How to Install and Configure a Control Panel (cPanel, Plesk, Webmin)

How to Install and Configure a Control Panel (cPanel, Plesk, Webmin) on Your Dedicated Server

Installing a control panel on your dedicated server makes server management easier by providing a graphical user interface (GUI) for tasks such as website hosting, database management, and security configurations. This guide will walk you through the installation and configuration of cPanel, Plesk, and Webmin on your dedicated server.

Step 1: Choose a Control Panel

• cPanel – Popular for web hosting, requires a paid license.
• Plesk – Supports both Linux and Windows servers, also requires a paid license.
• Webmin – A free, open-source option with extensive configuration features.

Decide which control panel best suits your needs before proceeding with the installation.

Step 2: Prepare Your Server

• Ensure your dedicated server is running a supported operating system (such as CentOS, AlmaLinux, Debian, or Ubuntu).
• Update your system packages by running:

  sudo yum update -y   # For CentOS, AlmaLinux  
  sudo apt update -y   # For Debian, Ubuntu  
  

• Set a fully qualified domain name (FQDN) for your server, as some control panels require it:

  hostnamectl set-hostname yourserver.example.com  
  

Step 3: Install Your Chosen Control Panel

Installing cPanel

• cPanel requires CentOS, AlmaLinux, or CloudLinux.
• Run the following command to install cPanel/WHM:

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

• The installation process may take 30–60 minutes.
• After installation, access WHM via:

  https://yourserverIP:2087  
  

Installing Plesk

• Plesk supports CentOS, AlmaLinux, Ubuntu, and Debian.
• Download and run the Plesk installer:

  sh <(curl -fsSL https://autoinstall.plesk.com)  
  

• Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
• Access Plesk via:

  https://yourserverIP:8443  
  

Installing Webmin

• Webmin supports Debian, Ubuntu, CentOS, and AlmaLinux.
• Install Webmin on Debian-based systems:

  wget https://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/webadmin/webmin_2.013_all.deb  
  dpkg --install webmin_2.013_all.deb  
  

• Install Webmin on CentOS-based systems:

  wget https://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/webadmin/webmin-2.013-1.noarch.rpm  
  rpm -U webmin-2.013-1.noarch.rpm  
  

• Access Webmin via:

  https://yourserverIP:10000  
  

Step 4: Configure Your Control Panel

After installation, log in to your control panel and complete the initial setup:

• cPanel: Configure root settings, set up nameservers, and enable security features.
• Plesk: Create admin credentials, set up hosting plans, and configure mail settings.
• Webmin: Set up user permissions, enable security settings, and configure server modules.

Step 5: Secure Your Control Panel

• Change the default administrator password.
• Enable firewall rules to restrict access to control panel ports.
• Install an SSL certificate for secure HTTPS access.
• Regularly update your control panel software for the latest security patches.

Conclusion

Installing and configuring a control panel simplifies server management and enhances security. Choose cPanel, Plesk, or Webmin based on your specific requirements, and follow the steps above to complete the setup. With the right control panel in place, you can efficiently manage your dedicated server with ease.