Managing Your Site with cPanel

Once your domain is connected and your hosting account is active, the real power begins inside cPanel—your web hosting control panel. cPanel is a user-friendly dashboard that gives you complete control over your website, files, emails, databases, security, and more. Whether you want to install WordPress, create professional email addresses, manage files, or monitor your hosting usage, cPanel puts all the tools at your fingertips. In this chapter, we'll walk you through the most essential features you’ll use to manage and grow your website efficiently.

About Emails & File Management

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing and Using Your Web Hosting Dashboard

Welcome to your SiteDeploy web hosting account! This guide will walk you through how to access your cPanel dashboard and manage essential features like email accounts, files, and backups.

1. Accessing cPanel

After purchasing your web hosting package, you will receive a welcome email containing:

How to Log In:
  1. Open the cPanel login link from your email.

  2. Enter your username and password.

  3. Click Log In.

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Once logged in, you’ll be taken to your cPanel dashboard, where you can control everything related to your website and hosting.

2. Navigating the cPanel Dashboard

The cPanel interface is designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate. From here, you can manage email accounts, website files, databases, backups, and more—all in one place.

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a. Managing Email Accounts

With cPanel, you can create and manage custom email addresses linked to your domain (e.g., yourname@yourdomain.com).

b. Creating an Email Account
  1. In the Email section, click Email Accounts.

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  2. Click the Create button.

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  3. Enter the username you want (e.g., info@yourdomain.com).

  4. Choose a password or use the password generator.

  5. Click Create.

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Your new email account will now appear in your email account list.

3. Managing Email Accounts

You can:

System Email Account

You may see a default system email account tied to your cPanel username. This account is used for server communications and can’t be deleted. It doesn’t use your regular storage quota and shares the same login as your cPanel.

4. Managing Website Files

cPanel includes a powerful File Manager, allowing you to manage your website files directly from your browser—no extra software needed.

Using File Manager
  1. Go to File Manager in your cPanel dashboard.

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  2. Inside the public_html folder, you’ll find the main files for your website.

  3. You can:

    • Upload new files (HTML, images, scripts, etc.)

    • Edit, rename, move, or delete files

    • Create new folders

    • Change file permissions

    • View file details (size, last modified, type)

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This is especially useful if you're managing your website manually or want to make quick updates.

5. Backing Up & Restoring Your Website

Keeping a backup of your website is essential in case of accidental deletion, updates gone wrong, or server issues.

a. Backup Wizard

The Backup Wizard helps you create and restore backups easily.

You can:

b. Backup Tool

The Backup tool gives you more control if you want to download a complete or partial backup manually.

You can:

It’s a good practice to download backups regularly and store them safely.

Tips for a Smooth Hosting Experience
You're Ready to Go!

Now that you know how to access cPanel and manage essential features, you're fully equipped to take control of your website. Whether you're creating a simple blog, launching a business, or building something more complex—everything you need is right at your fingertips.

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About FTP Connections

The FTP Connections tool in cPanel allows you to monitor and manage users currently connected to your hosting account via FTP (File Transfer Protocol). This is an important feature for maintaining the security and integrity of your website files. By reviewing active sessions, you can detect unauthorized access and terminate suspicious connections when necessary.

1. What Is FTP?


FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used to transfer files between your computer and your web hosting server. It is commonly used to upload website files, make edits, or manage your site’s structure. If you or others regularly use FTP accounts, it’s important to monitor access to prevent unauthorized activity.

2. Accessing the FTP Connections Tool

To monitor FTP activity:
  1. Log in to your cPanel account at: https://cpanel.sitedeploy.com
  2. Scroll down to the Files section.
  3. Click on FTP Connections.

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    This will take you to the FTP session monitor, where all current connections are displayed in a table format.


3. Understanding the FTP Connections Page


Once inside the FTP Connections tool, you’ll see a table listing all active FTP sessions. Each row represents one active user session and includes the following details:

4. How to Monitor FTP Sessions

5. Terminating Unwanted FTP Connections

If you notice a session that appears suspicious or unauthorized, follow these steps to disconnect it:

  1. Locate the session in the FTP Connections table.
  2. In the Actions column, click Disconnect next to the session you want to terminate.
  3. Click Reload to confirm that the session has ended.

This will immediately close the FTP connection and prevent further file access under that session.

6. System Recommendations for FTP Security


To help you protect your website files, follow these best practices:


The FTP Connections tool in cPanel is a powerful feature that helps you manage and secure your website by monitoring real-time FTP activity. Regularly reviewing this section and terminating suspicious sessions ensures that only authorized users can access your website files.

 

 

 

About Databases

cPanel provides powerful, easy-to-use tools that help you create, manage, and maintain databases for your website or web applications. Whether you're installing a content management system (CMS) like WordPress, setting up a web app, or storing user data, these tools make database management accessible even to users with limited technical experience.

The two primary tools for managing databases in cPanel are:

1. Managing Databases with phpMyAdmin

phpMyAdmin is a web-based tool that lets you manage your MySQL databases using a visual interface. It provides access to advanced functions without the need to write SQL queries manually, although those with experience can still execute custom SQL commands.

How to Access phpMyAdmin:
  1. Log in to your cPanel account.

  2. Scroll to the Databases section.

  3. Click on phpMyAdmin.

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This will open a new browser window with the phpMyAdmin interface.

What You Can Do with phpMyAdmin:
Key Features:

phpMyAdmin is ideal for users who want full control over their databases or need to perform specific administrative tasks on the backend of a web application.

2. Creating Databases with the Database Wizard

The Database Wizard is perfect for users who are new to database management. It simplifies the process by guiding you step-by-step through the creation of a database, database user, and permission assignment.

How to Access the Database Wizard:
  1. Log in to cPanel.

  2. Go to the Databases section.

  3. Click on Database Wizard.

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Steps to Use the Database Wizard:
Step 1: Create a Database
Step 2: Create a Database User
Step 3: Assign User Privileges

You’ve now successfully set up a database and user account that can be used by your website or web application.

Best Practices for Database Management

Whether you are launching a blog, developing a web app, or managing customer data, cPanel gives you the tools to create and control databases effectively.

Both tools provide everything you need to support the database needs of your website securely and efficiently.

 

About Domains

cPanel includes powerful tools that allow users to quickly launch websites, customize site designs, and manage domain settings—all from one convenient location. Whether you're building a temporary landing page, a full-featured site, or managing domain redirections, this guide will walk you through everything step-by-step.

1. Creating a Simple Website with Site Publisher

The Site Publisher tool is designed for users who need to quickly publish a basic website using pre-built templates. This is ideal for small businesses, portfolios, or placeholders while a full website is being developed.

a. Accessing Site Publisher:
  1. Log in to your cPanel account.

  2. Navigate to the Domains section.

  3. Click on Site Publisher.

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b. How to Use Site Publisher:

Select a Domain and Template

Customize Website Content

You’ll be asked to fill in various fields depending on the template, including:

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These fields are optional, but the more you complete, the more polished your site will appear.

Publish Your Website

After entering your information, click Publish.
Your site will go live instantly using the selected template and your content.

2. Building Custom Websites with Sitejet Builder

Sitejet Builder is a drag-and-drop website builder included with cPanel. It’s perfect for creating visually appealing, fully customized websites without needing to write any code.

a. Accessing Sitejet Builder:
  1. Log in to cPanel.

  2. Go to the Sitejet Website Builder or look under the Domains or Software section.

  3. Select the domain you want to work with.

  4. Click Edit Site to launch the builder.

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b. How to Use Sitejet Builder:

Choose a Template

Customize Using Drag-and-Drop

You can easily build your site by dragging and arranging elements on the page:

c. Update Content

Click into any section to edit text, images, links, or other components. Everything is live-previewed as you go.

Publish Your Website

Once you’re satisfied with your design, click Publish.
Your custom-built website will go live and be accessible on the selected domain.

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Sitejet makes it easy to create professional-grade websites without needing technical experience.

3. Managing Domains in cPanel

The Domains tool allows you to add and configure domain names linked to your hosting account. Whether you want to host multiple websites, set up subdomains, or manage HTTPS redirects, this tool gives you full control.

a. Accessing the Domains Tool:
  1. Log in to your cPanel account.

  2. Navigate to the Domains section.

  3. Click on Domains.

b. Domains Interface Overview

The Domains list shows all domains currently associated with your account. For each domain, you'll see:

c. Adding a New Domain

To add a new domain:

  1. Click Create a New Domain.

  2. Enter the domain name you want to add (e.g., yournewsite.com).

  3. Set the document root if you want to customize where files are stored.

  4. Click Submit to complete the setup.

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Your new domain will be added to the list. From there, you can:

Best Practices for Managing Domains and Sites

cPanel offers a full suite of website and domain management tools:

These features give you control, flexibility, and the freedom to build your online presence—no coding required.

About WP ToolKit

cPanel includes powerful domain and site management tools, and one of the most valuable for WordPress users is the WordPress Toolkit (WT). This tool simplifies the process of installing, managing, and maintaining WordPress websites—all from a single, easy-to-use dashboard.

This guide will walk you through each section of the WordPress Toolkit so you can confidently manage your WordPress sites without needing technical experience.

1. Accessing the WordPress Toolkit

To open the WordPress Toolkit:

  1. Log in to your cPanel account.

  2. Scroll to the Domains or Applications section.

  3. Click on WordPress Toolkit.

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You’ll be taken to the WordPress management dashboard, where all your WordPress sites are listed and grouped under the following sections: Installations, Plugins, and Themes.

2. Installations

The Installations section allows you to manage existing WordPress sites or install new ones with just a few clicks.

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Key Features:

This makes managing one or multiple WordPress sites easier and more efficient, especially for users who want a quick overview of their website health.

3. Plugins

The Plugins section gives you full control over the plugins installed on your WordPress sites.

What You Can Do:

Managing plugins through the Toolkit ensures your site remains secure, functional, and up to date.

4. Themes

The Themes section allows you to manage the visual design of your WordPress sites.

What You Can Do:

This makes it easy to refresh your site’s appearance or test new layouts without manually accessing your WordPress admin panel.

Best Practices for Managing WordPress with the Toolkit

The WordPress Toolkit in cPanel gives you complete control over your WordPress sites—from installation to optimization—in one centralized location. Whether you’re running a personal blog, a business site, or multiple websites, the Toolkit makes WordPress management simple, secure, and efficient.

About Cron jobs

Cron Jobs in cPanel allow you to automate recurring tasks by scheduling commands or scripts to run at specific times. This is especially useful for automating maintenance processes such as clearing temporary files, running database backups, or sending scheduled reports.

By using Cron Jobs, you can ensure important scripts run consistently and on time—without manual effort.

1. Accessing the Cron Jobs Tool

To begin setting up automated tasks:

  1. Log in to your cPanel account.

  2. Scroll to the Advanced section.

  3. Click Cron Jobs.

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This opens the Cron Jobs interface where you can create new scheduled tasks or manage existing ones.

2. Understanding How Cron Jobs Work

A cron job is a time-based task that runs a command or script automatically, according to a schedule you define. You control when a task runs by setting time intervals using five fields:

For example:
To run a task at 2:00 AM every day, use the following settings:


makefile
minute 0
Hour 2
Day *
Month *
Weekday *
Common Cron Job Schedules
Schedule Settings
Once Daily Minute: 0, Hour: [your hour], Day: *, Month: *, Weekday: *
Every Hour Minute: 0, Hour: *, Day: *, Month: *, Weekday: *
Weekly Minute: 0, Hour: 3, Day: *, Month: *, Weekday: 1 (Monday)

3. Adding a New Cron Job

To schedule a new task:

Step 1: Configure Email Notifications
javascript:

>/dev/null 2>&1

This prevents your inbox from being flooded with cron output.

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Step 2: Set the Time Intervals
Step 3: Enter the Command

In the Command field, enter the script you want to execute. Examples:

General PHP Command:
swift
/usr/local/bin/php /home/username/public_html/path/to/cron/script.php


PHP Command with Custom Version (Domain-Specific):
swift
/usr/local/bin/ea-php81 /home/username/public_html/path/to/cron/script.php

Replace ea-php81 with the PHP version assigned to your domain (check via MultiPHP Manager in cPanel).

Step 4: Add the Cron Job

Click Add New Cron Job. The task will now appear in your list of current cron jobs.

4. Managing Existing Cron Jobs

Once created, your cron jobs will appear in the Current Cron Jobs section.

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This table displays the following information:

Minute Hour Day Month Weekday Command Actions
* 2 * * * /usr/local/bin/php /home/newsite/public_html/path/to/cron/script [Edit] [Delete]

Each entry shows:

You can use these options to:

5. Cron Job Email Notifications

By default, cPanel will send an email with the output of your cron job to the email listed in the Current Email field. This is useful for monitoring whether tasks complete successfully.

javascript:
>/dev/null 2>&1

6. Best Practices for Using Cron Jobs

Cron Jobs in cPanel are a powerful way to automate routine or recurring website tasks. Whether you’re managing backups, sending email reports, or maintaining databases, cron jobs can help you save time and ensure tasks are performed consistently.

Take time to carefully configure your job schedules, use full command paths, and monitor performance to get the most from this feature.