While looking up web hosting services, web admins must clearly understand the nature of their proposed website and the type of control they would like to have over the possible changes to be incorporated. Websites differ in the type of upgradation required over time. Some may constantly require textual changes, while others may include photographs, graphics, etc. Control panels offered are varied according to the packages that are subscribed to. All the packages provide some essential components that are mandatory for the client. Options to add new domains, password change and addition of new accounts are some of the main features.

Cpanel

cPanel (control panel) is a graphical web-based control panel to simplify administration through the changes in the interface. The software is not freely available and is to be paid through a monthly subscription. CPanel is versatile enough to run on PHP, FreeBSD, Redhat Enterprise Linux, CentOS, and Windows Server. Since cPanel has become a commonly accepted tool for web hosting, a web admin can install and be linked to the website. Cpanel provides a statistics tool covering all details like disk space being used, domain name, monthly bandwidth changes, e-mails, secondary domains and SQL database. Managing FTP data and editing CGI scripts is more accessible with cPanel. Read More

Earlier web hosting was meant to hire computer memory for one’s website. However, with technological advances and a decrease in hardware prices, hosts have provided increasingly ready-made features to attract potential clients. Microsoft Windows is one of the operating systems commonly used on servers by web hosts. It supports advanced technologies like Cold Fusion that are required to create and maintain dynamic websites. Managed host servers may also provide services like ASP, ASP.net Access, and MS SQL support to maintain websites.

Linux and UNIX servers are meant for clients who require websites based on open-source technology, such as PHP and MySQL. It ensures better data security compared to other technologies. The easy availability and open knowledge about the codes help in upgradation and customization. Unlike Windows, it does not require renewal of license frequently.

A list of tools has become an accepted standard for web hosts. These include CGI, Ruby (RoR), Perl, PHP, MYSQL, etc. These enable the webmaster to maintain and upgrade their websites without worrying about unsupportive platforms. Often, hosts provide easy-to-set-up functions that are common to all websites. These include incorporating PayPal services, mail servers, virus prevention, etc. Read More