If you are new to the web hosting industry then you probably know that the main difference between a shared hosting account and a dedicated server is that in the latter, you are paying for all the resources that you need to host a website. Now, when you use your own dedicated server, you can control all the resources of the server as you wish.
You can control the space of the server, you can control the bandwidth, you can control the CPU speed, you can control the RAM and the HDD space etc. So, if you have your own dedicated server then you have complete control over all the resources and you can use the resources as you wish.
So, in this article, I am going to share with you some of the most important things that you need to know when you have your own dedicated server.
Installing cPanel
cPanel is a web-based interface that provides the user with a single point to control all the aspects of a website. The cPanel software is available free of cost, but you need a cPanel license key to use the software. There are two types of licenses: the standard and the enterprise.
The standard license is suitable for small businesses with limited needs. If you have a small business and you want to save money, then the standard license is for you. If you are running a big website with multiple users, then you need a cPanel enterprise license.
In order to purchase a cPanel license, you can choose from a number of companies including GoDaddy, NameCheap, Hostgator, Bluehost, InMotionHosting, RackSpace, Dreamhost and many more. All of these companies offer the standard or the enterprise license.
cPanel is not compatible with Windows operating systems. So, you need to use a Linux or Mac OS. cPanel is not compatible with Microsoft Windows. So, it is recommended that you install a Linux operating system on your dedicated server.
Installing the cPanel software on your server is a two-step process. First, you need to download the installer, then you need to run the installer.
Downloading the cPanel software
You can download the cPanel software from their official website. When you are downloading the software, you will be asked to enter the license key. After you enter the license key, you will have to download the cPanel software.
Once you are done with the download, you will have to extract the files and run the installer.
Run the cPanel installer
Open a browser and type the IP address of your dedicated server followed by the /install.php. You will then be directed to a page where you can select the language and the version of cPanel that you want to install.
After that, you will be prompted to provide your login details, then you will have to accept the terms and conditions. Once you are done, you will be asked to click on the install button.
Now, your server will be restarted. After that, you will be asked to confirm the installation by clicking the yes button.
Steps to configure your cPanel account
The cPanel software is very easy to use and you will not require any technical knowledge to configure your cPanel account.
First, you need to log in to the cPanel control panel. You will be required to enter your email address and password.
You can now check your mail, create subdomains and manage your email settings. You can even configure the settings for your domains,
Tips to Use CPanel When you Have a Dedicated Server
If you are running your website on a dedicated server, then you will have access to all the features and facilities of the dedicated server. But if you don’t know how to use cPanel on your dedicated server then it will be difficult for you to manage the server.
It will take your time to learn how to use cPanel when you have your own dedicated server. But here I am going to give you some of the best and easy-to-use cPanel tips which will make you feel comfortable when you log into your dedicated server.
Install Apache web server
If you have a static IP address, then you can install the Apache web server on your dedicated server and you will have full control over it. You can install it by logging into your cPanel and then clicking on the ‘LAMP Package’ option.
Install SSH service
SSH is the best tool to manage your dedicated server, but if you don’t have it then you need to install it now. You can do this by logging into your cPanel and then clicking on ‘Services’.
Manage your databases
If you are using a database for your website then you need to keep an eye on the database because if it gets too much space then you will need to purchase more space. For this, you can use MySQL Control Panel to manage the database.
Manage cron job
A cron job is the best way to execute the commands automatically at specific time intervals. If you don’t know how to use the Cron job then you can download the Cron job and you will get detailed instructions on how to use it.
Manage FTP
FTP is the best way to transfer files to your dedicated server. If you don’t know how to use it then you can download Filezilla and upload the files to your server.
Manage email
Email is the most common method of communication nowadays. If you don’t know how to use it then you can download a free email account like Gmail.
