Inside this Article
Definition of WHM
A WHM is a robust and intuitive control panel that enables server administrators to manage their web hosting servers and the associated customer accounts. It is the primary tool used by web hosting companies and server administrators to streamline server management tasks, such as creating and managing user accounts, configuring server settings, monitoring performance, and more. It is primarily used by web hosting providers, system administrators, and resellers to perform server-level tasks, create and manage cPanel user accounts, allocate resources, and configure various server settings. With WHM, server administrators can streamline their hosting operations, automate tasks, and efficiently manage a large number of websites and user accounts from a centralized interface. It offers a wide range of features and functionalities that cater to the needs of hosting providers, making it easier to provision and manage web hosting services.How Does WHM Work?
WHM operates as a web-based interface that interacts directly with the server’s operating system and various server applications. When a server administrator logs into WHM using their credentials, they gain access to a wide array of tools and features that allow them to perform essential server management tasks. Behind the scenes, WHM communicates with the server’s software stack, including the operating system, web server (such as Apache), database server (like MySQL), and email server (such as Exim). It translates the administrator’s actions and commands into the necessary server configurations and operations. For example, when an administrator creates a new cPanel account through WHM, it automatically sets up the necessary user directories, database permissions, and email configurations on the server. This automation saves significant time and effort compared to manual server administration.Key Features of WHM
Account Management
One of the primary functions of WHM is to facilitate the creation and management of individual cPanel accounts. Server administrators can easily set up new user accounts, specify resource limits, and configure account-specific settings. They can also suspend, terminate, or modify existing accounts as needed.Server Configuration
WHM provides a centralized interface for configuring various server settings. Administrators can manage DNS zones, set up email servers, configure security options, and tweak performance settings. This level of control allows them to optimize their server environment based on their specific requirements.Resource Monitoring
Effective server management involves keeping a close eye on resource utilization. WHM offers a range of monitoring tools that provide insights into CPU usage, memory consumption, disk space, and network traffic. These metrics help administrators identify potential bottlenecks and make informed decisions about resource allocation.Backup and Restoration
Protecting data is crucial in any web hosting environment. WHM simplifies the process of creating and managing server backups. Administrators can schedule automatic backups, set retention policies, and easily restore data in case of any mishaps. This functionality ensures that customer websites and data remain safe and recoverable.Security Management
WHM incorporates various security features to help protect the server and its hosted websites. Administrators can configure firewall rules, manage SSL certificates, enable intrusion detection systems, and implement access control measures. These security tools work together to create a robust and secure hosting environment.Extending Functionality with Plugins
WHM supports a wide ecosystem of plugins and add-ons that extend its functionality. These plugins cover areas such as billing integration, server optimization, security enhancements, and more. Administrators can easily install and manage these plugins through the WHM interface, tailoring their server setup to their specific needs.Getting Started with WHM
- To start using WHM, you’ll need access to a server with WHM installed.
- Once WHM is installed, you can access it by navigating to the server’s IP address or domain name followed by the WHM port (usually 2087). For example: https://your-server-ip:2087 or https://your-server-domain:2087
- You’ll be prompted to enter your WHM username and password, which are typically provided by your hosting provider or set during the initial server setup.
- Upon logging in, you’ll be greeted with the WHM dashboard, which provides an overview of your server’s status and quick access to various management tools and features.
WHM Features for Server Management
A WHM is a very important tool for server managers, simplifying their work. This is a few of the facets that a good Web Host Manager can help deal with.Server Configuration
WHM provides extensive server configuration options that allow you to customize and optimize your hosting server according to your needs. Some of the key server configuration features include:- Server Setup Wizard: WHM offers a step-by-step wizard that guides you through the initial server setup process, including configuring basic settings, selecting software versions, and setting up security options.
- Service Configuration: You can manage and configure various server services, such as Apache web server, MySQL database server, DNS, FTP, and email services (Exim, Dovecot, etc.).
- Security Center: WHM includes a dedicated Security Center that helps you enhance server security. It offers features like SSL/TLS management, security advisor, and the ability to configure security settings for cPanel accounts.
- Backup Configuration: You can set up and manage server backups, including full and incremental backups, remote backup destinations, and backup scheduling.
- Server Monitoring: WHM provides server monitoring tools that allow you to track server performance, resource usage, and system logs. It includes features like Resource Usage Monitor, Service Status, and System Health.
Account Management
One of the primary functions of WHM is to create and manage cPanel user accounts. Here are some key account management features:- Account Creation: You can easily create new cPanel accounts through WHM, specifying the domain name, username, password, and allocated resources.
- Account Modification: WHM allows you to modify existing cPanel accounts, including changing account settings, updating resource limits, and resetting passwords.
- Account Termination: You can terminate or suspend cPanel accounts when necessary, freeing up resources and managing inactive or problematic accounts.
- Package Management: WHM enables you to create and manage hosting packages that define the resources and features allocated to cPanel accounts. You can customize packages based on your hosting plans and pricing structure.
- Reseller Management: If you offer reseller hosting, WHM provides tools to create and manage reseller accounts. Resellers can have their own WHM interface with limited privileges to manage their own client accounts.
DNS Management
WHM includes a comprehensive DNS management system that allows you to configure and manage DNS records for your domains. Key features include:- DNS Zone Editor: You can edit DNS zones directly from WHM, adding, modifying, or removing DNS records such as A, CNAME, MX, and TXT records.
- DNS Cluster: WHM supports DNS clustering, allowing you to set up multiple DNS servers for improved redundancy and performance.
- DNS Zone Templates: You can create and apply DNS zone templates to quickly set up DNS records for new domains based on predefined configurations.
SSL/TLS Management
WHM simplifies the process of managing SSL/TLS certificates for your websites. It provides the following features:- SSL/TLS Manager: You can generate, install, and manage SSL/TLS certificates directly from WHM. It supports both self-signed and third-party certificates.
- AutoSSL: WHM includes an AutoSSL feature that automatically obtains and installs SSL/TLS certificates for your domains using the Let’s Encrypt certificate authority.
- Certificate Signing Requests (CSRs): You can generate CSRs through WHM, which you can then submit to a certificate authority to obtain SSL/TLS certificates.
Server Security
WHM offers various security features to help protect your server and user accounts. Some key security features include:- Security Center: As mentioned earlier, WHM’s Security Center provides a centralized interface for managing server security settings, including SSL/TLS configuration, security advisor, and account security options.
- Firewall Configuration: WHM allows you to configure the server’s firewall rules to control incoming and outgoing network traffic. You can use built-in firewall solutions like ConfigServer Security & Firewall (CSF) or APF.
- Brute Force Protection: WHM includes tools to protect against brute force attacks, such as cPHulk, which monitors and blocks excessive failed login attempts.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): You can enable 2FA for WHM and cPanel logins to add an extra layer of security, requiring users to provide a second form of authentication in addition to their password.
- Security Advisor: WHM’s Security Advisor scans your server for potential security issues and provides recommendations to enhance server security.
Backup and Restore
WHM provides built-in backup and restore features to help protect your server data and user accounts. Key features include:- Backup Configuration: As mentioned earlier, you can configure server backups through WHM, specifying backup types (full or incremental), backup destinations, and scheduling.
- Backup Restore: WHM allows you to restore backups of cPanel accounts, databases, and other server data in case of data loss or server issues.
- Remote Backup: You can set up remote backup destinations, such as remote servers or cloud storage services, to store backups off-site for added protection.
Plugin and Integration Support
- cPanel Plugins: WHM is compatible with a variety of cPanel plugins that add new features and tools to the cPanel interface for end-users.
- WHMCS Integration: You can integrate WHM with WHMCS, a popular billing and client management system, to automate provisioning, billing, and account management tasks.
- Custom Plugins: WHM allows developers to create custom plugins using the cPanel API and extend the functionality of WHM and cPanel to suit specific needs.
Differences between WHM and cPanel
While WHM and cPanel are closely related and work together, they serve different purposes and are intended for different types of users. Here are the key differences between WHM and cPanel:- User Roles:
- WHM is designed for server administrators and hosting providers who manage the entire server and multiple user accounts.
- cPanel is intended for individual website owners and end-users who manage their own hosting accounts and websites.
- Access Level:
- WHM provides root-level access to the server, allowing administrators to perform server-wide configurations and manage all cPanel accounts.
- cPanel provides access to individual hosting accounts, allowing users to manage their websites, email accounts, databases, and other hosting-related tasks.
- Features and Functionality:
- WHM offers server-level features such as creating and managing cPanel accounts, configuring server settings, managing DNS, and monitoring server performance.
- cPanel focuses on website and account management features, such as file management, database administration, email setup, and domain management.
- Interface and Complexity:
- WHM has a more technical and advanced interface, with a wide range of server management options and settings.
- cPanel has a more user-friendly and intuitive interface, designed for ease of use by website owners and less technical users.
- Reseller Functionality:
- WHM includes features specifically designed for reseller hosting, allowing resellers to create and manage their own client accounts.
- cPanel does not have built-in reseller functionality, but resellers can use WHM to manage their client accounts.
