Back to Basics Web Hosting and Control Panels Explained

What is a web hosting control panel?

A web hosting control panel is the dashboard where you manage your website’s hosting without writing server commands. At EuroDNS, our hosting packages come with an intuitive control panel—so you can focus on your site, not on sysadmin tasks.

• Add or manage domains and subdomains
• Create email accounts linked to your domain
• Install WordPress in one click
• Upload and organise files
• Set up databases and manage backups
• Check bandwidth, storage, and performance
   

Do I need a web host?

Yes. Without hosting, your website is just files on your computer. A web host keeps your site online 24/7 and ensures visitors can access it via your domain name.

The three main types of web hosting

Quick overview (we go deeper in separate guides):

• Shared hosting: Entry-level, cost-effective, and perfect for small websites.
• VPS hosting: More resources and flexibility. Ideal for growing projects.
• Dedicated hosting: A full server just for you. Maximum control and performance.

What is web hosting access?

Hosting access is about how you log in and what you can manage. With EuroDNS hosting, you’ll always get:

• A secure control panel login
• FTP/SFTP for moving files
• SSH for advanced users
• Database access through tools like phpMyAdmin

What is an example of a web server control?

Some of the most common options are:

• Plesk— modern, flexible, supports both Linux and Windows
• cPanel — widely used, especially for Linux hosting
• DirectAdmin — lightweight, with fewer features but fast

EuroDNS offers Plesk hosting by default because it balances ease of use with advanced functionality.

How do web hosts work?

A host provides powerful servers where your website’s files and databases live. When someone types in your domain, the server delivers your content to their browser. Behind the scenes, DNS records, SSL certificates, and caching make everything work smoothly.

How do I access the control panel of my website?

You’ll receive login details from your provider. With EuroDNS, you simply log into your account dashboard, click on your hosting plan, and access Plesk directly.

Do I need managed hosting?

It depends. With managed hosting, updates, security patches, and monitoring are handled for you. If you’re new to websites—or running a business where uptime matters—this option saves time and reduces risk. Tech-savvy users may prefer an unmanaged plan for full control.

How to configure web hosting

Here’s a typical setup flow at EuroDNS:

1. Connect your domain to your hosting
2. Enable HTTPS with a free SSL certificate
3. Install WordPress or another CMS via one-click
4. Create email accounts with your domain
5. Enable automated backups
6. Turn on security add-ons (firewall, malware scanning)

What does the control panel allow you to do?

Almost everything: manage files, email, DNS, SSL, backups, cron jobs, and resource usage. For WordPress sites, our hosting also includes dedicated WordPress Toolkit features inside Plesk.

Is cPanel the same as hosting?

No. cPanel is the software used to manage hosting. Hosting itself is the actual server space. At EuroDNS, we use Plesk by default, but cPanel hosting is available if you prefer.

Do I need cPanel hosting?

Not strictly. What matters is a control panel that fits your needs. If you want a modern interface with strong WordPress tools, Plesk hosting is a great choice.

How do I tell what a website is hosted on?

Use a WHOIS lookup to see registrar and server details, or online tools that detect hosting providers. This can help if you’re researching competitors or troubleshooting.

Common mistakes beginners make with hosting

Starting your first website is exciting—but there are a few pitfalls to avoid. Here are the most frequent mistakes we see from first-time hosting customers:

• Forgetting to enable SSL: Launching without HTTPS can hurt trust and SEO. All EuroDNS hosting plans include free SSL certificates—activate them from day one.
• Skipping backups: A single update or plugin conflict can break a site. Enable automated backups and test a restore before you need it.
• Using weak passwords: Simple logins are easy targets. Always use strong, unique passwords for hosting, FTP, and databases.
• Not monitoring resources: Outgrowing your plan can cause slowdowns. Check your control panel for bandwidth, storage, and CPU usage.
• Ignoring updates: CMSs like WordPress and plugins need regular updates. Set reminders or enable auto-updates to stay secure.

Next steps

Starting fresh or moving from another provider? EuroDNS offers reliable hosting with free SSL, security features, and a control panel built for growth.

EuroDNS Hosting Plans