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Hosting Control
Panel
Hosting control panels are one of the most valuable features that you
should look for when choosing a hosting provider. Many web hosts offer
some type of web-based control panel which allows you to update and
maintain your account very easily. An account control panel is especially
beneficial if you are relatively new to maintaining a web hosting account.
Administer Your Hosting Account From A Web Browser
An account control panel is basically a web page which allows you to
administer your hosting account from your web browser. Your hosting
provider will give you the web page URL and you simply login with your
username and password. Almost everything you'll need to do to your web
hosting account can be done right there.
Some of the features commonly available are:
- View or update your account billing information
- Add, remove and configure email accounts
- Change passwords, both for account and individual users
- FTP instructions and file management
- Activate FrontPage extensions on your account
- Setup your shared SSL server options
More advanced control panel features include:
- Install, remove and configure CGI scripts
- Check server status for web and email
- Request and add additional features
- Perform database back-ups with just a few clicks
- View web traffic and website statistics
- Check on bandwidth limits and disk space
In the past, to change something on your hosting account you would have
to email or call customer service. Even if you wanted to answer a little
question real fast, you didn't know where to begin searching for the
answer. With an account control panel, you automatically know where you
can perform most of the main account management functions -- all by
yourself, immediately, and from one location.
Make Sure Your Host Offers Account Control Panels
Account control panels are actually as convenient for hosting providers
as they are for their customers. Allowing clients to manage their own
accounts cuts back on support costs and staff resources. This enables the
provider to keep their prices down and their support staff available for
more serious issues.
When searching for a hosting provider, be sure to ask if they have an
account control panel available. You should ask to see a demo so that you
can evaluate the features it has.
Here is a list of popular hosting control panels used by many web
hosts:
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