If you currently run your servers on a Linux operating system, great! So, what is next? Choose a Linux control panel. This article will teach you how to choose a simple control panel for Linux, in your project or business’s best interest.
The importance of a commercial control panel must be considered, especially by web hosting providers, for server and system administration tasks. However, the Linux-based control panel market is diverse. Read on to discover the factors you should consider to help you narrow down your choices and choose the right control panel for managing Linux servers and hosting services.
Selecting a Linux Control Panel
Running your server on the Linux operating system is one thing, while choosing the right Linux control panel is another because there have been several control panels in the market over time. However, some may not fit your project or business.
How do you know which Linux-based control panel is good or your project or business? What should you look at and consider when choosing a commercial control panel? You do not need to worry as we have provided below the factors that will help you to make decision
1. Overall Features
The features of a control panel distinguish it from others. As a result, the features you want in a Linux-based control panel can help you trim down your list and guide your choice of the control panel. However, you must note that usually the more features, the more the associated cost. So, it would be best to go for a control panel that offers a wide range of features at an affordable price.
In addition, a suitable Linux-based control panel should allow your websites to run how you want them to or need to and not expect all your websites to run in a default way. It should also be easy to design your MySQL database, import files, and access the PHPMyAdmin feature to back up your database.
2. Cost Implication
Second to features is the cost of a commercial control panel because it can significantly influence your choice. You must also note that there are both free and paid control panels. Free panels will have limitations, so you may need to take a paid one depending on your needs or requirements.
3. User Interface and Ease of Installation
The need for an intuitive user interface cannot be overemphasized in control panels when making your choice, significantly if you don’t have advanced technical know-how. Therefore, whichever control panel for managing Linux you settle for must appeal to you and be easy to understand. You don’t want to make life difficult for yourself, and system administrators. Or do you?
If you are considering adopting a commercial control panel, then the ease of use and installation should be your first and second deciding features. Thus, whichever control panel you go for should have low space requirements for installation. Further, the control panel should allow you to carry out system administration tasks in just a few clicks without advanced technical know-how.
4. Distributions Support
Linux distribution support is an important aspect you must watch out for. Perhaps you ask why. You cannot install some control panels on most Linux distributions. So, you must ensure that your choice of the control panel has unparalleled compatibility with your Linux distribution. Further, it would be best if the control panel is compatible with popular Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Debian and CentOS.
5. Community-Support
Choosing a community-driven web hosting panel is also essential because of the times you would need help with troubleshooting your Linux servers. People may argue that control panels will always be sufficient to troubleshoot Linux servers. However, there are instances where you would still need help to resolve a problem. Thus, a community forum of your control panel may be an added problem-troubleshooting option for you.
6. Paid-Support
A paid Linux-based control panel usually comes with admin support, while free control panels may not. What if you need the admin support of a free control panel? Is it available, and how much does it cost? If you want to settle for a free control panel, ensure it has affordable paid support.
7. Available Documentation
You will likely learn to use some control panel features even after installing it. So the control panel must have an easily accessible and understandable manual in the form of articles for its features and specifications.
8. Frequency of Updates and Maintenance
It would be best to avoid a control panel that is not actively maintained because it is synonymous with an outdated operating system without recent updates. In addition, you should verify if security updates are promptly issued on the control panel before installing it.
Summary
There is no one-size-fits-all Linux-based control panel. In addition on a final note, it will help if you choose a control panel for managing Linux that offers dedicated time slots, advanced security, SEO health, performance checks, and database maintenance. It should also allow you to install/uninstall extensions, create protected passwords, and block/allow specific IP addresses.
