Hosting & Domaining Forum

When comparing Plesk Obsidian and cPanel, the main differences lie in the user interface and supported web servers. Plesk has a user interface that resembles the WordPress admin panel and can be used with both Linux and Windows servers.

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 On the other hand, cPanel has a graphical interface and is only compatible with Linux web servers. While there are other differences between the two, such as backup options and security extensions, these may not be the decisive factor when choosing a control panel.

If you're deciding which control panel to use, there are several factors to consider. The user interface is an important aspect, and Plesk offers a clean and neat interface that's friendly for beginners and easy to navigate. Meanwhile, cPanel groups features together and allows for customization of the toolbar. Another key consideration is the operating system you'll be using. Plesk is compatible with several Linux and Windows servers, while cPanel is only compatible with Linux servers.

Security is always a top concern, and both Plesk and cPanel take security seriously. Plesk offers various security extensions like Immunity 360 and Fail2ban intrusion prevention, while cPanel provides automatic SSL certificate installation and password-protected directories. Backup support is also important, and Plesk offers two types of backup (complete and incremental), while cPanel offers three types (compressed, uncompressed, and incremental).

Overall, when choosing between Plesk and cPanel, it's important to consider your specific needs and requirements. While both platforms offer good support and security, the user interface and operating system compatibility may be decisive factors in your decision-making process.

When it comes to daily, weekly, and monthly backups, both Plesk and cPanel offer the ability to plan and store backup files locally in a specified directory. However, cPanel does not have an interface for restoring system backup files.

As for features and tools, Plesk offers one-click WordPress security, Docker support on Linux, Let's Encrypt integration, and Git compatibility (with the use of a Git extension). Meanwhile, cPanel allows for one-click HTTPS redirects, includes Imunify360 for security, and provides SpamBox by default in new accounts. It's important to note that while Plesk supports both Nginx and Apache web servers, cPanel currently only works with Apache.

In terms of support, Plesk offers free 24/7 phone support, while cPanel's customer service is available through tickets within specific hours (with emergency assistance requiring a fee).

When deciding between Plesk and cPanel, it's important to consider your specific needs and requirements. If you want to use the same control panel across multiple servers, Plesk may be the better choice, as it offers separate licenses for managing 10-30 sites. However, if you have a large number of websites, cPanel may ultimately be more affordable. Additionally, if you're new to website management, Plesk may be the more user-friendly option.

It's interesting that only Plesk's Qmail was mentioned as the supported mail server, disregarding other more advanced options. Roundcube has been Plesk's default webmail for a long time.

Google offers only two free panels: Brainy with an overly complex interface and Vest which can be confusing to use. Additionally, there are isp and vepp (also from isp), but everything else has not been updated in a while. Moreover, there is an issue with nginx support - either it's not available or it's used as a 'reverse proxy', which is even more problematic than just using Apache.

In summary, while Plesk offers several reliable options for web server management and email service, there are limitations to the free panels available for use. The choice of control panel ultimately depends on the specific needs of the user and their preference for interface and supported features.

It's important to note that cPanel made significant changes to their pricing model, linking costs to the number of accounts on the server. This has caused issues for servers with over 100 accounts, as the cost can become prohibitive. As a result, many developers and hosting providers have switched to other control panels, such as DirectAdmin.

DirectAdmin offers a similar user interface to cPanel and has support for OpenLiteSpeed and LiteSpeed, in addition to Apache and Nginx. While there are fewer plugins available compared to cPanel, the user base has grown significantly since the changes to cPanel's licensing conditions. Many plugin manufacturers have started developing more actively for DirectAdmin as a result.

Overall, DirectAdmin is a pleasant panel with the ability to easily configure specific needs through pre and post scripts. As many users have migrated from cPanel to DirectAdmin, it has become a popular alternative for those seeking a reliable and cost-effective control panel option.

Plesk's "Backup Manager" extension offers a user-friendly interface that allows for seamless scheduling of backups at regular intervals. This includes comprehensive backups of entire servers or specific components such as websites, databases, and mail accounts. The ability to store these backups locally or in the cloud provides a secure and flexible approach to data protection.

On the other hand, cPanel's backup options are presented through the "Backup Wizard" and "Backup Configuration" tools. These tools provide users with the choice of creating full backups, encompassing all website files, databases, email accounts, and associated settings, or partial backups, which allow for more granular control over the backup content. Additionally, cPanel supports remote backups to external servers or various cloud storage providers, enabling off-site redundancy for enhanced security.

From a technical standpoint, Plesk's Backup Manager is seamlessly integrated into the control panel's interface, making it straightforward for clients to manage and monitor their backups efficiently. On the other hand, cPanel's backup features offer a high degree of customization and control, catering to the needs of more advanced users who require specific configurations for their backup strategies.

Both Plesk and cPanel offer robust backup solutions with distinct advantages. Plesk's emphasis on user-friendliness and integration makes it an excellent choice for clients seeking a straightforward backup solution. Meanwhile, cPanel's flexibility and customization options make it ideal for users who prefer fine-tuning their backup processes to align with their unique requirements. As a hosting specialist, my role is to understand the specific needs of each client and recommend the most suitable backup solution based on their individual circumstances and technical capabilities.

Previously, from 2021 to 2025, computer science was offered as an elective subject at the G1 (Foundation) level for Primary 5 and 6 students. This level focused on basic computational thinking skills and digital literacy, and it was not part of the PSLE scoring system.