How to Configure cPanel on a New Server
Once cPanel/WHM is installed on your server, proper configuration is key to ensuring your hosting environment runs smoothly and securely. Follow these steps to configure cPanel on your new server:
1. Access WHM
- Log in to WHM:
Open your web browser and navigate to:https://your-server-ip:2087Replace
your-server-ipwith your server’s actual IP address. Log in using your root credentials.
2. Complete the Initial Setup Wizard
- Launch the Setup Wizard:
When you first log in, WHM will prompt you to run the Initial Setup Wizard. This wizard helps configure basic settings. - Accept the EULA:
Review and accept the End-User License Agreement. - Enter Contact Information:
Provide a valid email address for administrative and security notifications. - Configure Nameservers:
Set up your primary and secondary nameservers. You can use your own domain names (e.g.,ns1.yourdomain.comandns2.yourdomain.com) or the default options provided by your provider. - Select the IP Address:
If your server has multiple IP addresses, choose the one you want to use for your hosting accounts. - Finalize and Save:
Complete the wizard to apply these settings.
3. Configure Basic Server Settings
- Server Time and Locale:
In WHM, navigate to Server Configuration > Tweak Settings to set the correct time zone and locale settings for your server. - Hostname:
Verify that your server hostname is set correctly. You can check or change it under Networking Setup > Change Hostname. - Mail Settings:
Configure your mail server options under Service Configuration > Exim Configuration Manager to optimize mail delivery and spam control.
4. Set Up Security Measures
- Configure the Firewall:
Use WHM’s built-in tools or install a firewall like CSF (ConfigServer Security & Firewall) to secure your server.- Go to Plugins > ConfigServer Security & Firewall to configure rules and monitor traffic.
- SSH Hardening:
Ensure your SSH settings are secure by disabling root login and using key-based authentication. This can be done via your server’s SSH configuration outside of WHM. - Security Advisor:
Run the Security Advisor tool in WHM to receive recommendations on improving server security.
5. Optimize Performance and Resource Allocation
- Service Manager:
Under Service Configuration > Service Manager, enable or disable services based on your server’s needs to optimize resource usage. - Apache & PHP Settings:
Configure Apache settings (e.g., worker processes, timeout settings) and PHP versions/modules via Software > MultiPHP Manager and MultiPHP INI Editor to ensure compatibility with your websites.
6. Create Hosting Packages and Accounts
- Set Up Packages:
Go to Packages > Add a Package to define hosting plans with specific resource limits (disk space, bandwidth, email accounts, etc.). This helps streamline account creation. - Create cPanel Accounts:
Under Account Functions > Create a New Account, set up individual hosting accounts for your clients or websites. Ensure that domain names, usernames, and passwords are correctly configured.
7. Regular Maintenance and Monitoring
- Update Software:
Regularly update cPanel/WHM and server software to the latest versions via cPanel Updates in WHM. - Monitor Logs and Performance:
Use WHM’s monitoring tools under Server Status to keep an eye on server performance, resource usage, and any potential issues.
Final Thoughts
Properly configuring cPanel on a new server sets the foundation for a secure, efficient, and manageable hosting environment. By completing the initial setup, fine-tuning basic settings, implementing robust security measures, and optimizing performance, you’re well on your way to providing a reliable hosting solution.
Ready to get started? Log in to WHM and follow these steps to fully configure your new cPanel server for success!
