Having moved to digitalocean from shared hosting, I found myself attached to the cPanel offered by the latter. As I host small business card sites for both friends and clients, a user-friendly interface is essential - one that enables easy management of web, ftp, and domains. After sifting through multiple hosting control panels, I realized that Vesta was the most suitable, as the remainder came with convoluted configurations, delivered useless data, and impeded VDS functioning.
However, I'm still on the lookout for better options. I seek a user-friendly hosting management panel that does not exhaust my resources- one that is both affordable and efficient.
I have come across ISPmanager, and its load capacity has impressed me, along with its very reasonable price for an eternal license.
In terms of free hosting management panels, I suggest three options:
1) VestaCP, which I have already mentioned,
2) ZPanel, and
3) ehcp.
For my personal use, as well as that of my friends, I have been utilizing ISPmanager for several years now. However, this panel does require a bit of configuration modification. Nonetheless, I purchased a lifetime license from a reseller.
I strongly recommend ISPmanager. Its default configurations are fairly standard and are customizable without the risk of losing data in the future. This panel is also efficient and does not heavily consume resources on browsers, except for tasks such as backups. Also worth noting is that it provides an automatic backup feature.
Unfortunately, there are no great free options available - one lacks nginx support, another runs only on outdated debits, and a third displays security holes until unauthorized users gain root access via the panel. The paid options are not significantly better either.
An adequate control panel is vital for efficiently managing a VPS/VDS and all the websites hosted on it. With the help of such a panel, one can easily configure user accounts, work with databases, file directories, create mailboxes, among other functions.
Multiple web developers offer diverse control panels such as ISPmanager, Vesta, cPanel, Brainy, etc. Their functionality and cost may vary, and selecting the right one is crucial to ensure optimal efficiency and convenience while working.
Notable VDS Control Panels include:
ISPmanager - available in multiple versions each with varying functionalities, minimally consumes system resources; equipped with multiple plugins and supports different versions of OS, web server, mail server, and database server; user-friendly;
cPanel - a convenient and high-performance program compatible with different types of hosting and OS but demands considerable resources;
DirectAdmin - a simple, fast, practical, and undemanding program;
Plesk - a robust and multifunctional software with a high level of security that supports an unlimited number of domains.
It's great to hear that you have found Vesta to be a suitable hosting control panel for your needs. Vesta is known for its simplicity and ease of use.
If you're looking for alternative options, ISPmanager could be worth considering. It offers a user-friendly interface and is known for its efficient resource usage. The eternal license at a reasonable price is definitely a plus.
Another option you may want to explore is DirectAdmin. It offers a similar user-friendly interface and is known for being lightweight and efficient. While it may not have an eternal license option, it is still considered affordable by many users.
Ultimately, the choice of hosting control panel depends on your specific requirements and preferences. It's always a good idea to try out demos or trial versions of different panels to see which one works best for you.
Some popular control panels for VPS hosting are:
1. cPanel: While you mentioned moving away from cPanel, it is still widely used and offers a comprehensive set of features for managing a VPS. It provides an intuitive interface and has a large user base, which means there is extensive dоcumentation and support available.
2. Plesk: Plesk is another commonly used control panel that offers a user-friendly interface and a robust set of features for VPS management. It supports multiple operating systems and provides tools for website, email, and database management.
3. Virtualmin: Virtualmin is an open-source control panel specifically designed for managing VPS or dedicated servers. It offers a web-based interface that simplifies tasks like domain management, email configuration, and database administration.
4. Webmin: Webmin is another open-source control panel that provides a graphical interface for VPS management. It allows you to manage various aspects of your server, including file management, user accounts, and system configuration.
I think it's a mistake to overlook the potential of more established panels like Plesk or cPanel alternatives. ISPmanager's eternal license sounds great, but how does it stack up in terms of community support and updates?
You might find yourself stuck with outdated features if you're not careful. Explore options like RunCloud or ServerPilot for a more modern approach to hosting management.