Cpanel is a graphical interface for managing your server or hosting. Today’s web server operating systems such as, for instance, CentOS, do not have a built-in graphical interface That is, they have to be managed from the command line by default. Thus, even for simple administrative tasks you such as adding a new web site you have to type in the correct Linux commands or fill-in a config file unless you have a GUI.

Cpanel not only is an easy-to-use GUI for managing your web hosting, but it also has numerous functionalities to set up and manage a server. Unless you are Linux expert this will be almost impossible in command mode.

Even, if you are good a Linux Cpanel will save you much time for administrative tasks. A Cpanel may cost a few bucks a month, but it will probably save you time worth the multiples of it.

Hosting including CPanel

Cpanel web hosting really is the way to go. You will have less a need for support from your hosting provider, many of which will only help out for free if there is an issue with your hosting, and charge you for administrative tasks.

Some, but not all, hosting providers include Cpanel if you buy hosting with them. Other may charge you a small fee. The bottom line is that you shouldn’t have hosting without, particularly if you are a new webmaster.

Before I have changed to a dedicated server – with Cpanel of course – , I had a hosting account with Hostgator. Their web hosting plans start for less than four dollars a month and include Cpanel! If you want to check out other providers google them for the term Cpanel web hosting.

Cpanel Advantages for a VPS or Dedicated Server

If you are renting a server or have a virtual private server then you usually have to manage and run the server software on your own. Many providers give little if any support unless you have hardware issue, as I can tell from experience. Hostgator might be better in this aspect, but as opposed to web hosting their pricing for servers and VPS is not the best offer in the market.

So when you find a better deal you are somewhat prone to have little support, and this is where Cpanel kicks in. Make sure to opt in for a Cpanel license when you make the server contract because you will get support from Cpanel directly if you encounter an issue, and from my experience they also help out if you don’t know what to do. What’s more is that you can Google many Cpanel related questions, and find help in the Cpanel forum.

The Cpanel license cost for a server should be around 15$ a month, less for a VPS. This money is spent wisely given the ease of use for server administration and setup. Compare this to the rates for hiring a Linux/CENTOS specialist, or the lost revenue should your websites experience a down time.

Now that you understand what is Cpanel do yourself a favour and make sure you it have along your hosting, VPS or dedicated server hardware.

That´s why I simply collected these 5 articles than can change your vision about your web business, no matter how big it is.

1. “The Startup Spirit” by Mauricio Longo

The first article I want to recommend you, it´s called “The Startup Spirit“, which is written by Mauricio Longo (an experimented specialist on web startups) for The NetSetter blog. The article mainly speaks about how established companies can recover the “Startup Spirit” they had at their beginnings. I found it an interesting concept, because Mauricio says how absolutely well established companies like Amazon or Apple have that spirit very fresh through innovation.

2. “12 Facts About Entrepreneurs That Will Likely Surprise You” by Dharmesh Shah

I found this article on OnStartups.com, as it name says, it is absolutely surprising. It has some shocking statistics and averages about successful entrepreneurs. The one that I found most interesting, is the average age of enterpreneurs when they started their current companies… it is 40! Yes, I thought that I was getting too old to become a successful entrepreneur . Believe me, there is very interesting data on the “12 Facts About Entrepreneurs That Will Likely Surprise You” article.

3. “Ten Rules for Web Startups” by Evan Williams

Well, this is basically what the article title says, written by one of my favourites bloggers, Evan Williams, in his blog. So, I am not only recommending the “Ten Rules for Web Startups” article, but I am also absolutely recommending Evan´s blog, he has nice pieces of advice there.

4. “Where Great Business Ideas Come From” by Megan Dorn

This nice short post  just describes the 3 main sources from where entrepreneurs get their business ideas. It could sounds obvious and basic for many of you, but I think it still worth the reading. “Where Great Business Ideas Come From” by Megan Dorn, can be found in the StartUp Blog at PartnerUp.

5. “So you’ve got a business idea… Now what?” by Steve N.

This is the perfect article to read after my previous recommendation. Steve writes about the 5 steps to follow after you got your new business idea, so you have no excuses for not starting that great idea you might have. “So you´ve got a business idea… Now what?” article by Steve N. can also be found on the Startup Blog at PartnerUp.

I hope you enjoyed the list. Do you know any other interesting article or blog about web startups? Please, share yours by commenting this post.