What is the difference between cPanel and web hosting?

Web hosting and cPanel are two related but distinct concepts in the realm of managing websites. Let's break down their differences:

Web Hosting:

Web hosting refers to the service of providing server space, resources, and technologies to make a website accessible on the internet. When you have a website, its files, data, and content need to be stored on a server that is connected to the internet so that users can access it anytime. Web hosting companies offer various types of hosting plans, such as shared hosting, virtual private servers (VPS), dedicated servers, and cloud hosting, each with different levels of control, performance, and scalability.

cPanel:

cPanel is a specific web Cpanel hosting control panel software. It is a graphical interface that simplifies the management of various aspects of web hosting. cPanel allows website owners to perform tasks like creating and managing email accounts, setting up databases, managing files, installing software (like WordPress or Joomla), and monitoring website statistics. It provides a user-friendly dashboard where users can manage different aspects of their hosting account without needing advanced technical knowledge.

In essence, web hosting is the broader concept of providing server space and resources to host a website, while cPanel is a specific tool or software used to manage and control various aspects of your web hosting account. Many web hosting providers offer cPanel as part of their hosting packages to make it easier for users to manage their websites and hosting settings. However, there are other control panel options available as well, such as Plesk or DirectAdmin, which serve similar purposes.

In summary, web hosting is the service of providing server space and resources for a website, while cPanel is a specific control panel software that helps users manage and control their web hosting environment more easily.

How to use cPanel in WordPress hosting?

Using cPanel in WordPress hosting involves various steps to set up and manage your WordPress website. Here's a general guide on how to use cPanel for your WordPress hosting:

Login to cPanel:

Log in to your cPanel account. You should have received your cPanel login credentials from your web hosting provider when you signed up for the hosting plan. The cPanel login URL is usually something like https://yourdomain.com/cpanel.

Locate the "Softaculous Apps Installer":

In cPanel, look for the "Softaculous Apps Installer" icon or section. Softaculous is a tool that simplifies the process of installing various web applications, including WordPress.

Install WordPress:

Click on the "WordPress" icon within Softaculous. Then, click the "Install Now" button. You'll be prompted to provide some information for your WordPress installation:

Choose the version of WordPress to install (usually, you should install the latest version).

Select the protocol (http:// or https://) and the domain on which you want to install WordPress.

Choose a directory where WordPress should be installed (usually, you can leave this blank to install in the root directory).

Enter your desired website name, description, admin username, and password.

Choose a language for your WordPress installation.

Configure other settings as needed.

Install WordPress Themes and Plugins:

Once WordPress is installed, you can log in to your WordPress admin dashboard by going to https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin. Use the admin username and password you set during installation. From here, you can customize your website by installing themes and plugins to enhance its functionality and appearance.

Manage Files and Databases:

In cPanel, you can also manage your website's files, databases, and other settings. You can use the "File Manager" to upload and manage files, and the "phpMyAdmin" tool to manage your website's MySQL databases.

Backups and Security:

cPanel also provides tools for creating backups of your website and implementing security measures. Regularly back up your website's files and database to ensure you have a copy in case of any issues.

Additional Settings and Support:

Explore other cPanel features and settings that your hosting provider offers. If you encounter any issues or need assistance, many web hosting providers offer support resources, including documentation, knowledge bases, and customer support channels.

Remember that the specific steps and options in cPanel might vary slightly depending on your web hosting provider and the version of cPanel they are using. It's a good idea to consult your hosting provider's documentation or support resources for detailed instructions tailored to their cPanel setup.