This is what recipients will see before even opening the mail.  

Character Set: In this line you click the drop down menu to select the character of your choosing.  On most occasions there will be no need to make adjustments in this area.

HTML Message: This option allows you to add vibrant life to emails via HTML scripts.  By enabling it you can drop scripts into the body of an email and it will automatically be translated and sent with the message.
  
Body: This is perhaps the most important part of auto-responder.  In this section you fill in the text designated for individuals to read once the automatic response is sent out.  

Lastly you will find a “create” tab at the bottom of the page.  Click on this and you will be taken to a new screen that should explain if your “auto-responder” was created successfully.

Fantastico - cPanel Tutorial Ch.5

Fantastico is known as a popular library for commercial scripts.  It is commonly used as a third party add-on that works with cPanel.  It was designed to automatically install applications into a website and eliminate the need to upload files through FTP.  These scripts are executed from the administrative area of your website.  Websites running Fantastico scripts are said to be installed by over 10, 000 servers.  With millions of users on a global scale it is easily the most used product of its kind.

Fantastico is generally used at the creation of a new website or when new applications are added.
These scripts are able to create tables within a database, install other software and modify the configuration files of the web server.  It also acts an installation program for scripts in a primary domain, add-on domain, subdomain or even a directory.  This provides users with the ability to install a variety of different scripts.  

Fantastico is an open source software that welcomes many different components.  Some of the most frequently used scripts available for installation are listed below:

- Blog Scripts: Wordpress, Nucleaus, b2evolution
- Content Management Systems: Drupal, Joomla, Mambo, PHP Nuke, Post Nuke Siteframe and more.
- Customer Support: PHP support tickets, Help Center Live, Support Logic Helpdesk, Support
 Service Manager.
- Discussion Boards: PHPBB2, SMF
- E-commmerce: Zen Cart, OS Commerce, CubeCart
- FAQ: FaqMasterFlex
- Guestbooks: Viper Guestbook
- Hosting Billing: PHP Coin, Account Lab Plus
- Image Galleries: 4images Gallery, Coppermine Photo Gallery
- Mailing List: - PHPlist
- Surveys and Polls: PHP Surveyor, Advanced Poll
- Project Management: PHP Projekt, dotProject
- Site Builders: Templates Express
- Wiki: TikiWike, PHP Wiki

MORE SCRIPTS

Moodle, Noah’s Classifieds, Open-Reality, PHP Auction, PHP Form Generator, PHPAds New and Web Calender.

Fantastico integrates smoothly with well over 50 web applications, enabling you to take full control of your website. 

INSTALLING FANTASTICO ON CPANEL 

The installation of Fantastico does not require the download of any files.  After opening your server type in the following command:

cd /usr/local/cpanel/whostmgr/docroot 
rm -Rf fantastico* 
wget -N http://netenberg.com/files/free/fantasticoinstaller.tgz 
tar xzpf fantasticoinstaller.tgz 
rm -f fantasticoinstaller.tgz 

After logging into the cPanel you should notice an icon for the latest version of Fantastico.  By clicking the icon you will be taken to a new page.  Find the install tab and click it.  You will then follow these installation steps:

- Select the version of Fantastico you wish to install onto the cPanel.
- Leave your theme area set to default unless you already have one in mind.
- Check all your scripts as active
- Keep the wget binary path unless you plan to make adjustments.  Leaving it this way is typically suitable for most users.
- Select the appropriate drive for disk space
- Make adjustments to CRON notifications.  You can leave them off unless you plan receive them in your email.
- Choose to receive automatic updates on Fantastico on a daily basis.

After these settings have been made you find the “install” tab and click it.  Installation may take a few minutes before all files are processed.  When installation is complete you will activate Fantastico via the “Features Manager” in cPanel.  After checking the box next to Fantastico you simply click “save” and the application is activated.