To many people, the control panel is the spot in the personal computer where a person can modify their personal settings; in this context, the control panel is where the magic happens in the computer. The control panel of a personal computer is like the cockpit; it is where all of the main controllers are located and all of the main settings can be modified.

In relationship to web hosting, the control panel or cPanel as it is more commonly called, is a place where configurations as related to a web site can be viewed and modified. The types of things that a web hosting control panel modifies have to do with the file managers, bandwidth use and available bandwidth, server logs, and even FTP accounts and email accounts. FTP user accounts and email accounts can be changed or configured from within the control panel as well.

Control panel for a given web host is usually based on a certain software; CPanel is the name of the most common software package available for web site control panels, as well as DirectAdmin and Cube Panel. Zpanel, Xpanel and Plesk are also control panels on a paid basis, available through software for use on a given site.

In addition, Fusion, Freeside, Baifox and Hostcontrol are freely licensed web based control panels for sites who do not require start up costs; these control panel software packages are the most appropriate for sites that are used for personal use or blogs rather than for sustenance and reliable income.

In most cases, the control panel software is provided in conjunction with web hosting services, but not always. In this case a person must go on a search for control panel software for themselves but control panel systems are often part of the package. If you pay for your web hosting services, some type of control panel or reference to a control panel should be included, or the deal may not be as sweet as one might think.

Learning to use the control panel for your web hosting service is part of learning to deal with the whole package, but if you can get website administration and coding under control that is half the battle; the control panel gives all of the information necessary for keeping your site up and running properly!