How to Choose the Best Control Panel

Control panels have become standard features in web hosting packages, tools that you are likely to get regardless of the type of service you choose.  For example, a shared hosting service generally provides you with client-side access through the control panel while a dedicated server gives you a more advanced version that allows you to completely control the server.  Control panels are dependent on the platform you choose to run on as most of these applications are not compatible with all operating systems.  Platform aside, there is a lot that must be considered when looking for a management tool.  The tips in this article will help you find the ideal control panel for your particular needs.

What to Look For

Because control panels offer so many advantages, it is vital that you strongly consider the type of hosting you need before making a choice.  This is true whether you have experience administering a server or require shared, VPS or dedicated hosting.  The good thing is that no matter what type of service you choose, the major benefit of a control panel is that it provides all users with the ability to manage a web hosting account or server from virtually anywhere.  When looking for an administrative tool that meets your needs, keep the following key points in mind:

Ease of Use – By nature, a control panel makes it much easier to maintain a web hosting account or web server.  This is all made possible by a graphical user interface or GUI, that turns complex server administration into user-friendly processes.  However, not all control panels are the same and some are easier to use than others.  If you lack administrative skills, it is important to get a tool that is straightforward and simple for you to work with.

Web-based Management – Since most hosting control panels are web-based, you must utilize a web browser in order to get the full effect.  Fortunately, this is no problem for most users as these applications work with all the major browsers including Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla FireFox.  The web-based aspect allows you to perform management tasks from an internet connected computer anywhere in the world, offering a huge advantage when it comes to dealing with various administrative issues.

Client Management – If you intend on having a dedicated server or reseller hosting package, you may want to consider a control panel that allows your customers and other users to maintain their own hosting environments.  cPanel and Plesk are two control panels that make it easy to manage multiple users while enabling them to manage their respective hosting accounts.

Summary

In the end, choosing the right control panel is all about your specific needs against the type of hosting you require.  As with any software, getting comfortable with such a program will likely take a little time.  This is why going for a user-friendly product is so highly recommended.  You can learn more about what certain control panel software has to offer by utilizing available demo versions.  After finding the ideal management tool, you will agree of the many benefits reaped by users around the world.