Web Hosting Reviews & Ratings

March 02, 2009

cPanel vs. vDeck - Let the Control Panel Games Begin

One crucial factor that determines how smooth your experience with a web hosting service will be is the control panel.  There are many control panels available but cPanel is the most widely used of them all.  Although most webmasters are not familiar with vDeck, this control panel is very worthy of comparison as it matches up well against cPanel.

What is vDeck?

vDeck is a relatively new control panel which is why many users have never heard of it.  However, the software is already on its third edition and it gets better with each version.  The program's developer boasts that vDeck isn't the average control panel, stating that it is indeed the next generation in website administration.  Those who are familiar with the software agree that it not only simplifies website management, but promotion as well, giving vDeck advantages over numerous control panels.

vDeck is a very powerful management tool that allows you to excel regardless of your experience.  Features such as the pre-designed templates, advertising services and content manager all offer a user-friendliness that drastically reduces the learning curve.  While cPanel is geared more towards personal users and small businesses, vDeck offers depth that makes it suitable for businesses of all sizes.  This control panel is a complete system that truly takes website management to the next level.

Ease of Use and Features

Although vDeck isn't difficult to use, it is somewhat more complex than other control panels.  Beginners prefer cPanel because of its simple design and easy navigation.  Another tremendous benefit of cPanel is Fantastico.  This third-party application is integrated into the control panel, equipped with well over 40 programs that can be instantly incorporated into your hosting environment.  Some of the programs that come with Fantastico include Cube Cart, osCommerce, Joomla, Tiki Wiki and WordPress just to name a few.  These applications come included with your hosting account at no additional cost.  While vDeck does offer a few built-in applications, the lineup can't compare to what you get with cPanel and Fantastico.  This alone makes it less desirable to the webmaster who desires the functionality provided by add-on scripts and programs.

Advanced Features

Though loaded with features, the biggest knock on cPanel is that it only offers basic tools.  Sure, this control panel can work wonders for an e-commerce site, however, the vDeck control panel was designed to power internet businesses.  It gives you many helpful tools that cPanel lacks including a built-in search engine optimization function and search engine submission services.  If you are looking for more effective ways to market your site, you may want to consider a web host that offers the vDeck control panel.

A Tough Choice

vDeck 3.0 offers many improvements over the previous version which users say truly warranted an upgrade.  Although it does offer benefits you don't get with cPanel, this software isn't ready to claim the top spot just yet.  In the end, the right control panel is all about personal preference and in our opinion, either of these programs will due.  Just keep in mind that you might have a tougher time finding a web host that offers vDeck as it still isn't as widely accepted as cPanel.

Tags: Wordpress,  website administration,  vDeck,  Tiki Wiki,  osCommerce,  Joomla,  fantastico,  Cube Cart,  cPanel Tutorials,  control panel