Using cPanel

cPanel lets you do things like add email accounts, create new databases to hold info for dynamic pages, manage files, and more. Think of it as an operating system for your server.

Logging in to cPanel

The welcome email you received from your host after buying a hosting package should contain a link to the cPanel login for your site.

Most of the time, cPanel is accessed by visiting a URL with this format:

www.yoursite.com/cpanel

If you’ve just pointed your domain nameservers, this URL may not work for a while (24 to 48 hours). You can still access your website and cPanel by entering the IP address for your site, which is included in your welcome email. This IP address will looks like this:

12.23.345.67

And you can access your cPanel by going to

12.23.345.67/cpanel

Once you’re at the cPanel login page, enter the username and password provided in your welcome email and you’re all set.


Using cPanel

cPanel provides dozens of tools you can use to manage your site, but don’t let this overwhelm you. Beginning webmasters will only need a handful of these features.

Change Password

Pretty self explanatory, but still good to know. Since your default cPanel password is just a string of random numbers and letters, you may want to change it to something more memorable.

This should be a no-braner by now, but you need to create a secure password. If somebody hacks into your cPanel, they can do severe damage.

Email Accounts

This tool is used to create new custom emails like bill@yourdomain.com. You’ll also have the ability to set passwords and storage limitations for existing accounts.

To check email, you’ll go to www.yourdomain.com/webmail and enter your login information. Be sure to use your full email address, meaning bill@yourdomain.com and not just bill. Pick any of the email viewers  and you’re set.


You can also configure your local email client to view your messages. Consult cPanel for instructions on how to set up your particular email application.

File Manager

The File Manager is just what it sounds like: a tool for uploading, editing, and deleting files on your server.
File Manager is great for adding or editing a small number of files, but if you’re plan on working with larger groups of files then you should probably use FTP.

It works a lot like the Windows Explorer, with a file tree on the left and the actual files on the right.


Most of the files you’ll be working with are located in the public_html folder.

Be careful when working in File Manager. You can easily delete an entire site with the click of a mouse (trust me, I’ve done it). Getting your deleted files back can be difficult or impossible, so make sure you know what you’re doing.


Database management

As I talk about in the section on dynamic websites, most modern sites are driven by databases. cPanel offers a number of tools which make it relatively easy to create and manage your databases.

The only time beginning webmasters will need to work with databases is if they are manually installing a content management system like WordPress—and even then this interaction will be limited to creating the database and adding user.

Add-on Domains

If your hosting package allows you to host more than one site—and most do—you’ll use this tool to add new domains to your hosting space.

Redirects

There may be times when you want a certain domain or web page to point to another domain or web page. You can do this easily with cPanel Redirects.