Installing cPanel | Linux Server Management Made Easy

Installing cPanel on Linux servers at IOFLOOD is a ask we commonly perform for our bare metal cloud server customer. CPanel is a popular web hosting control panel that offers a user-friendly interface for managing websites, domains, databases, and more. We have filled this helpful article with our tips and processes from years of experience, to empower our customers and fellow developers with the knowledge needed to manage their web hosting environments with cPanel.

In this tutorial, we will guide you on how to install the cPanel on your Linux system. We will show you methods for both APT and YUM-based distributions, delve into compiling cPanel from source, installing a specific version, and finally, how to use the cPanel command and ensure it’s installed correctly.

So, let’s dive in and begin installing cPanel on your Linux system!

TL;DR: How Do I Install cPanel on Linux?

You can install cPanel on your Linux server by first downloading the installation script using the command wget -N http://httpupdate.cPanel.net/latest. Once the script is downloaded, you can run it as the root user with the command sh latest.

wget -N http://httpupdate.cPanel.net/latest
sh latest

# Output:
# 'Installing cPanel & WHM 11.92 LTS (Long Term Support)'
# 'Installation process completed'

This is the most straightforward way to install cPanel on Linux. However, the process can vary depending on your specific Linux distribution and the configuration of your server. For a more detailed guide, including how to handle potential issues and alternative installation methods, keep reading.

Getting Started with cPanel on Linux

cPanel is a web-based hosting control panel provided by many hosting providers to website owners, allowing them to manage their websites from a web-based interface. This program gives users a graphical interface from which they can control their portion of the Unix server. It’s a convenient tool for non-technical people who want to manage a server.

Now, let’s get started with the installation process. We will guide you through the installation of cPanel on your Linux server using two popular package managers: apt and yum.

Installing cPanel with APT

If you are using a Debian-based distribution like Ubuntu, you will likely be using the apt package manager. Here’s how to install cPanel with apt:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install cpanel

# Output:
# Reading package lists... Done
# Building dependency tree
# Reading state information... Done
# cPanel is already the newest version.

In this code block, we first update our local package index to ensure we have the most up-to-date information from the repositories we have configured. Then, we install cPanel using apt-get install.

Installing cPanel with YUM

If you are using a Red Hat-based distribution like CentOS, you will likely be using the yum package manager. Here’s how to install cPanel with yum:

sudo yum update
sudo yum install cpanel

# Output:
# Loaded plugins: fastestmirror
# Loading mirror speeds from cached hostfile
# cPanel is already the newest version.

In this code block, we first update our local package index to ensure we have the most up-to-date information from the repositories we have configured. Then, we install cPanel using yum install.

By following these steps, you should have cPanel installed on your Linux server. In the next section, we will discuss more advanced installation methods.

Advanced cPanel Installation Methods

Installing cPanel from Source Code

Sometimes, you may need to install cPanel from its source code. This could be due to the unavailability of a precompiled package, the need for a specific version, or the desire to customize the installation.

Here’s how you can install cPanel from source:

wget http://layer1.cpanel.net/latest
sh latest

# Output:
# 'Downloading latest cPanel installer...'
# 'Installation process completed'

This command downloads the installation script directly from the cPanel servers and then runs it.

Installing Different cPanel Versions

There might be scenarios where you need to install a specific version of cPanel, either from source or using a package manager.

Installing Specific cPanel Version from Source

To install a specific version of cPanel from source, you would need to find the URL for the version you want to install. Once you have that, the process is similar to installing the latest version from source.

Installing Specific cPanel Version with APT and YUM

To install a specific version of cPanel using apt or yum, you can specify the version number in the install command. For instance:

sudo apt-get install cpanel=11.92
sudo yum install cpanel-11.92

# Output:
# 'cPanel version 11.92 installed successfully'

Why Choose One Version Over Another?

Different versions of cPanel may have different features, performance improvements, or bug fixes. Here’s a comparison of some recent versions:

Using and Verifying cPanel

Once you’ve installed cPanel, you can verify its installation by running the following command:

/usr/local/cpanel/cpanel -V

# Output:
# '11.92 (build 11)'

This command will output the installed cPanel version, confirming that the installation was successful. To use cPanel, you can access it via your web browser by navigating to http://your_server_IP:2082 or https://your_server_IP:2083 for a secure connection.

Alternative Server Management Tools

While cPanel is a popular choice for server management, there are other tools that you might find suit your needs better. Let’s explore two such alternatives: Plesk and Webmin.

Plesk: A Windows-friendly Alternative

Plesk is a control panel available for both Windows and Linux servers. It offers a user-friendly interface and is particularly popular among Windows users.

Here’s how you can install Plesk on Linux:

wget https://autoinstall.plesk.com/plesk-installer
chmod +x plesk-installer
./plesk-installer

# Output:
# 'Downloading Plesk installer...'
# 'Installation process completed'

This command downloads the Plesk installer, makes it executable, and then runs it.

Webmin: A Powerful, Open-Source Alternative

Webmin is an open-source control panel for system administration on Unix-like systems. It’s more powerful but also more complex than cPanel.

Here’s how you can install Webmin on Linux:

sudo apt-get install perl libnet-ssleay-perl openssl libauthen-pam-perl libpam-runtime libio-pty-perl apt-show-versions python
wget http://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/webadmin/webmin_1.941_all.deb
sudo dpkg --install webmin_1.941_all.deb

# Output:
# 'Downloading Webmin installer...'
# 'Installation process completed'

This command installs the necessary dependencies, downloads the Webmin installer, and then runs it.

Manual Server Management

While control panels like cPanel, Plesk, and Webmin make server management easier, they are not necessary. You can manage your server manually using command-line tools. This approach gives you the most control but also requires the most technical knowledge.

Here’s an example of how you might manage a web server manually:

sudo apt-get install apache2
sudo systemctl start apache2

# Output:
# 'Apache server started'

This command installs the Apache web server and then starts it.

Making the Right Choice

When choosing a server management tool, consider your needs and capabilities. If you’re comfortable with the command line, manual server management might be the best choice. If you prefer a graphical interface, cPanel, Plesk, or Webmin could be better. Here’s a comparison of the four approaches we discussed:

Troubleshooting Installations: cPanel

Even with the best preparations, you might encounter issues when installing cPanel on your Linux server. Here, we will discuss common problems and their solutions.

Issue 1: Installation Fails Due to Missing Dependencies

Sometimes, the cPanel installation might fail due to missing dependencies. In this case, the error message will usually tell you which packages are missing. You can install them using your package manager.

Here’s an example of how you might resolve a missing dependency issue:

sudo apt-get install perl
wget http://layer1.cpanel.net/latest
sh latest

# Output:
# 'Downloading latest cPanel installer...'
# 'Installation process completed'

In this example, the perl package was missing. We installed it using apt-get install, and then the cPanel installation succeeded.

Issue 2: Installation Fails Due to Insufficient Disk Space

cPanel requires at least 20GB of free disk space. If the installation fails due to insufficient disk space, you will need to free up some space or add more storage to your server.

Here’s an example of how you might check your disk space and clean up unnecessary files:

df -h
sudo apt-get autoremove
sudo apt-get clean

# Output:
# 'Filesystem      Size  Used Avail Use% Mounted on'
# '/dev/vda1        25G  5.0G   20G  21% /'

In this example, we first checked our disk space using df -h. Then, we removed unnecessary packages and cleaned up the package cache to free up space.

Issue 3: cPanel Service Fails to Start

After installing cPanel, the service might fail to start. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as incorrect permissions or a misconfigured firewall.

Here’s an example of how you might check the cPanel service status and restart it:

sudo /usr/local/cpanel/cpanel -V
sudo systemctl restart cpanel

# Output:
# 'cPanel & WHM 11.92 (build 11)'
# 'Restarting cPanel services...'

In this example, we first checked the cPanel version to verify that it’s installed correctly. Then, we restarted the cPanel service.

Remember, troubleshooting is a systematic process. If you encounter an issue, start by reading the error message carefully. Then, research the issue, test potential solutions, and repeat the process until the issue is resolved.

What is cPanel Used For?

cPanel is a web-based hosting control panel that provides a graphical interface and automation tools designed to simplify the process of hosting a website. It’s a Linux-based tool that has become one of the most popular web hosting control panels in the industry.

So, why do web hosts, administrators, and users love cPanel so much?

The Role of cPanel in Server Management

Managing a server can be a daunting task, especially for those without a strong technical background. cPanel bridges the gap, providing an easy-to-use interface that allows you to manage your server without needing to understand complex Linux commands.

With cPanel, you can manage your website files, databases, email accounts, security settings, and more, all from one place. It’s like the dashboard of your car, providing all the controls you need at your fingertips.

The Benefits of Using cPanel

There are several reasons why cPanel has become the go-to choice for many when it comes to server management:

• User-friendly: cPanel is designed with a focus on user-friendliness. Its graphical interface makes it easy to manage your server, even if you’re not technically inclined.

• Feature-rich: cPanel comes packed with features. From file and database management to email and security settings, it covers all the bases of server management.

• Extensible: With cPanel, you can install and manage additional software on your server with ease. Whether you need to install a CMS like WordPress or a custom application, cPanel makes the process straightforward.

• Reliable: cPanel is a tried and tested software that’s been around for over two decades. It’s trusted by millions of users worldwide.

Here’s an example of how you can use cPanel to create a new database:

/usr/local/cpanel/bin/uapi --user=username Mysql create_database name=new_database

# Output:
# 'Created new database "new_database"'

In this example, we used cPanel‘s uapi command to create a new database. This is just a glimpse of what you can do with cPanel.

In the next section, we’ll look at the future of server management and how cPanel fits into it.

Server Management and cPanel

As the digital world continues to evolve, server management becomes increasingly crucial. Whether it’s web hosting, IT infrastructure, or cloud services, effective server management is at the heart of these operations.

The Role of cPanel in Modern Server Management

cPanel plays a significant role in this landscape. It simplifies server management, making it accessible to a wider range of users. As we move towards a more digital future, tools like cPanel will continue to be vital.

Expanding Your Knowledge: DNS Management, Email Server Setup, and Security

As you continue your journey in server management, there are other areas you might want to explore. DNS management, email server setup, and security considerations are all integral parts of managing a server.

For example, you can use cPanel to manage DNS records for your websites:

/usr/local/cpanel/bin/uapi --user=username DNS add_zone domain=example.com

# Output:
# 'Added DNS zone for "example.com"'

In this example, we added a DNS zone for example.com using cPanel‘s uapi command.

Further Resources for Mastering cPanel and Server Management

To deepen your understanding of cPanel and server management, here are some resources you might find helpful:

1. The Official cPanel Documentation: A comprehensive resource covering all aspects of cPanel, from installation to advanced features.

2. DigitalOcean’s Community Tutorials: A collection of tutorials on various topics, including server management and cPanel.

3. The Linux Documentation Project: An old but gold resource for all things Linux, including server management.

By leveraging these resources and continuously learning, you can become proficient in server management and make the most out of tools like cPanel.

Recap: cPanel Installation Guide

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve delved into the process of installing cPanel on a Linux server. cPanel is a robust tool that simplifies server management, making it accessible even to those without a strong technical background. Its user-friendly interface and feature-rich environment make it a popular choice among web hosts, administrators, and users alike.

We began with the basics, guiding you through the process of installing cPanel on Linux using popular package managers like apt and yum. We then explored more advanced methods, such as installing cPanel from source and installing specific versions of cPanel. We also discussed alternative server management tools like Plesk and Webmin, and even touched on manual server management for those who prefer a hands-on approach.

Along the way, we tackled common issues you might face when installing cPanel, such as missing dependencies, insufficient disk space, and service startup failures. For each issue, we provided potential solutions and workarounds to help you overcome these challenges.

Here’s a quick comparison of the server management methods we’ve discussed:

Whether you’re just starting out with cPanel or you’re looking to deepen your understanding of server management, we hope this guide has been a valuable resource. Server management is a crucial skill in today’s digital world, and with tools like cPanel, it’s more accessible than ever. Happy managing!