How to install cPanel/WHM on Ubuntu 20.04
Installing cPanel on Ubuntu provides a lot of features. As an administrator, using this web hosting control panel will help you simplify the process of hosting a website for the end user of the website. cPanel & WHM, being a test software, are not ready to be used in a production environment before they are finalized. Also, installing cPanel on Ubuntu 20.04 requires some prerequisites which are included in this guide. In this article, you will learn how to install cPanel/WHM on Ubuntu 20.04.
It only works on Linux systems. So, if you have concerns about the complexities of a Linux VPS but need to host your own website, application, database, bots, or email accounts, a cPanel VPS alternative is a good idea. Let’s go through this to review everything you need to know about this popular software solution for servers.
What is cPanel?
cPanel is an easy-to-use, scalable, and developer-friendly web hosting control panel that offers a graphical user interface. Using this interface helps you make all the important settings through the web-based interface of two programs, cPanel and WHM (Web Host Manager). cPanel is great for managing servers or configuring web hosting packages. It comes with a 15-day free license, but after that, each cPanel and WHM server requires its own license.
So, if you don't already have a license for cPanel and WHM, get one for your server's IP address. To find the best plan, visit the cPanel store and purchase one.
When should you choose cPanel and WHM?
Both cPanel and WHM are powerful tools for managing servers and hosting accounts. Beginners find cPanel to be an ideal control panel solution. However, WHM is more commonly used for managing dedicated servers or VPS hosting services. It is not available with standard web hosting services, but it is great for managing reseller services, cPanel accounts, and server settings.
As an administrator, you can create cPanel accounts for clients, monitor and secure your server, and transfer and backup data with a few clicks. On the other hand, when you need to manage your server and configure web hosting accounts, you can consider starting with cPanel. It also allows you to check the status of your website and perform troubleshooting tasks on your website. It also offers a wide range of features for users, such as website and domain creation, setting up and managing email networks, and storing web files.
cPanel Features
The cPanel website claims to have a rich feature set and excellent customer support, cPanel’s automated and customizable platform allows customers to focus on growing their business. So, let’s see what features cPanel has as a type of control panel used to perform tasks on your hosting server and website:
- User-friendly interface
- Reliable support
- Easily configure
- Automatic software installation
- Security settings
- Monitor and protect servers and sites in minutes
- Very compatible
- Publish a website
- Log files
- Set up databases
And more.
WHM Features
The WHM platform can satisfy developers, solo designers, small businesses, or even a team of 20. Now, let’s review the features of WHM web hosting management features.
- User management
- Server monitoring
- Resetting cPanel accounts
- Backup and move
- Modify DNS Zone Records
- Add domains to the server
- Configure name servers
- Perform system and control panel maintenance.
And more.
Prerequisites for installing cPanel and WHM on Ubuntu 20.04
To successfully complete the installation process, you need to consider some prerequisites before that. First, you need to have Ubuntu 20.04 up and running. To place an order or need any advice, start a chat with our online experts.
Secondly, keep in mind that your server should not have any other software installed. If I put it in words, a new server is required.
In order for your server to be compatible to perform the installation process, the following prerequisites must be met.
Your server should have a non-root user with sudo permissions and a basic firewall.
Perl must be installed.
- A hostname with a fully qualified registered domain name.
- SELinux must be disabled (if installed).
- Processor: Minimum 1.1 GHz and maximum 2 GHz
- At least 1 GB of RAM
- Minimum 20 GB and maximum 40 GB of disk space
- FQDN
- 64-bit architecture
- Static IP address
For more information, check the main website to check Ubuntu's system requirements.
Is the system packed? Let's conquer the peak
Step by step to install cPanel and WHM on Ubuntu 20.04
After providing all the server system requirements, follow the steps in this article to complete the installation successfully.
Step 1
To update your system packages to the latest version and rebuild the system cache, use the following command:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgradeStep 2
As we mentioned, FDQN and a fully qualified domain name are required. At this point, you need to set the domain name you intend to use. Run the following command to check your current hostname type:
hostnameNow, edit the file to set it to a fully qualified hostname. In this article, we will assume it is demo.operavps.com.
nano /etc/hostnameThen, you can delete the old hostname and add the new one. Press Ctrl + O to save and exit the file, press Enter, and press Ctrl + X to exit.
To open the /etc/hosts file, run:
nano /etc/hostsRun a command like the one below but replace the IP address with your server address as well as the domain name.
your IP yourserver.domain.com yourserverSomething like:
**.**.**.*** demo.operavps.com demoTo save and exit the file, press Ctrl + O, press Enter, and then Ctrl + X to exit.
Now you can restart the server. So, type:
rebootAt this point, you should use the following command to verify the hostname setting.
hostnameStep 3
Very close to completing the installation. You can use the Linux Screen tool to create a shell session. It helps to stay active after a network disconnect. Run:
screen
If the display is not installed, use the following command to install it.
apt install screenAnd finally, run the following command to install cPanel:
cd /home && curl -o latest -L https://securedownloads.cpanel.net/latest && sh latestThe sample output will be as follows:
It may take a few minutes for the installation to complete as it will install many dependencies including MariaDB for database management. Do not close the terminal. Once it is done, you will get the message.
How to set up cPanel/WHM on Ubuntu 20.04
To access the cPanel/WHM web interface, open your favorite browser and enter https:// :2087
You may be asked to create an account and enter the verification code sent to your email. As you know, the 15-day trial license will be activated. And then, you can log in to WHM.
Log in to WHM using the Ubuntu root user.
To log in to WHM, you should see the login page to enter the required information. Enter root as the username and the password set for it on your Ubuntu 20.04 server. (Created by running the passwdcommand)
Once you are logged into your WHM and provide your email address, click Agree to All. Then, when the wizard asks you to create a trial license to obtain it, go through the wizard.
That’s all you need to know about installing cPanel and WHM on Ubuntu 20.04. Just save the configuration to be taken to the WHM home page.
Result
In this article, you learned how to install cPanel and WHM on Ubuntu 20.04. Follow all the steps in this guide for an easy installation. Developers and IT professionals, small to medium businesses, digital agencies, and hosting providers are cPanel customers and big fans. There are some other open source web hosting control panels that are good alternatives to cPanel, such as the free version of CyberPanel, Ajenti, Zpanel, Virtualmin GPL version, Froxlor, ISPconfig, and aapanel.
