Web Hosting Reviews & Ratings

October 01, 2010

An Overview of Control Panels

Control panels are a software program added to web hosting providers for the benefit of their consumers to make different tasks much easier through a graphical user interface. The GUI’s usually resemble a web browser to make navigation easier to use, especially for beginners. This software is installed on a provider’s server and automates many tasks including:

• FTP accounts
• Statistics
• Control of email accounts
• Databases

In order to use a control panel, users do not need to have much knowledge of websites, networks, email protocols or computers in general. Most control panels are now so automated inexperienced users can create whole websites with the built-in tools, create email boxes and even start a web hosting reseller business by managing different accounts.

Control panels are designed to simplify the numerous functions needed to run a website. Servers are easily managed through point and click interfaces. Many control panels automatically manage generic applications that are designed for most user needs. Some of the most common applications managed through control panels include:

• Database server
• FTP
• Email boxes
• Database servers
• Add-ons
• CMS

One of the best features of a control panel is the ability to easily create, manage and delete customer, staff and friend’s accounts. There is no need to have an information technology professional to perform these simplified tasks. This makes creating a website for a beginning extremely easy.

One common question that arises is, “do you need a control panel for a dedicated server?” For those using the Linux operating system, a control panel will be a tremendous help but is not absolutely necessary. Linux operating systems tend to be much more complicated than Windows and thus difficult to maneuver.

If using a Windows-based server, a control panel is not absolutely necessary because this operating system usually has its own control panel integrated into the software through a remote desktop application. Windows is much more navigable than Linux.

Control panels are a wonderful addition to web hosting provider’s servers as they are becoming more automated and user-friendly. In the past, starting a website was a difficult task for all but professionals. Currently, anyone can create a website for personal or business use and have it posted in a short period of time. This ease of use is primarily attributed to the wonderful features offered by a control panel.   

Tags: control panel,  ftp account,  email account,  database