Thread

I am getting ready to purchase a dedicated server through theplanet.com and have to make a decision between cpanel and plesk. From my experience cpanel is ugly on the eyes but from what I hear has a bit more functionality whereas Plesk looks great and makes sense to me but has some limitations regarding server management.

What are your thoughts?

M.

I have been using CPanel for 10 years or so - albeit only on a Virtual dedicated server not a full one. I had a look at Plesk and your right it does look much prettier but it just does not cut the mustard compared to CPanel which has a ton more functionality and is easy to use once you have had a look at everything. I also use WHM Web Host Manager from Cpanel that is for resellers and gives you the ability to set up and maintain CPaneled sites. A lot may depend on how many sites you are going to run on the server. Thats my 1p’s worth.

I think you are right. The WHM makes a difference too. I have had access to cpanel enabled servers for a few years now but have not ha the task of managing them.

Just figured I would ask prior to spending the 30$ more per month for cpanel….

You think it is worth the extra money?

Anyone else care to weigh in?

Thanks Simon!

M

I assume that the host would do some maintenance for you and I assume that they will have quite a bit of experience with both - that would be my next port of call for advice!

Nope. With dedicated servers it is unmanaged unless you want to pay an extra 100 or so a month. I could go that route but I really really wanted to stay close to my current expenditures and not just start throwing money out the window.

I’ve been using Plesk, just as the end-user, domain owner.
My host recently installed the latest version.
It seems a little bit slow, and hard to track down what I’m looking for.
That’s how I made the error I mentioned last week, I forgot to select MYsql instead of MSsql.
The intelligent design and hierarchy for the end user is a bit lacking, but I’ve never used Cpanel to compare with that.
You’ll find some other products if you google control panels, just by coincidence I was doing that very thing yesterday.
You might throw it open for anyone to make other suggestions worth considering.
What is your server run on linux, iis, etc. ?

If you can make do with the command-line, go for that. You can configure your server any way you want to—even shoot yourself in the foot—and you don’t need to pay fees and run a resource-hogging CP.

There are a number of free CPs out there, but they all have some limitations and issues that may or may not bother you. As far as CPanel vs. Plesk is concerned, you may want use what you’re already familiar with. It’s been awhile since I used either, but way back when each product had things I liked and disliked.

One thing to keep in mind is that switching CPs possibly implies a full rebuild of your server.

Command line… HA! Yu are funny… 😉 At one point in time I administrated about 10 Sun Servers running Tivoli but sad to say all of that information has leaked from my sieve like brain. I have heard really good things about cpanel and will probably go in that direction. And if price is any indicator cpanel is almost always an add-on.

I told myself if I signed a particular client then I would need to get the dedicated and I am happy to say that I got the contract back today so….

Thanks for all your help!
M

We have our clients spread out between a Plesk VPS, a Dedicated CPanel and EngineHosting. We don’t have the latest version of Plesk because the upgrade will be more difficult than we would prefer to deal with just yet (new IP’s. . . don’t ask).

That said, if you can’t use EngineHosting, then I would lean towards this latest version of CPanel with WHM. Both Plesk and CPanel are a mixed bag. I like the way Plesk handles email aliases much, much better than CPanel, but CPanel does a better job of “parked/aliased domains” for my tastes.

If you like to sleep nights and party weekends, I highly recommend you look at TouchSupport.com. Yes, its a little more money each month, but you are worth it.

Of course, the ultimate is EngineHosting, if and when its a good match for your client’s needs.