The control panel that comes with most hosting accounts is the control center for your domain. This is where you:

* Add or manage files.

* Add and manage email accounts.

* Add and manage sub domains.

* Add and manage MySql databases.

* Add and manage redirects.

* Add and manage responders.

* Add or manage email filters.

* Add or manage responders.

* Add or manage cron jobs.

* Add or manage scripts.

* Add or manage bulletin boards.

* And more.

There are 3 different control panels that I've encountered with different hosts. Cpanel, Plesk and Ensim. Of the three, I consider cpanel the best.

One reason I like cpanel is it is usually easier to teach a novice webmaster how to navigate cpanel than it is the other two options.

Not every control panel is the same and the features available within control panel may be disabled or limited by your web host. Some use the features available within control panel as some of the benefits associated with more expensive hosting packages.

Before you choose your hosting package, look to see which control panel is used and which features are available to you. If cpanel is used but the package limits you to 10 email accounts or just a few sub domains, will your current and future needs be satisfied with that?

You know your business and where it is headed so you need to know whether the stats program available in many control panels has been disabled, whether you need 10 email accounts or 1,000 and many other factors associated with the control of your business. The control panel is your interface to the platform your files and pages the server stores for you and your visitors. The web pages are your store front and the control panel is your back office.