Web Hosting Articles & Tutorials

cPanel - .htaccess and IP Deny Manager Tutorial

Web hosting providers using Apache servers are equipped with a number of configuration tools designed to help clients effectively administer their website. Few of these tools have the purpose and functionality of the .htaccess file, another handy feature found with the cPanel control panel. Though small, this file is quite powerful when put into action, giving users the ability to override the default settings of their hosting provider’s server.

.htaccess is merely a simple ASCII text file, yet it can be extended to perform many different functions. Some of its capabilities include password protecting the directories of your site, to preventing intrusion from malicious hackers and redirecting visitors to different locations on the web. In this article we will cover its unique ability to block IP addresses and specific domains.

Reasons to Block with .htaccess

The web contains a great number of sites hosting interactive member forums and blogs. These sites are often targeted by several spammers and malicious hackers. Website owners have been trying to come up with a solution to this issue for years with few results. However, the .htaccess file is a tool with the power to limit this intrusive activity and give you a bit of privacy by keeping out those IP addresses and domains causing all the ruckus.

.htaccess vs. IP Deny Manager

Although .htaccess files can be easily activated from within the cPanel, choosing whether to use them or not is a difficult call. This is a sensitive file with a lot of power, meaning it could inadvertently shut down your site or negatively impact the provider’s server when used incorrectly. For this reason, the IP Deny Manager may be a better solution, another feature of the cPanel which functions similar to .htaccess.

Just like the .htaccess file, the IP Deny Manager can be used to block IP addresses and domains from accessing your website. If there is a particular IP address or domain you wish to deny access, it can be done easily from the control panel by following these directions:

Both .htaccess and the IP Deny Manager are great solutions for protecting your website against unscrupulous characters. It can prevent data from being stolen and the spamming of your interactive features. Although .htaccess works well, the IP Deny Manager is the recommended choice as it will have no negative effects on your site or the provider’s server. If would like to try the .htaccess file, be sure to inquire within your web host and find out about their regulations before carrying on.

An Introduction to the Many Features of cPanel

These days, owning a website has become an obtainable goal to those with low-level designing skills, and minimal budgets as well. This is all made possible due to the current prevalence of the web hosting industry, along with the great features provided by individual companies. Even if you have no experience with programming scripts or designing a website, a good web hosting control panel can produce quality results that will make you look like a seasoned webmaster. While the type of control panel varies, cPanel is the most widely used and the preferred choice for many web hosts.

cPanel is a web-based application that allows you to control every aspect of your website. This program is now considered a standard due to its ease of use and extreme functionality. cPanel is highly compatible and works well on various Unix-like platforms along with popular web browsers such as Internet Explorer, FireFox and Opera.

Every feature provided by a web host can be accessed and administered within cPanel, giving you the ability to create a vibrant, interactive setting for family and friends to view or an e-commerce site to power your online business. Here is a brief overview of the amazing features included within cPanel.

Backup Facility

It’s easy to become so involved in running and promoting your business that critical aspects, such as data security, are overlooked. When using a web host equipped with cPanel, this will be something you no longer have to worry about. This control panel allows you to store backups of images, text and other essential content from your website, enabling you to recover quickly if an unlikely disaster happens to strike.

Email Management

Most web hosting companies provide their clients with multiple email accounts. Through cPanel, you can assign domains to your email accounts and also create autoresponders to enhance the level of customer service. cPanel also includes a spam filter to keep unsolicited messages of your inbox.

Statistics

You can actually measure the status of your website with useful tools such as Webalizer. This utility allows you to view the statistics of your site including the latest visitors, how long they stayed and how they found you. A powerful marketing tool, this handy component gives you the ability to analyze the amount of traffic on your site and make adjustments where needed.

Domains

Multiple domains is a great luxury offered by many web hosting companies. This feature allows you to create numerous web sites and manage them from a single interface - cPanel. For instance, you may want to separate the novels you’re selling from the web promotion services you offer. This is easy with cPanel as each of your services can be individually managed and designed with their own domain names.

Fantastico

One of cPanel’s best features is a dynamic utility called Fantastico. Fantastico works as an installer that allows you to implement a variety of programs such as Wordpress blogging software, and several content management systems likes Mambo and Joomla, increasing the functionality of your site with a simple click of the mouse.

Conclusion

The possibilities are endless when building a website with cPanel. This program is user-friendly on all levels with capabilities that exceed the norm. If you want complete control of your site, inquire within a web host to find if they offer cPanel.

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.