Introduction
Tools that allow the management of hosting servers are known as control panels. WHM (Web Host Manager) and cPanel stand as prominent control panel tools often used together. WHM operates at the server administration level, allowing management of multiple hosting accounts, resource allocation, security configurations, and server-level tasks. cPanel, designed for end-users, provides an intuitive interface for individual account management, enabling tasks like website control, email setup, and file management.
This article aims to introduce the concept of control panels, emphasizing their role in simplifying web hosting management. It’ll guide users through understanding the features and steps involved in installing WHM and cPanel on CentOS 7, facilitating an efficient setup process for these essential control panel tools.
Familiarize With Control Panels
Server panel management tools serve as virtual dashboards. These tools empower users to oversee and control various aspects of their hosting without requiring extensive technical knowledge or being present at the data center. The main aim of these management tools is to configure the server as per the needs of the user. Such activities pave the way for smooth data transmission and storage, along with high-level security.
These management tools, like WHM and cPanel, are known to establish security measures directly through the interface, eliminating the need for complex command-line interactions. Additionally, they streamline file management tasks, support one-click application installations, provide monitoring tools for performance tracking and error logs, and equip users with robust security measures, including SSL certificate management, firewalls, and access controls. Ultimately, control panels consolidate these features into a singular, accessible interface, enhancing server administration for users of varying technical expertise.
Why Install WHM and cPanel on CentOS 7?
When it comes to the latest version of CentOS, you will hear the name of CentOS 8 and not 7. So, why did we create this article with a focus on CentOS 7? Well, CentOS 8 had a shorter lifecycle due to the announcement of changes by Red Hat, shifting focus to CentOS Stream earlier than planned. Users seeking the stability of a traditional release similar to CentOS 7 might consider alternative distributions or explore CentOS Stream for ongoing updates and features. Now, we request that you move on to our next headline, which will enlighten you about the amazing features of WHM and cPanel.
WHM and cPanel: Installation Process
We have included every step of the installation process under separate sections of cPanel hosting and WHM hosting. You need to follow every step without fail to ensure proper installation.
cPanel
- The very first thing you will have to do is instruct the system to change its hostname to “cpanel.tecmint.lan.” The hostname is very important to identify the server on the network, especially in cases where multiple servers are interconnected. For a cPanel installation, using a Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) is typically recommended.
- The installation of cPanel relies heavily on Perl for its internal scripting and functionality. The following command will help you get Perl on your system.
- The next step involves the installation of the curl utility. Curl can be used to fetch files, upload data, or perform various operations with URLs. The cPanel requires access to different tools; this access is aided by the curl utility.
- Now, we will move forward with the cPanel script installer through curl. The below command will invoke curls to act. The installer consists of all the important files to get cPanel on your system.
- The downloaded script will now have to run, and you will have to use the following command to instruct the system.
- The last step is associated with accessing the WHM server; check it out under the next heading.
WHM
- The administrative tool, WHM, or Web Host Manager, works side by side with cPanel. This tool is appropriate for managing various cPanel accounts. The installation process of WHM and cPanel is incomplete without each other.
- The final step is to access the WHM through “http://SERVER_IP:2087” once the cPanel script is installed and started. The following steps are based on WHM’s graphical user interface and not the command line.
- Obtain a license from the official website of WHM.
- Access your WHM server using SSH. If you are a Windows user, then you need to install PuTTY from the official website and run the installation. Once the installation is complete, ensure your port is set to the default SSH number, which is 22. Enter your hostname and click “Open” to start the SSH connection. The last step is to enter your ID and password. On the other hand, if you are a Mac or Linux user, you will need the command-line method. Enter the following command on your terminal to set up the server connection:
- The next step is to install the script for WHM, but we have already installed the script in the above steps through curl.
- The most important step is to access the WHM, for which you will have to open a web browser and type “https://your-server-ip:2087” in the address bar. Here, you need to replace “your-server” with the actual one. The system will ask for a WHM login once you arrive at the desired URL. The end result will be the interface of the WHM hosting.
Also Read: Plesk Vs cPanel: Which Control Panel is Right for You?
Conclusion
Control panels like WHM and cPanel play pivotal roles in simplifying web hosting management. They provide intuitive interfaces for both server administrators and end-users, streamlining tasks like server configuration, account management, security settings, and more. This guide focused on installing a Web Host Manager and cPanel hosting on CentOS 7, which is a Linux-based distribution, acknowledging the stability of this version amidst changes in the CentOS landscape. By following the outlined steps for installing and accessing these control panels, users can efficiently set up a robust hosting environment, empowering them to manage their hosting needs effectively via these fantastic tools.
