cPanel Installation: Step-by-Step Guide and Tips

cPanel is one of the most popular web hosting control panels. Learning how to install cPanel allows you to manage your web servers more efficiently. In this guide, we will go through the cPanel installation process step by step and provide tips to make it easier.

Requirements and Preparations

There are some prerequisites you should be aware of for cPanel installation. First, note that cPanel only works on Linux-based operating systems such as CentOS, CloudLinux, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Therefore, you need to have a compatible server operating system.

• Your server must have at least 1 GB of RAM, but for better performance, 2 GB or more is recommended.
• At least 20 GB of usable disk space is required.
• You need to have a static IP address, as cPanel does not work with dynamic IP addresses.
• You must have root access to your server.

Before you start, ensure that your server is up to date and perform any necessary updates. Additionally, you need to set a hostname for your server. This hostname will be used for cPanel and WHM during the installation process.

Downloading cPanel Installation Files

To begin the installation process, you need to download the installation files. Connect to your server via SSH and use the following command to download the cPanel installation file:

 cd /home curl -o latest -L https://securedownloads.cpanel.net/latest 

This command downloads the latest version of cPanel to your server. Once the download is complete, you can run the installation file to proceed with the installation.

Running the cPanel Installation

After downloading the installation file, run the following command to install cPanel:

 sh latest 

The installation process may take some time depending on your server's speed and internet connection. During the installation, all necessary components will be automatically downloaded and configured.

Once the installation is complete, it's important to note the connection details required for accessing cPanel and WHM (Web Host Manager). After installation, you can log in to WHM to perform the initial configuration of cPanel.

Initial cPanel Configuration

After completing the cPanel installation, you need to log in to WHM to perform the initial configuration. You can access WHM using your server's IP address and port 2087, for example: https://server-ip-address:2087

Once logged in, the cPanel wizard will guide you through the configuration process. At this stage, you will need to enter your license key, configure your server settings, and set up the default nameservers. You can also create cPanel accounts and configure email settings.

Post-Installation Testing and Validation

After completing the cPanel installation, you should run some tests to ensure everything is working properly. First, verify that you can log in to both WHM and cPanel without any issues. Then, try creating a new account in cPanel and verify that the account's web pages are functioning correctly.

Test your DNS settings and email configurations. Send and receive test emails to ensure your email server is working properly. Finally, regularly check for cPanel updates and apply security patches as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How is cPanel licensing done?
  To use cPanel, you need a valid license key. You can purchase your license key from the official cPanel website and activate it via WHM.
• How can I log in to cPanel?
  You can access cPanel by entering your server's IP address and port 2083 in your web browser. For example: https://server-ip-address:2083. You can access WHM using port 2087.
• What should I do if I encounter an error during installation?
  If you encounter an error during installation, carefully read the error message and try to identify the cause of the problem. If needed, you can contact cPanel support or seek help from relevant forums.
• How are cPanel updates performed?
  cPanel updates are typically performed automatically through WHM. However, if you prefer to perform manual updates, you can check for updates in the "Update Preferences" section of WHM.
• How do I create a new user in cPanel?
  Log in to WHM and use the "Create a New Account" option to create a new user account. During this process, you will be asked to enter details such as the domain name, username, and password.