What is cPanel?

cPanel is a popular control panel used for managing web hosting services. It offers an intuitive interface that allows users to manage databases, files, domains, email accounts, and more from a single dashboard. With cPanel, both beginners and experienced system administrators can efficiently handle various web hosting tasks.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding with the installation, ensure that you have:

• A server running Ubuntu 20.04 LTS.
• Root access or a user with sudo privileges.
• A fully qualified domain name (FQDN) configured for your server.

Steps to Install cPanel on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS

1. Login to Your Server

Access your server using SSH. You can use a terminal or an SSH client to connect.

$ ssh root@your-server-ip

2. Set the Hostname

Ensure your server’s hostname is set to a fully qualified domain name (FQDN). You can check and set this by running the following command:

$ hostnamectl set-hostname <FQDN>

3. Install cURL

cURL is required for downloading cPanel. Update your package list and install cURL using the following commands:

$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install curl

4. Download and Install cPanel

Now, use cURL to download the latest version of cPanel:

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

Wait for the installation to complete. Once it’s done, you’ll see a message confirming the installation of cPanel & WHM.

5. Activate Your License

Since cPanel is a paid service, you’ll need to purchase a license for your server’s IP address. After purchasing the license, activate it using the following command:

$ Copy codesudo /usr/local/cpanel/cpkeyclt

6. Access WHM

After installation, you can access WHM (Web Host Manager) by navigating to:

https://your-server-ip:2087

Log in with your root username and password.

Common Installation Issues and Solutions Install cPanel on Ubuntu

While installing cPanel, you may encounter some common issues. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:

• Insufficient Disk Space: Ensure you have enough disk space before starting the installation. cPanel requires at least 20 GB of free space.
• Network Issues: If you cannot download cPanel, check your internet connection and firewall settings.
• Hostname Not Configured: Ensure your server’s hostname is set correctly; otherwise, cPanel installation may fail.

Post-Installation Steps

Once you have successfully installed cPanel, consider the following steps:

• Create User Accounts: Set up user accounts to manage different websites or projects.
• Set Up Email Accounts: Configure email accounts for your domains.
• Enhance Security: Consider implementing security measures, such as enabling a firewall and setting up two-factor authentication.

Conclusion

Installing cPanel on an Ubuntu 20.04 LTS server is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your web hosting capabilities. By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to manage your web hosting services effectively. Don’t forget to explore the features of cPanel to maximize its potential for your projects. If you encounter any issues, refer to the troubleshooting section or consult cPanel’s extensive documentation for additional support.